Design Decisions

Doing a quick Four Value study
before you begin painting  

is a great designing tool.

This week I gave my class random photos of simple subjects in strong light, 

either found on line or taken by me and printed on copy paper. 

We outlined the big shapes with markers, 

then "assigned" each shape one of four values,
making our design decisions.  

D -Dark

DG- Dark Grey 

LG- Light Grey
W- white

 We then mixed up a pile of each value, using black and white, 

 and filled in the shapes, focussing on the subject first.
The background values were then based on
what would make the subject "pop".

My 20 minute demo

I chose Light Grey for the background so I wouldn't lose the hat. 

And added the highlight to the rim.  

This gal made the background (table cloth) the dark value,

only to realize that left no room for the shadow!  

Look at how much more dramatic it is after she changed it to white!

Here are just a few of the amazing results:

The purpose of this exercise is to help you see VALUE more clearly. 

By simplifying everything in to big shapes, 

you learn to make necessary design decisions. 

The results are stronger, more dramatic paintings. 

IMHO.