Monday, June 13, 2022

Post 173: Composition 14. Go Into the Light, Attracting Attention

Composition: Go Into the Light, Attracting Attention

This is Part 14 of my series on Composition

The use of light and shadow is operating procedure in nearly all artwork isn't it? Gosh, that reminded me of a song I hadn't thought about for years - 'Me and My Shadow'...Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr...anyway, I digress.

If you have light, there is a shadow. It's how you use both in photos and art that can make the piece go from ho-hum to spectacular. Our eyes are drawn to the light - very naturally. The use of the contrast of the two in so many ways can add and make the drama stronger. 

The time of day is an important part of the composition as well as the season of the year which affects the type or cast of light, the angles, the sharpness, the tonal contrasts and the differences between the midday, the morning sunrise and the evening sunsets.

Artificial and/or natural light use can be made even more interesting when they are combined.

Always be aware of the position of the light source is. Your subject and your subject's shadow must follow through when you want something to look realistic.

Playing with the contrasts that can occur with light and shadow can make artwork really pop when you make the contrast the focal point.

 
Photo by Justin Luebke on Unsplash  


Photo by mirna rivalta on Unsplash 


 
"How to Build Better Composition by Using Light" Stefen Baumann
 
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This is part of a series of blog posts on the guidelines, or rules of composition. Look for all of them in the Search this Blog feature at the top right by searching for the word "composition". I hope you enjoy the posts!

Local Art: Visit us at Stonebridge Open Space Arts at 15000 Potomac Town Center, Woodbridge, VA - Open Wed to Sat 12-7 and Sun 12-5 – it’s free to see the artwork! Want to join PWAS? Go to https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership


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Author: Donna Liguria
An artist member of PWAS in Woodbridge, VA specializing in acrylic painting. She paints landscapes, seascapes, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at https://DonnaLiguriaArt.com & her Blog at https://donnascavepainting.blogspot.com/.
 
 

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