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We have been discussing painting terms lately, so I thought this might be a good time to review Light and Dark Families. In a strong composition, the Shadow Family and the Light Family are separate. In other words, the Artist needs to simplify a shadow area and not spot it with an occasional light; an area in light should not have spots of shadow. This holds the composition together. Any color can live in either the shadow or the light family. Believe it or not, Black in sunlight has the same value as white in shadow. In the painting above the white house lives in the shadow family at the top of the painting and again the garden at the bottom. That saves the center of the composition for the Light Family of Flowers and Grass to really pop! Squinting helps one see the important contrasts between the shadow and light families. Again, Simplify, simplify!
The weather is beautiful in Houston so this is a great time to take the class outside Plein air painting. We are making plans to go out this week! As usual, Painting has life lessons for us as well. Everyone has troubles and dark days but I have found it makes the sunny days all the sweeter! I am grateful for Spring!
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