Creating contrast with temperature: SunflowersWhen referring to color, the term “temperature” is used to describe its relative warmth or coolness. For example, orange is a “warm” color and blue is a “cool” color. These terms can also be applied to the relative temperature of a color when compared to another similar color. You may find a “warm green” and a “cool green” in the same painting. This exercise will focus on using contrasting temperatures to create dramatic effect. | Warm light, cool shadow: Gift boxIn most cases, when painting objects, the color temperature of the light is warm, as it originates from a light bulb or the sun, and the color temperature of the shadow is cool, reflecting the surroundings. This exercise is similar to project 8 (pages 50–51), however, here you will be adding color to the box, a ribbon, and a cast shadow. You will notice that the gift box is essentially just a simple cube with a bow tied around it. In this painting, the light is coming from the right. | Portrait in the classical style: Bearded manBefore the 19th century, the selection of colors available to the painter was rather limited. They essentially consisted of earth tones (Venetian Red, Yellow Ochre, Umbers, and Siennas) and a few vibrant blues and greens, which were very expensive. Because the artists of the time had access only to this limited palette, there is a common color-cast to all of the works from this period. For this exercise, you will be painting a portrait in the classical style, using a limited palette similar to that used by the Old Masters. | Simple reflections: SailboatThe ability to convincingly paint the illusion of a reflection on water is a useful skill for any artist to learn. Rendering a reflection accurately in a painting imparts a sense of wonder to the viewer, often inviting the question, “How did you do that?” This project will break down the elements of a simple reflection; you will encounter more challenging approaches later in this book. In order to achieve the illusion, keep in mind that the water will mirror the colors and shapes above it. |
