Here is the sketch and value study for my next studio still life. The set up I am using
is truly all about controlling the lighting and having access to my subject at
any time of day. I have a great north light window for working under natural
light but Ra the sun god and I seem to have different schedules. I use a
shadow box on a shelving unit with some color corrective bulbs and floods. I
use black drapery on the sides to eliminate any outside light on the scene.
There is an abnormally large collection of objects that sit around the studio awaiting
their call to the stage. When I design a still life I look for objects that have
a interesting form and relationship to one another. I am looking for intriguing patterns and
shapes within the composition.
Good
composition is the result of careful considerations and planning in the initial
phase of a work. I use a rule of thirds to zero in on where I think the center
of interest is, however to see how the eye will move through the design I will often draw a harmonic armature
over a contour drawing. The armature is to help plan the design and actual see
where things lay within the composition. Are things too high or too low on the
picture plane, does the design feel right in relationship to the canvas, what is the rhythm and placement of shapes? The use of this classical geometry is the
best and simplest tool I have found to judge composition. Drawing a quick
armature over a design will quickly point out its weaknesses, and working with
the mathematical proportion will only increase your intuitive sense of
composition.
And after
drawing comes composition.
A well-composed painting is half done.
A well-composed painting is half done.
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| Feather and Egg Harmonic Armature 9 x 12 inches |
LINKS:
Harmonic Armature - Thomas Kegler's PDF on Composition
Rule of Thirds
Golden Ratio
Fibonacci’sGolden Number
Explore - Question - Learn - Enjoy, Jim
