BLOGART Lesson 5.

In the last lesson I left you thinking about the background. You can chose anything but remember to be creative. This means you should think about how the figure works with your selection, for there should be some juxtaposition of texture between subject and background. A busy texture can be made to appear more realistic when it is a contrasting one. Another background choice is shown below.

This is a very busy pattern which can be useful, as would a coarse texture which would be more obvious when placed next to a smoothly blended area. A similar effect can be achieved by drawing different tones close together; a light edge next to a dark background will stand out to the eye and almost appear to float above the surface. The placement of background can make a considerable difference in the type of message that is being presented and a single light source can serve to highlight any texture or interesting features.

In the paintings shown, from left to right are:-

The Maja by Fransisco Goya, the artist has used a strong dark background to highlight his subject as well as lacy pillows. The detail of the sitters pillows contrast nicely with the flesh and the darkness.

The centre painting takes a different approach.The Birth of Venus by the Renaissance artist, Botticelli. Here we see a detailed background showing the sea, some trees, sky, a shell and of course the figure is not alone, though still the centre of attention.

On the right is a nude painted by the impressionist artist August Renoir. The background merges more with the nude though it has an abundance of light. The figure is bathed in dappled light but still stands clearly in it's own right.

If you are interested in my classes I am available to give personal instruction in my Prahran studio.

You can contact me on 0417 566 276.

BLOGART Lesson 4.

Examine "Venus at the Mirror", a study by Peter Paul Rubens the prolific 17th Century Flemish artist. His sensual works and fondness of painting full-figured women gave rise to the terms 'Rubensian' or 'Rubenesque' for plus size women. Painting female flesh was Rubens expertise using skin tone variations to highlight the the body. Rubens gave attention to the shading with varied tonal values.

Shading techniques also introduce texture to the drawing. There are a number of other methods for producing texture in the picture: in addition to choosing a suitable paper, the type of drawing material and the drawing technique will result in different textures.

Illumination is also a key element in creating an artistic piece, and the interplay of light and shadow is a valuable method for the artist.

You may now progress with your sketch to further highlight the shadows. The background shadow thrown by the body needs to be brought out. This gives the body dimension against the background. The artist needs to pay attention to the silhouette and what lies outside. In BLOGART Lesson No.1, I used the expression 'negative space' when plotting the shape. The exterior of the whole figure also has 'negative space' and is important when representing the figure too. Now is also the time to consider the form of the background. You will note that the original photo has no background so if you wish to make this picture interesting you will want to select something.

For inspiration go to an art publication or even a fashion magazine. You can select anything that takes your fancy. Below is a basic pattern which I've adopted to make my background .

Remember if you are interested in my classes I am available to give personal instruction in my Prahran studio. You can contact me on 0417 566 276.