Underlying Value Off the Wall Friday

 

The last couple of weeks, I've been paying attention to value.  Not the value of things but the value in designs.  I've been looking at things I think are pleasing.  You know what I mean - not just art - but things that always catch your eye.  Then I took a moment just to focus on where the dark values of the piece and see how they relate to the over design of the piece.  In the beginning it was hard, 'cause I  - like everyone else - just tend to rush through my day not noticing the beauty around me.  But once, I stopped and looked - I mean really look - I could see the value in value.

And what started me down this rabbit hole?  Well my Master Class did.  The assignment was for us to study the underlying value of compositions.  Elizabeth gave us all sorts of ideas on how to study it.  The thing about a Master Class is that the teacher doesn't hold your hand and tell you how to approach the lesson.  You're expected to make your own path - and what I'm finding out is that you're never quite sure where that path will take you.

Needless to say, Dorothy we ain't in Kansas anymore.  I started out with one idea what I was going to hand in and ended up with something totally different.  Go figure!

Anyways, taking out my vast collection of inspirational photos, I started looking at the underlying value - shading in where the darks were to.  The idea is that the darks are the foundation of the piece and if the foundation is strong - the piece will be strong.  So I studied composition after composition after composition.   From the dozen or so - I picked three that  I thought were the strongest.  I added in the other values and handed them into teacher for critique.  She keeps our names anonymous - but I don't minding sharing with you all - grin!

These are the three - now remember they are suppose to be rough sketches that we don't take too long on - also since I use tracing paper the values aren't photographing as strong as I might like!  I'll have to work on that.  

Elizabeth gave me a nice critique for all three with very few changes so I was all happy with that - at least I know I'm on the right path.  But then she dropped the bomb on us!  We needed to pick one of them and have it blocked out  and ready to sew!   WHAT??  in my study of value I totally lost sight of the fact that I was going to have to have it done by the end of the month.  See what I mean by a Rabbit Hole??

Anyways - I finally put on my big panties and chose one - along with a palette and pattern - so I should have at least something to hand it!  Which one do you think I chose?  Which one would you have chosen?

So what have you been up to creatively?