Friday, January 10, 2014

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?

11 comments:

Ineke said...

I choose the second one.

Teresa Duryea Wong said...

Nina: These are really interesting. I can start to see the values. I would choose the second one, I love the depth of it.

The Inside Stori said...

I'd select the 2nd one.....which looks like railings with shadows......mainly due to its graphic quality.

Gwyned Trefethen said...

What a fabulous assignment. I chose the third one. I liked the large solid almost square spaces contrasted with the the rounder smaller spaces. I could see this done in a variety of palettes from black and white to bold primaries.

quiltedfabricart said...

This is great! Thank you for sharing your value journey with us. Very interesting. So you are sketching from a photo and focusing on only the darkest areas? Do I have that right? I'll have to try that, maybe train my brain a bit :-)
All 3 photos are great, I like the stairs the best but realistically speaking on getting the assignment done I would go for the floor (#3) not sure if it's a slate floor or something else but it has good shadows.

Julianne said...

An Interesting project... I think l would pick the third photo but the second is more graphic in my opinion. With a 3D effect. Can't wait to see what you choose

Margaret said...

Have fun with your project(s), Nina Marie! Interesting that you are studying value...because next week I begin an online class with Pamela Allen (Kingston, Ontario and SAQA artist)..."About Contrast"...we could be on a similar journey. There's joy in that, eh? :-)

jeanne hewell-chambers said...

i like them all, though i can see #1 and #3 as cloth. looking forward to see which one you chose and what you do with it.

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year Nina! It's so good to have found you again. It looks like you have been super creative, looking forward to visiting more often this year. Dianna

Julia Graber said...

Choose? I'm not sure about you, but I like the first one. The steps with the door in the next room show depth that I like.

Anonymous said...

I think the block you are creating is lovely. I really like the strong linear shape, and red color. And I love your problem solving attitude- just reading it makes me feel ready to tackle some problems in my own studio! And I love calenders too, so that tidbit was fun for me. Love Off the Wall Friday!