January 23

Graphic L.A. pages 18-37

I am continuing Robh Ruppel's book Graphic L.A.  In order to capture what we see, draw, create a masterpiece, understand value and shape etc. finding the value pattern is important.  That doesn't mean, 'just "copying."' It means using design and choices that will best achieve this.

He claims that, "Good design contrasts the area of visual rest with visual complexity." (page 22) I am not quite sure what this means; however by looking at his examples he seems to be saying that good design comes when you can create the complex scene with as simple and minimal shapes possible but still arrive at the desired outcome.

shape/design = large rhythms

form = contours/etching/hatching

Thumbnails are the key to exploration and new ideas.  Thumbnails and preliminary work should take as much time as it does to actually do the painting itself.  Can you achieve the design with just two values?  Establish the darkest dark and lightest light first and then go from back to from slowly putting in other values.