This week, we are talking about shapes. Check out the new lesson I have for you!
These are nice shapes—but BORING. We can do better. Much better.
HERE’S WHAT MAKES A GOOD SHAPE according to Edgar Whitney, one of my favorite teachers of all time:
- Two different dimensions, which simply means one side is longer than the other. It’s taller than it is wide, or wider than it is tall.
- Variation at the edge. Make that edge interesting! Rough to smooth, sharp to soft and that sort of thing. This keeps the viewers eye engaged in your painting.
Hence, the shapes below are good shapes.
Get it? If not, leave me a comment below and I’ll get back to you with an answer to your question.
BUT BACK TO THESE EVERYDAY, BORING SHAPES
They do have their uses. They can help you draw things, such as the flower you see below.
However, do we really want the shapes we use to remain this basic, such as in the house drawing below? No! Yet I can’t tell you how many of this type of house I’ve personally painted over the years.
Might you have painted one or two of them yourself?
USING WHAT WE’VE LEARNED ABOUT A GOOD SHAPE, HOW COULD WE TURN THIS BORING DRAWING OF A HOUSE INTO SOMETHING MORE INTERESTING?
Here are a couple of ways:
- You could combine two shapes. Maybe the shack out back, the dog house…whatever. However you do it, it will be much more interesting than just the boxy house alone.
- You could just plain have your way with it and alter the shape as you wish. After all, you are the artist and you are in search of a good shape!
Which do you like? One of those at the Left? Or the one on the right?
So that, my dear ones, is the short and sweet on shapes. There’s much more to learn!
How about we meet back here, same time next week and I’ll give you the skinny on how to paint a good shape?
See you then, and thanks so much for reading. If you like my blog, please help me grow it by sharing with a friend. Simply CLICK ON the FB or Pinterest button at the top of this blog. And thank you.
Kathie xo
I truly enjoyed this little lesson. I think you should teach and share these gems as often as you like with us. Thanks again.
Thank you for your inspiration. I am grateful for all of your information and humor!
Again, you provide information that is basic and yet so very important! Always look forward to the next blog! Go Kathie! xo
Yes, yes, yes … love it. Just what I need. And forget all the time. Thanks for a good reminder, Kathie. Maybe we should do a refresher of drawing/some type of at-home assignment … ;0) Self starting!
Hmmm…not a bad idea, Lynne. Let me think on it.
Thanks Kathie, you have illustrated this concept so easily. It has given me a breakthrough on how to improve my art in all mediums. I’ve tried many and am now enjoying Alcohol Ink projects.
Thank you for the wonderful lessons. You are an inspiration to all of us. Love and hugs. 🙂
Boy, I love to learn. And, Kathie, you’re so wonderfully generous in sharing. Smart cookie!! Hugs
Thanks for the help, love all the info you share with us. Just getting into a little more than a point and shoot camera , and boy do I notice the shapes of things, trying to get some creative shots. Thanks again, Christie