Regardless of subject, medium, technique, or level of expertise, all painters inevitably work with space, line, value, and color. By controlling visual relationships, we create images about things that won’t actually be on the surface of the image: shape, depth, separation, texture, and varying degrees and types of light. Rendered with precision, these elements magically produce compelling illusions of the subject.
Art has always been a means of communication. It’s a “show and tell” process where storytelling is paramount. We zoom in on what we personally find to be the most important aspect of our theme, and then relate principles of the art to increase the effectiveness of communicating our unique emotional relationship with that special something.
Technically, we need to understand exactly how the final results are achieved or why they fail. It is these visual relationships that make the difference.
We must see and know our subject. Guesswork probably destroys more comps than any other factor. Good enough usually isn’t. We cannot produce works of artistic merit until we focus intensely on the principles of art rather than simply trying to duplicate what we see “as is”, leaving nothing out, but putting in nothing of our own choosing. I believe that it is necessary to recognize, evaluate and control eight main components of all paint.
Impact
This is the most important first impression when looking at our own work or that of others. It is often called the WOW factor. If the finished work doesn’t take our breath away or require a second take, it probably won’t make much of an impression on others either.
Clarity
A painting must be easily understandable. Your message should be as obvious as the melody rising above countless other supporting orchestral notes, or an easy-to-follow story in well-written literature.
Composition
The image surface should generally be divided into just a few explicit measurements and shapes, while satisfying the universal human need for simplicity, harmony, and variety.
Design
This is the selection and relative positioning of a subject or objects to fit into the pattern of composition and to enhance the illusions of form, depth, separation, and texture by displaying varying degrees and types of light.
Values
Every visible object and surface reflects light. Light is what we represent. Only when the light we see is accurately described can the illusions of the subject appear.
borders
Edges are selected and controlled to be clearly defined, smooth, or invisible. Borders are what hold the composition together and are controlled to add emphasis to a focal point.
Color
Variations in color temperature, lightness, darkness, and brightness are used to draw attention, tone down importance, and clarify types of light, closeness, or distance.
Line
Horizontal, vertical, diagonal, straight or curved lines, and quiet or active lines should vary in length, activity and direction, while easily leading the eye towards a center of interest.
