Layers of Meaning

Creating Atmospheric Space - a Tutorial

Daniel Smith, makers of superb, high quality artists materials, has a new online tutorial on The Harmony of Light - Capturing the Magical Hour. "Some call it the magical hour, when the sun sinks in the sky, casting long rays through our planet's thick atmosphere. Soft, golden light transforms the landscape."

As one might expect, the tutorial is promoting use of their materials - pastels in this case. But the information, particularly the accompanying photos are great for understanding the use of light in any medium. The beginning point is a photo (far left); the ending is a pastel drawing (near left). The artist, Diana Randolph traces her technique for capturing the pool of light and building up layers of values to create the final, radiant artwork.

Although the article is written for pastels, it seems that the artistic direction is applicable to fiber. Begin by shooting lots of shots of nature until you find one that captures the mood, not just one detail. The tunnel of light in Randolph's image draws us back into the art; we are no longer looking at a flat plane, but moving through an atmospheric space.

Randolph uses color to further emphasize the misty depth. For example, in the photo, there is little detail in the foreground path; the entire lower right corner is sold black. In the pastel drawing, we are given small trails of colors to follow with our eyes. The sky is bluer and the trees touch limbs at the top. on color, Randolph writes, "After the underpainting dries, begin applying pale, hazy colors to the background and brighter, bolder colors to the foreground using linear and side strokes." That would be the advice that your high school art teacher probably told you too: "bright colors advance; pale/dull colors recede".

You can see more of Diana Randolph's drawings and paintings at Portal Wisconsin