Surprising Shadows

 

In drawing class this week, we focused on the contrast between black and white, light and shadow, and the various shades of neutral tones that exist.  White ceramics were set out with a spotlight on them, so that the shadows were darker and easier to capture in a drawing. 

 

Using charcoal, the young artists could more easily shade and achieve the rounded look that they were striving for on certain objects.  Some members of the group had used this material before, whereas others were trying it for the first time.  All expressed enjoyment in being able to use it and the feeling that they had more control over the medium.

Moving on from the ceramics, blocks were then set up with spotlights shining directly onto them.  Artists were able to zone in on the gradation of whites, grays, and blacks that they saw and depict the overall image within positive and negative space. This great contrast offered a different way of looking at a still life.

 

Another varied way to do this was to fill the paper in with smudged charcoal, then take away the dark space with an eraser or white chalk.  Shadows could then be filled in further with the charcoal, and layers of depth added.

 

 

 We were all surprised to see how lively a gray background seemed with a black image in front of it, and how distant a white image looked amongst layers of shadows.  Comparing light and dark, negative and positive space, versus looking only at color, really puts a whole new spin on how objects can be perceived.