Tutorial 2C

Focal Point, Balancing Point, Hidden Image

Here is a photograph I snapped in the Redwood forest one morning when the sunlight was filtering down through the trees to create a magical moment in time. 

I want to evaluate the colors to see what makes this lighting situation so wonderful.

Here along the bottom of the photograph I have copied the colors throughout the scene. They are all cool colors except for the rich deep brown of the redwoods which is a warmer color.  However, not a hot color. 

So this scene captures the cool morning atmosphere that was present at that magical moment in time.

 Now, I want to determine where the focal point should be and I'll use the Golden Mean method to make that determination.

I'll draw a line from corner to opposite corner, then intersect that line at a 90 degree angle with a second line that comes from the upper right corner.  See the circle marked with an "A" in the photo below.

Voila!  The sunlit area behind the trees shall be my focal point where the most brilliant light meets the darkest foliage.

Now, I'd like to add a deer to this scene.  Where shall I place him and what colors shall I use to paint the deer?

I had hoped to place him in the "balancing point" area, however, that does not work.  See the photograph and find the "B" which represents the "balancing point" to gracefully offset the focal point.

Well, I'll have to make the foliage a little more interesting or put a little bird on that branch.   But, what about the deer?

I can use this opportunity to paint a deer hidden in the shadows beside that tree on the far left edge of the canvas.  See that little area that will be a perfect place to include a deer looking into this scene. 

Now, what about the colors of this deer.  If I used bright golden colors the deer would stick out like a sore thumb!   So, I'll temper the golden and sienna hues using other existing colors in my scene. 

If you'd like to see how this is painted, check the "How to" DVD page.  This scene is on my "to do" list.  So, as I paint it I will film it so you can see how this all works. 

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