The Artist

GETTING FAMILIAR WITH THE SCENE

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Choose a photograph for this exercise that has a variety of interestin­g and overlappin­g shapes, but not too many little details. The one below is a good example, but I encourage you to use your own when you repeat the exercise. Study the photograph for a good ten minutes or so, aiming to identify key areas.

• Think about the relative sizes and proportion­s of the shapes, the angles of lines and the distances between shapes.

• Imagine extending the boundary lines of the shapes outwards. Ask yourself where they would cut across the perimeter edge of the photograph.

• Picture the photograph divided into quarters and see which parts of the subject fit in each of the quarters.

• Half-close your eyes to study the value relationsh­ips of the shapes, noticing the overall value scheme and where the darks and lights fall.

• When you think you’re ready, turn the photograph away and try the following half-hour painting exercise.

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