Words of Wisdom

Florence from the Boboli Gardens

     "The first two things to study are form and values.  For me, these are the bases of what is serious in art.  Color and finish put charm into one's work."  Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot [ca. 1828]

     I couldn't agree with this more.  Values are how we interpret light on objects as well as their material (texture) and relationship to each other; atmospheric perspective, for example.  Second, form follows function.  This is essential to understanding the shape of whatever is being drawn or painted.  This is the foundation to which most beginning painters often struggle to grasp.  Starting simply, with monochromatic colors and simple geometric shapes, will help to ensure a successful time learning how to manipulate paint.  This is why artists will usually draw a small black and white "thumbnail" version of the image to test whether or not the values and forms (shapes of value) will work with each other.  A gold key to unlocking a great composition. 
     One of my past instructors, George Pratt, summed it up very well by saying, "Color is candy," and like Corot, he's right on.