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"Yellow Soldiers" Pastel: Step-by-step demo
This demo focuses on the utility of a limited color scheme and on dividing the picture space into thirds as an aid to placement of elements. The final composition was based on a number of iPhone photos taken in very low light. Some were taken by candlelight and some at twilight, which provided the wonderful blue at the windows. Besides the four models shown here, I referred to a number of others as well, picking different elements from each.
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The modelsiPhone photos of this flower arrangement serve as the models. These pictures help to organize the composition.
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Modified model photosThe model photographs were stylized using a variety of filters. This often helps to identify the value shapes.
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Quick thumbnailsI make quick, loose thumbnail sketches to develop the concept and test out different compositions.
Don't commit to these little drawings, but rather use them to explore different ways of depicting the subject. Here, I was testing different ratios and formats. |
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Blocking in major shapesBased on the thumbnail sketches, I decided on a composition. At this stage, I'm very loosely blocking in the underlying shapes. The color and value of each shape affects all the surrounding shapes, so this step gets all the major pieces in play.
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DevelopmentDeveloping the light and dark areas, refining the rose shapes. This stage is still quite loose, and I'm playing with the vertical elements of the composition. Establishing the darks early sets the lower range of the value scale, and provides the contrast for all the other values.
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Adding some detailStarting to model the rose shapes, indicating some details. The major compositional elements (shape and color blocks, strong verticals and horizontals) are all well defined by this point.
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Finished! |