CONTENTS
A Reductionist Approach to Shape
The Benefits of Simplification
The Role of Value in Shape Interpretation
Balancing Simplified Shapes and Detail with the 80/20 Rule
Review Questions: Shape Interpretation
Exercise: Simplify and Differentiate with Limited Values
Exercise: Simplified Shape Painting
2 | THE PICTURE WINDOW AND ITS FORMAT
Limited Focus and the Picture Window
Picture Formats and Directional Energy
Review Questions: Picture Window and Its Format
Exercise: One Subject, Different Formats
Variation: The Cardinal Rule of Composition
Movement: Animating the Composition
Review Questions: Composition in Action
Exercise: Cut Paper: Aspects of Variation
Exercise: Mapping Pathways of Movement
4 | NOTAN AND THE COMPOSITIONAL STUDY
Building a Better Study: Notan Technique
Review Questions: Notan and the Compositional Study
Exercise: Notan from Observation
5 | COLOR PRECEPTS, COLOR PARADOXES
Reconciling the Differences Between Pigments and Natural Light
Direct Observation vs. “Informed Modification”
Convincing Color, Believable Color
6 | THE COMPLETE COLOR STRATEGY
Contrast: The Animating Force of the Color Strategy
Aspect of Color Contrast: Hue Interactions
Aspect of Color Contrast: Value
Aspect of Color Contrast: Saturation
Review Questions: The Complete Color Strategy
Exercise: One Subject, Different Strategies
Exercise: Color- and Value-Priority, Side by Side
The Color Study: Testing Color Groups and the Strategy
Review Questions: Color Grouping
Exercise: Identifying Color Groups
Parting Thoughts: The Never-Ending Inquiry
Paul Kratter, From Under the Sycomores, oil on panel, 12" × 20" | 30.5 × 51 cm