John F. Carlson explains in chapter 3 ( titled Angles and Consequent
Values) of his book Carlson's
Guide to Landscape Painting a concept he calls the
"Theory of Angles".
To quote the author: "the prime cause of the big light
and dark relations in a landscape is the angle which
such masses present to the light (the sky). Our landscapes'
prime elements–trees, ground, mountains, etc.–receive
from the sky differing degrees of light according to
their plane, and it is chiefly this difference of plane
that establishes them as darks, half-tones, and semi-lights,
as related to one another. These 'steps' from dark to
light are called values."
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Mass
values, go for poster like flatness. |
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After
simple values are accurately stated you'll
find you've gone far in creating a convincing
painting. After this subtler modelling and
refining can be introduced. |
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Cities
like New York may not have mountains, and there
aren't too many trees in Times Square, but
the principles still hold true. Actually building
would be considered upright planes because
they are not angled as a mountain is angled,
they are actually upright, 90 degrees in fact
just like a tree, or a lamp post or a phone
pole, however, when the buildings recede in
space they will be lighter due to the atmosphere.
Carlson discusses this in chapter 6 titled,
Aerial Perspective, Transitions in Value
and Color. Concerning this Carlson states,
"trees (or for that matter buildings which
are also upright planes) as they recede into
the atmosphere or are seen at great distances,
never lose their identity as upright planes.
They have grown lighter and cooler..." |
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