Hierarchy in Painting
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Hierarchy in Painting
If we study the old masters’ paintings we can see that they used a structural hierarchy that created paintings with areas of more importance and less importance. The more important areas we may think of today as a center of interest (or area of dominance or focal point or area of interest, etc.). The video shows just a few examples of some of my favorites. You can Google images of old masters’ paintings and have a look yourself.
What I see in many abstract paintings today is a lack of hierarchy where everything in the painting is the same. The same size shapes, the same values, the same color intensity. When everything is the same, then nothing is special, nothing is more important than anything else. This treatment creates a lack of interest.
My philosophy has always been that abstract painting is just like any other kind of painting, though it doesn’t reference subject matter. I use the same design principles as the painters of old because I think they knew what they were doing.
If you want to make better abstract paintings think about adding a hierarchy to your work so that there are areas of more and less importance in interest, contrast, intensity, etc.
If you'd like to learn about abstract painting and making your own authentic work, then please join me for a painting workshop: (You can view a list of workshops HERE)
Upcoming 2022 Workshops
April 22-23, 2022 Greenville, SC, Bigger, Faster, Fresher, Looser Abstract Painting
Creative Arts Center Greenville
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April 27-29, 2022 David M. Kessler Fine Art Studio, Winston-Salem, NC
Contact: David, Email: david@davidmkessler.com
Click Here for Information and RegistrationJune 8-10, 2022 David M. Kessler Fine Art Studio, Winston-Salem, NC
Contact: David, Email: david@davidmkessler.com
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David
Simple Color System Colorwheel
If you have seen my videos on YouTube or taken one of my workshops, you have seen me use my Simple Color System Colorwheel. My Simple Color System is easy to use and assures that the color in your paintings will be harmonious. Proudly made in North Carolina.
You can purchase the Colorwheel HERE.
I Have a NEW Online “Short Course”:
Using the Color Wheel. Has anyone (even an art instructor) ever asked you to purchase a color wheel, or told you need a color wheel, but then never taught you how to use it? In this course I’ll show you exactly how to use it and provide you with a system to implement all the color combinations in your work. Includes 13 video tutorials. $47.
Other Online Workshops
ALL ABOUT COLOR is a great online course that will show you a straightforward, no nonsense, clear and easily understandable approach to using harmonious color in your paintings.
Abstract Painting Academy is an online workshop experience specifically designed to teach you how to paint Abstract Paintings (like only you can!), Loosen Up your painting style, and use Design Fundamentals to give your paintings Dynamic Visual Impact. You get David’s personal attention and feedback on all of your work during the course.
Click Here to Find Out More
The Painting Insider is not abstract painting specific. Monthly lessons provide an abundance of information to painters at any level. I have poured information about everything I have learned about painting over the last 30 years into one course!