Category: Creativity

WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS ABOUT CREATING A PAINTING?
1.) Concept – This is the most important aspect of a painting. The idea, or concept can be illustrated simply or can be very complex, but it is the idea that interests the viewer. It all starts with an idea. The beauty of the concept is in the eye of the beholder.
2.) Composition – This is the second most important aspect of a painting. Basically this is an arrangement of elements, or symbols that represent the concept. Their placement within a given shape is either pleasing or annoying to the eye. There are simple principles such as the rule of thirds, but composition is a skill that develops with practice. Hence the term, “the trained eye”. Composition is so important that you can have a great idea illustrated in the most passionate manner, yet when viewing it one notices that just something just isn’t right. Usually, it’s bad composition.
3.) Color – There are three aspects of color, or hue. Tint, tone and shade. Tint is color mixed with white, tone is color mixed with gray, and shade is color mixed with black. Although color is perceived emotionally or right brained, it is controlled logically or left brained. Manipulation of color is a science, and understanding that science is necessary to paint effectively. Beginner artists commonly make paintings that use too much color and not enough tint, tone and shade.