As we enter Autumn I am remembering those days earlier in the year which yielded such lovely shadows.  I thought I would look back at some of my photographs and drawings which made use this striking contrast of tone:

Lanzarote

Wild Carrot, Chidham

Elderflower, Chidham

 

What appeals to me with all of these images is the strong dark against light.  Where an image, in photography or art, uses light against dark and then dark against light it is known as Counterchange.

Even a simpler use of dark and light can add drama to an image.  I like to use a limited range of colour in my work and always try and remember the value of white space in a picture.

This sketch was worked en plain air at Cowdray Park in Sussex.  The quick was laid down in the studio beforehand and on site, I looked for a view that could use the marks that I had made.

This pen sketch of telegraph poles uses simplicity of tone to create a strong image.  Both of these drawings were undertaken on a course taken by Maxine Relton – you can see her work here.

The contrast is much less here but I still like the simple tones.  Working in monotone helps us concentrate on mark making and composition without the distraction of colour and much as I love colour, I find  myself drawn towards a simpler range hues in my work.  What do you think?