Lesson 5: Transparency, Reflections, Shadows and the Art Of Illusion.

This section of the course covers the fun aspects of how light works in drawing. To understand how light works it is essential to observe light in action and see how it plays on surfaces. To be able to draw well artists need to understand the concept of transparency, reflection, refraction and luminosity. Whilst facts about light help us to understand cognitively why we are learning about an issue of visual representation - only experience can teach us how to re-create these effects. Don't forget once the artist has mastered these techniques he or she can also distort representations. Artists have fun doing this for purposes of abstraction and this can be the time when art takes on a life of its own.

Understanding Light and It's Effects

Understanding reflections requires that the artist understand how they are created. This requires that there is an understanding of

1. how 'light source' effects the way shadows and reflections happen.
2. the nature of optical illusions that are created by refracted light and luminosity.
3. be aware of just how complicated that can all get
4. and how discouraging it can all be, if as an artist we take a whole complex picture and try to re-create it all at once.

1. Luminosity was examined by Turner.
2. Atmospheric effects were examined by Monet.
3. Perspective and mathematical illusion were examined by Escher.
4. Optical Illusion became the focus of Bridget Riley.

You can see from this list that many people focus on just one effect. Some examine the effect for very long lengths of time. That is why the artists became experts in their field. They realise how daunting the whole task can be and focus on becoming very good at just one aspect of the conglomerate. I am not saying I would advise budding artists to do this. I don't do it myself! Rather by taking the time to develop an understanding of the elements of design separately, artists prepare themselves for the times when they want to capture 'just that essence'! Voila! Remember to come back to that learning focus if drawing becomes discouraging and things just don't look the way you want them to be. Make a date to revisit each element on a routine basis. This is one of the reasons why you sign and date each diary entry. So that you can regulate your learning and make sure you are moving your talent forward in one smooth transition. Systemise your finesse!

Experiment with each element and keep notes in your diary. If ever you need to 'hone up' on the skills required to focus on this element of design you know how to investigate the problem. Have a structured investigation plan to come back to. It will pay dividends at a later date.

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