Lastman Posted August 21, 2012 Share Posted August 21, 2012 I know high-contrast is a learn-able skill but I just need a kick in the right direction. The Spanish guys are great at achieving this very dramatic effect. If I have a mental block, should I just drill by laying down high contrast colors on a sheet of plastic? This would train my eye+brain to become accustomed to seeing high contrast colors next to each other. After years of trying to achieve a smooth gradient, and now desiring the opposite, I think an exercise like this is necessary---but I really don't know. Has anyone faced this teaching/learning problem? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arachne Posted August 21, 2012 Share Posted August 21, 2012 Can you link some examples? I think I know what you're talking about, but I want to be sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lastman Posted August 21, 2012 Author Share Posted August 21, 2012 Sure thing. I'm focusing on the contrast in faces, but it's also used to great effect on muscles and cloaks. And their NMM. It looks so good on everything they do. http://www.spanish-t...7aec44f53370a92 http://www.spanish-t...7aec44f53370a92 Scroll down to see Aragorn on this one: http://www.spanish-t...7aec44f53370a92 http://www.spanish-t...7aec44f53370a92 Scroll down to see the Hobbit on this one: http://www.spanish-t...7aec44f53370a92 Scroll down to see the face of the bald guy on this one: http://www.spanish-t...7aec44f53370a92 http://www.newboldwo.../15AV1/P18.html http://www.newboldwo.../15AV1/P03.html I can't find links to the best examples I have in mind, but these give the gist. EDIT: Thanks for asking me to link examples... I found this brilliant tutorial by Alex Varela --but I still need help with the mental block. I just gotta do it. Slap me! http://www.iguazzu.c...ire.-BlogEN.pdf Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arachne Posted August 21, 2012 Share Posted August 21, 2012 That's amazing. It's not what I was thinking of, I've never even seen that. Way cool. Good luck with the technique, it'll produce some striking results. Glad you found some info! *friendly slap* 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ixminis Posted August 21, 2012 Share Posted August 21, 2012 Would you agree that it's still smooth gradients, just that they may be achieved in a shorter distance? The transition from dark to light? Regarding increasing the light value, yes, practice practice practice. Try to do it with fewer colors, but high value contrast to start. I'm divided on whether you should just try the light value range without attention to transition or not. It's based on your style and the paint you are using. To really achieve the nice blends, you will want to be very aware of how each layer of paint will behave. Something with whites/near whites gets applied earlier in highlight areas.Something that doesn't cover well would be used to shift color, smooth transitions (gradual layer addition) and would happen in a shadow earlier than later. That kind of thing. When you apply which part of the range matters based on the paint characteristics. making any sense? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bloodsbane Posted August 21, 2012 Share Posted August 21, 2012 For me, copying an inspiration source straight up can help with that mental block. Even if you don't have a step by step tutorial to follow, trying to do a straight copy of something can (with a bit of luck) push you away from your old tricks and out of your comfort zone. That's how I got past my biggest challenges with non metallic metals once upon a time :P 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lastman Posted August 22, 2012 Author Share Posted August 22, 2012 Would you agree that it's still smooth gradients, just that they may be achieved in a shorter distance? The transition from dark to light? *snip* making any sense? Yes, that is the sort of expression I needed to see. I will study that info and practice. My macro-photography skill needs work, but I will post pics of WIPs. ...trying to do a straight copy of something can (with a bit of luck) push you away from your old tricks and out of your comfort zone. That's also what I need to get off this plateau. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nameless Posted August 22, 2012 Share Posted August 22, 2012 Lastman, the whole contrast thing is not as much about technique, as is about convincing yourself to it. Anne Foerster summed it up pretty well - if you think you have sufficient contrast, increase it by one or two steps (quote from memory). She is so right - it's a huge mental obstacle to be crossed. it's so easy to think during painting - I've just increased contrast, it's enough. Sorry, but it's not! You have to make yourself "over-do" the contrast and when you cross that barrier, high contrast will become natural and easy to achieve. if you want a good practice - paint a black&white mini. just these 2 paints, nothing more. see what contrast you have to have to make it look good. and then try to paint the same mini with any colours you want to get the similar contrast as on that b&w version. also, I recommend this article written by my friend Mahon: http://chestofcolors.com/about-driving-and-contrasts/ 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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