Atmosphere and light is important in my paintings. Light, distance and atmosphere affect, texture, edges, value and color, making things in the distance appear grayer, softer, and less distinct. As things move closer to you, the colors become richer, and the edges seem sharp and crisp.
Direction of light and shapes of clouds can be important compositional elements or devises by giving you direction and patterns by the way the light falls on the lands and the shadows of the clouds. Usually a simple landscape with big shapes is most effective so that it doesn’t complete with the sky.
The light changes very quickly in these fleeting moments. For practicality purposes when I’m painting at these times, I will set up well before the times (sometimes in the dark). Some of my paints will be premixed. My drawing will be created at this time and I will try to determine how the light will fall on the landscape when the appointed time comes. I also figure out how I want to play with the light. How will I compose my composition. I quickly assess what will be changing the fastest as far as light and shadow. I paint that area first. Some shadows will stay the same, so they will be painted last. I almost always use a small canvas, but a larger one can be finished in the studio. Sometimes it is a matter of just recording color.
Creating a mood with low light, the fleeting moments of dusk and dawn, reveals serenity, peacefulness and joy.
Related posts: Premixing Your Paints, How to Analyze Your Painting Before You Start, Find a Statement in Your Painting
Color Mixing Warm/Cool Palette http://beckyjoy.com
