The Oil Painter's Bible - chapter 5
detail is desired after we are certain that the big shapes are correct.
We must not lose sight of
how our picture will appear
to its viewers at first glance.
It must register upon their
sense of sight just as the
scene itself would, or they
will not be drawn in to look
at it more closely, and will
never see to appreciate the
fine work we may have put
into the details. A picture
must be designed to work as
a visual whole. It must be
more than a collection of
details assembled at random.
Elements of lesser
importance should be
simplified, lest they confuse
the viewer as to what the
subject, or focal point, of the
picture is. If the focal point is
rendered in sharper focus,
and subordinate areas in
softer focus and simplified,
confusion is avoided.
This follows precisely the manner in which we view a scene with our own eyes. To see something in
sharp focus, the brain must direct the muscles within both eyes to simultaneously adjust their respective
lenses to focus on that object, and the muscles guiding the position of each eye to allow them to converge
on that same object or surface. This involves a certain degree of effort, thus this action is only triggered
by the brain when it deems something of sufficient importance to warrant it. Therefore, by rendering a
given object or surface in our painting more sharply, we are indicating to the viewer that this particular
thing is important. Thus the term, "Selective Focus."
As artists, we should not just paint what we see, we should paint what we want to show to our
audience, selecting only that which is worthy of such special attention, and then presenting it as it appears
at its most appealing, or making it more so if it will make a better picture. The viewer's attention is
directed where we want it by the use of selective focus. If the visions we paint exist only in our
imaginations, so much the better.
By understanding the Principles of Visual Reality, one can render imaginary scenes convincingly real, and
perhaps transcend even the limitations of working from life. This is the mark of a Master. This level of
ability can only be attained by working from life until the Principles of Visual Reality are thoroughly
absorbed. There is no short cut.
THE NATURE OF LIGHT
http://www.geocities.com/~jlhagan/advanced/chapter5.htm (6 of 8)1/13/2004 3:33:53 AM