Painting a pearly luminosity
6-11 PEARLY LUMINOSITY
There are two factors to consider here if your aim is to achieve that luminous pearly look that dominate certain
landscapes and seascapes. First we must create the 'pearly' look then give it presence and dominance within a
framework (painting). It is the nature of that presence that will make it look luminous.So what makes a mother of pearl shell look pearly? If you look closely it is merely a high value grey-white
infused with red, blue and yellow or 'rainbow hues' of equal and similar values (above).
To apply this to a painting as I have done below to a sky by Gerome you will see what I mean by a pearly sky.
Obviously its use here is unsatisfactory but the principle was one destined to be developed further by the
impressionists.The impressionists did this exercise using short brushstrokes laden with impasto paint which produced a
shimmering effect from a distance. You will often notice when people view many impressionistic works in
galleries their main concern is their viewing distance - they will usually move back and forth until comfortable.
I find it good policy to wear stout shoes when visiting such galleries.http://www.geocities.com/~jlhagan/lessons/pearly_luminosity.htm (1 of 3)1/13/2004 3:53:46 AM