Artodynamics

Complimentary Grid 


Composition is defined by how the eye moves around the space of an art object. The things that move our eyes in a piece are primarily shape, line, and tone. What happens when we add color? In this assignment, you will convert tone to color in an attempt to devise an interesting composition using artodynamics.

Lesson goal: For students to gain the knowledge of interaction between primary and complimentary colors in tonal value.
  1. Students will begin by choosing a black and white photo, preferably with lots of tonal variations and textures.
  2. Students will create a viewfinder measuring 2" x 2".
  3. Using the viewfinder on the photo, students should look for interesting tonal sections with textures. (avoid figures and recognizable imagery)
  4. After identifying the area to be used - students will draw a 1/2" grid on the selection.
  5. Using a 12" x 12" piece of watercolor paper (Or canvas panel if available) students will lightly draw a 3" grid
  6. Lightly sketching the abstract selection from the photograph, students will reproduce the contours of the selection
  7. Using red, blue, yellow, and white acrylics, students will paint the tones and contours (as required) of the selection. Each square must be either based in a primary or it's compliment. i.e. students may choose blue and orange, purple and yellow, or red and green, painting every other square either the primary or the compliment.
  8. Students will use the white for highlights in tone and combine the compliment and primary for shadows.
  9. Painting in layers of slightly transparent washes aids in the process of this work.