Today I am happy to report some progress in my monochrome art challenge. Monochrome pictures can be tricky to accomplish because one cannot use complementary colors to generate contrast. Contrast is loosely defined as anything that can distinguish one thing from another. Areas of high contrast are used to make a focal point, which is basically the center of attention. More on focal points later.
Ways of creating contrast. 1.) Light and dark near each other 2.) Color contrast – complementary colors near each other. 3) Shape – large next to small objects. 4) Texture – more easily done with conventional painting, but can be done with strong cross hatching in drawing. 5)Edge – strong edges are more effective in an area with a lot of smooth edges. Strong edges show the area as being in focus. 6) Detail – an area with high detail against low detail also produces contrast. I shall try to keep these in mind as I make my work.
My-paintings.com 