Painting with a big brush and lots of paint

Light is the mother of representational art. Light gives us shadow and thus the idea of Chiaroscuro, or how light falls upon a three-dimensional object to indicate form. Light,depending on the type and intensity, has an impact on how we perceive everything in our world no matter where we are, and that is a pretty big deal so it is no wonder that representational artists toil over how to perceive and represent this most magical element-light. As a Western artist entranced by our big wide open land beneath the most beautiful skies imaginable I also love the play of light and how it differs from morning to afternoon and on into evening and the dark of night.

My studies of the land and the sky and countless hours of looking at some of the painting greats has set me upon a journey to create work which has deep emotional connection, and I have found that light sets this mood I seek. I prefer to leave th hard science of all this to scientist and artists the likes of James Gurney; however, suffice to say that as an outdoor artist the sun is our light source, and for the adventurous the moon! The sun light travels through our atmosphere and can be seen in a myriad of ways let alone interpreted by artists in any number more ways, but let see how the same basic subject changes in terms of mood when painted under different light using different colors.

First, lets look at a mounted Native American warrior set against a blue sky. What is the feeling? How does the blue sky interact with the other colors? 

Now, look at the same basic subject matter with dramatically different lighting conditions and use of color. What is the feeling? Is it easier to identify with this palette than the first painting, that is to say is there stronger emotive impact? Put yourself in the place of these riders, how would they describe the environment each is in?

Light is an incredible subject, it inspired the Impressionists to study outdoors and attempt to capture the natural feel of light on objects in nature. I encourage you to look at paintings and consider light, and how the artist chooses a color palette. Do you think light is best left natural and represented by the artist just as it appears in nature, or do you prefer paintings which push the boundaries of naturalism in order to gain effect?

Get out there and enjoy the outdoors, take note of the light and all of the incredible beauty it brings to us. Thank you for taking this journey with me and be sure to check J.R. Monks on Facebook to follow my 100 Sky Challenge.

JR Monks

jrmonks.com