Discussion: Contrast

Contrast refers to the arrangement of opposite elements in a painting. It can be used to create variety, visual interest, ambiguity and drama in an artwork.
A painting that plays with contrasts might juxtapose light and dark tones, warm and cool colours, smooth and rough textures, large and small shapes.
Watch the videos and read the texts below and think about the contrasts that might be worked into a painting. How can the meaning or story within an artwork suggest contrasts to use in a composition? How can contrast create mood or emotion? As a painter do you use contrast in your work and if so how?
Note that a selection of historical and contemporary examples of contrast in paintings will be sent out to attendees the day before we meet. Please bring a means of viewing the images with you to the discussion (printouts, a tablet or smartphone)
You might also like to bring along any painters or paintings that inspire you with their use of contrast and any prints or photos of your own paintings where you have brought contrast into the design or subject matter.
Introductory videos
https://youtu.be/ocuFrOD1qEc?feature=shared 15min 50s Contrasts in Composition
https://youtu.be/FpLxzzxZZ8Y?feature=shared 3:41 About colour contrast
Videos on painting technique
https://youtu.be/gmRRCmboL2Q?feature=shared 7:52 An artist demonstrating how contrast and tension improve your painting
https://youtu.be/2Hk5-gUeysw?feature=shared 8:06 How to paint over a red priming
Videos on how contrast conveys meaning
https://youtu.be/auLrnPc5n1U?feature=shared 10:41 How juxtaposition conveys meaning. A presentation by an art tutor to his students. The most interesting part is from 2 mins 50s up to 9 mins 30s.
If you have time take a look at these websites as well:
https://www.virtualartacademy.com/contrast-in-art/ 10 types of contrast artists can use in a painting
https://drawpaintacademy.com/compressed-values/ On contrast of colour
https://drawpaintacademy.com/7-tips-for-high-contrast-paintings/ How to create high contrast paintings
https://www.theportraitplace.co.uk/artcolcontrast.php One artist's view on the value of contrast in creating interest in a painting