THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF DUMB DESIGN IDEAS
Here is a dumb design idea. Placing something so that it stands right on the frame, like this tree, is a dumb design idea. The reason why it doesn't work is that it connects the frame and the painting together in an unnatural relationship. The two are merged, rather than the frame sitting separately and marking the picture off from the rest of the world, like an unprincipled journalist, the frame has made itself part of the story.Tangents, or meeting points of lines that draw undo attention to themselves are a known problem, I guess I should do a post on those, but a tangent with the edge of the canvas is an unspeakable horror.
So don't stand trees, little guys, houses or whatever, on the frame. Throw those footlights, the beginning of the picture, out far enough that you don't have this problem. Foregrounds are tricky and the further from your feet yours begins, the easier it will be to make a convincing job of it.
I was going to write on Manet tonight, but folks in the comments urged me to read The Judgement of Paris, about Manet and Meissioner, so I ordered it from Amazon and bought the rush shipping. It is the new book and all of my references are old, so I will get back to you on that soonly.
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12 comments:
Hi Stapleton. I am here lurking around the blog. It's my busiest time of the year with Open studios happening in May and two gallery shows to get work out to. All good. It's nice to have the time to post again.
So yeah... I do like one masterpiece and not another. No surprise, I have an opinion. I'm like a cat when it comes to art..I have my preferences and they have no reason. Hard to please..maybe.? Unlike a loyal hound, I am not full of unconditional approval for every "masterpiece" ever painted. Some of them I turn my nose up and walk away. Not that it matters to anyone except me.
I don't use frames...so I like using this dumb idea a lot. Cats aren't the smartest either.
shockingly enough, tangents are a big problem in comic book lettering, too. i have to put a lot of effort into avoiding them.
It's a great book, I think you'll enjoy it. It really helped me place impressionism with everything else that was going on in France, the whole salon thing, but also some pretty serious wars.
Interesting book Stape - I read it last year. Enjoy!
I think I know what you mean by, "So don't stand trees, little guys, houses or whatever, on the frame."
But would you explain a little more what you mean by:
"Throw those footlights, the beginning of the picture, out far enough that you don't have this problem. Foregrounds are tricky and the further from your feet yours begins, the easier it will be to make a convincing job of it."
Thanks.
I really like those posts on dumd design ideas. Thanks Stape it is really usefull.
marian:
You have risen spendidly like a golden trout above the surface whose scales flash in the sunlight and reflect in the spreading ripples of a sparking stream!
No frames? I'll bet you don't like leather upholstery or Cadillacs either.
......................Stape
Clem;
We will meet on tangents soon saidI, proud neath heated brow.
..................Stape
Jesse;
My reading list is ridiculous now, all I need is another thing to read.
........Stape
Paul;
It should arrive soon, I am so excited.
..................Stape
Jim;
Your question is addressed out front.
...............Stape
Antonin
Thanks, it is a train of thought that I am gradually unfurling, another series of ways to write about art.
.................Stape
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