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Enhancing the Form

November 26, 2018
By Richard Robinson
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Simplifying form is one of the core skills of painting. As children we over-simplify forms, but as adult painters we tend to want to over-complicate them, adding in every little detail.

That's not necessary to convey a realistic impression of an object and in fact a slightly simpler rendering can often be more compelling for the viewer since it leaves room for their minds to fill in the details - to connect the dots. Our brains love that!

Simplifying reflections in shiny objects can help strengthen a form and make it easier to read. Remember that one next time you have something shiny to paint.

Learn more about painting still lifes in Painting Workshops 2.

 

Happy Painting!

Richard