Color Training -- Art College Entrance Exam Total Mobilization Series

Author: Zhang Jianming, Li Zhiqiang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-10-01
Features: Color is one of the fundamental courses in college-level art programs and also a mandatory subject in art major entrance exams. The exam typically consists of two types: still-life painting and still-life drawing from memory. Still-life painting is usually done in tempera, making the use of "water" and "powder" extremely important. Generally, water in tempera painting serves to mix, dilute, and clean pigments, while reducing the purity of colors and increasing their brightness primarily through the use of white and other hues. The application of water must be flexible: in bright areas and close-up scenes, less water can be used to create a sense of depth, but the colors should not be too thick, as overly thick layers are prone to peeling. In darker areas and distant scenes, more water can be used, but excessive water may cause the colors to flow and seep into the paper, sometimes resulting in dot-like color particles that reduce color purity. During the painting process, the first layer can have more water, while the second layer should have less. Additionally, adding white to tempera paint can enhance the richness and texture of the artwork, creating diverse color variations. White should not be overused, as too much or too dry white can make the painting appear dull and muddled, creating an unpleasant powdery effect. This is especially true for distant scenes and dark areas with soft transitions, which should be painted transparently and should not use excessive white. Tempera paint contains a certain amount of powder, and when applied to highly absorbent paper, the colors appear darker when wet but lighter and slightly less pure when dry. The more powder in the paint, the greater the variation. Properly using "water" and "powder" in tempera painting can achieve both fluidity and texture in the artwork. Therefore, skillfully applying "water" and "powder" is a crucial aspect of mastering tempera painting techniques.