High Score Password Sketch Series: Still Life

Author: Shi Youpeng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-11-01
Features: The shadows and highlights of still-life sketches are richer than those of plaster sculptures. Therefore, when applying shadows and highlights, consider the texture and tone of the objects. It is required to start with the main subject or objects with large areas of dark tones. First, draw the interface between light and shadow for each object. The dark parts of the objects and the shadows should be painted together, and the background should not be separated from the objects. Some candidates often paint the shadows and highlights of the objects first and then add the background, which often makes the composition look stiff. During the initial stage of laying out the overall composition, it is essential to establish the relationship between the main and secondary subjects, as well as between the objects and the background. When applying lines, interweave lines between the objects, background, and shadows while paying attention to the balance of light and shadow. After the overall composition and major relationships are determined, based on the variations in the main tone of shadows and highlights (bright, gray, dark areas, reflections, and shadows), deeply depict the changes in the shadows and highlights of each object (usually starting with the main subject) to enhance the relationships of texture, volume, and other aspects. Different objects should be treated differently. For example, when painting colored bottles and jars, use multiple layers of lines to achieve the desired tone, making the composition lively and highlighting the texture. For ceramic jars and porcelain bottles, treat them accordingly. Porcelain bottles have more reflections, prominent highlights, a hard texture, and weaker contrast between the shadow interface, gray areas, and bright areas, so the combination of lines does not need to be as regular as when painting porcelain.