Summary:
This paper discusses the composition of light and shadow in the creation of oil painting and the deconstruction of the picture, and deeply discusses the importance and value of light and shadow in the creation of oil painting, as well as the theoretical and practical significance of the composition of light and shadow through the theoretical and practical research of light and shadow. This paper analyzes the role of light and shadow in oil painting, such as highlighting the key points of the picture and creating atmosphere, and discusses the diversity and artistic expression of light and shadow composition in combination with optics, visual psychology and other disciplines.
I. Introduction
Light and shadow have always played a vital role in artistic creation, which is not only a basic element in visual art, but also one of the key means for artists to express emotions and construct artistic conceptions. Especially in the field of oil painting, the use of light and shadow has reached the extreme, through the accurate grasp and use of light and shadow, the artist can create a rich sense of space, emotional expression and theme conception in the picture, making the work more vivid, full of tension and appeal.
With the continuous development of science and technology and the promotion of artistic innovation, the research and exploration of light and shadow in oil painting has become one of the hot spots in the field of contemporary art. The continuation of traditional oil painting techniques and the integration of modern technology make the expression of light and shadow more rich and diverse, and artists have greater imagination and creative possibilities in their creation. Therefore, it is of great theoretical and practical significance to deeply explore the composition form of light and shadow in the creation of oil painting and the deconstruction of the picture to promote the development of oil painting art, enrich the artistic language, and enhance the artistic expression.
II. The Significance and Role of Light and Shadow in Oil Painting
A. The visual effect of light and shadow on the picture
The role of light and shadow in oil painting is not only limited to simple lighting effects, but also creates colorful visual effects through the accurate grasp and use of light, thereby enhancing the artistic appeal and expressiveness of the picture.
1. Three-dimensional sense and spatial depth creation
Light and shadow are one of the important means to create a three-dimensional sense and spatial depth of a picture. In oil painting, through the precise treatment of light and shadow, the artist can simulate the unevenness, distance and nearness of the surface of the object, making the picture present a more realistic sense of three-dimensionality and depth. For example, when the light is obliquely applied to the surface of the object, the resulting chiaroscuro can clearly outline the contours and shapes of the object, making the object more vivid and jump on the picture, while in the long view, the change of light and shadow creates a sense of distance and distance, enhancing the spatial depth of the picture, making the viewer feel as if they are in the middle of it, and produce an immersive feeling.
2. Texture and detail
Light and shadow also play an expressive role in oil painting to highlight textures and details. Through the grasp and use of light, the artist can accurately show the texture and subtle changes of the surface of the object, making the picture more colorful and vivid. For example, when light hits a rough surface from the side, it will form a light and dark texture, and through the expression of light and shadow, the undulation and texture of the surface of the object can be clearly displayed, so that the viewer can feel the texture and reality of the object. At the same time, in the processing of details, light and shadow can also help artists highlight important details in the picture, guide the viewer's sight, enhance the layering and expressiveness of the picture, and make the picture more attractive and engaging.
B. The shaping of emotions and artistic conception by light and shadow
Light and shadow not only play an important role in visual effects, but also have an irreplaceable position in emotional expression and theme artistic conception. Through the skillful use of light and shadow, artists can create a variety of emotional atmospheres and thematic moods, making their works more connotative and expressive.
1. Mood and atmosphere creation
Light and shadow are often used in oil painting to create different moods and atmospheres. Through the choice of intensity, direction and color of light, the artist can express the emotional state to be expressed in the picture, thus evoking empathy and emotional resonance in the viewer. For example, soft light and warm tones are often used to convey a warm, tranquil atmosphere, making the viewer feel a sense of comfort and serenity, while strong light and bright colors are often used to express tension and intense emotions, making the viewer feel a sense of tension and excitement. Through the skillful use of light and shadow, the artist can emotionally resonate with the viewer, making the work more infectious and expressive.
2. Theme expression and symbolism
Light and shadow are also often used in oil painting to express the artistic conception and symbolism of the theme. Through the selection and use of light, the artist can highlight the key points and themes in the picture, making it easier for the viewer to understand the meaning and connotation of the work. For example, soft light is often used to express the theme of harmony and tranquility, which makes the viewer feel a sense of harmony and beauty, while strong light is often used to express the theme of conflict and challenge, which makes the viewer feel a sense of tension and challenge. Through the use of light and shadow, artists can make their works more symbolic and connotative, arouse the viewer's thinking and resonance, and achieve the unity of art and concept.
III. The basic elements of the form of light and shadow
A. Angle and intensity of light
The angle and intensity of light is one of the important factors affecting the effect of light and shadow. Different angles of light hit the surface of an object, creating different chiaroscuro and light and shadow effects. For example, when light hits the surface of an object vertically, it produces fewer shadows and the surface of the object appears flatter and brighter, while when light hits the surface of the object obliquely, it produces more shadows, making the outline of the object clearer and the three-dimensional effect more prominent. At the same time, the intensity of the light also affects the brightness and darkness of the light and shadow effects, with shadows being more pronounced in bright light and softer shadows in low light.
B. Shape and position of shadows
The shape and position of the shadow directly affect the three-dimensional and spatial sense of the picture. In oil painting, the artist needs to accurately grasp the form and position of the object, as well as the angle and intensity of the light, so as to create a realistic shadow effect. For example, when light hits the surface of an object from the side, it creates sharp shadows that take on different shapes depending on the shape and contours of the object, such as sharp edges and soft gradients. In addition, the position of the shadow also needs to be in harmony with the position of the object and the surrounding environment, so that the picture is more harmonious and unified.
C. Chiaroscuro of colors
The contrast between light and dark in color is a crucial part of the light and shadow effect. In the creation of oil paintings, the artist uses and blends colors to express the changes in light and shade and the texture of objects. For example, when light hits the surface of an object, it will produce a contrast of bright and dull colors, and through the change of light and shade of color, the artist can accurately express the light and shadow effect on the surface of the object, making the picture more vivid and three-dimensional. At the same time, the chiaroscuro of color can also help the artist highlight the key points and themes in the picture, guide the viewer's gaze, and enhance the expressiveness and appeal of the picture.
D. Effect of reflection and refraction
Reflection and refraction effects are one of the important components of light and shadow effects. In oil painting, the artist needs to accurately grasp the reflection and refraction of light on the surface of the object, as well as the interaction with the surrounding environment, so as to create realistic light and shadow effects. For example, when light hits glass or water, it produces bright reflected light, and through the expression of reflected light, the artist can express the smoothness and transparency of the surface of the object, making the picture more three-dimensional and realistic. At the same time, the refractive effect will also affect the propagation of light and the change of color, and the artist needs to accurately grasp the propagation law of light in different media, as well as the influence on color, so as to make the work more artistically expressive and appealing.
IV. Use light and shadow to reconstruct points, lines, and surfaces in the picture
A. Light and shadow representation of points
The relationship between the light and dark of the point and the effect of the light source: In oil painting, the relationship between the light and dark of the point is affected by the angle and intensity of the light source. The direct light source on the point creates a highlight, the brightest part, and the part away from the light source creates a shadow. By adjusting the position and intensity of the light source, the artist can control the relationship between light and dark at the points, creating rich light and shadow effects.
Highlight and shadow handling of points: Highlights are the brightest part of a point, usually located in areas where the light source is direct, reflecting the direct exposure of light. In oil painting, by increasing the brightness and contrast of colors, highlighting the highlights of the points, you can make the picture more vivid and three-dimensional. At the same time, the shadow part reflects the area where the light cannot be directly hit, and the three-dimensional sense and texture of the point can be enhanced by reasonably handling the light and shade and gradient of the shadow.
B. Light and shadow representation of lines
Light and dark changes of lines and contour shaping: In oil painting, the light and dark changes of lines are used to shape the contours and forms of objects through light and shadow effects. Light shining on the line will form changes in light and shade, such as highlights, intermediate colors and shadows, and through the rational use of color and lightness changes, the line can be made more three-dimensional and tangible. At the same time, the depth and realism of the picture can be enhanced by delicately processing the light and dark changes of the lines.
Light Direction and Shadow Effect of Lines: The light direction and shadow effect of lines directly affect the realism and three-dimensionality of the picture. When the light hits the line obliquely, it creates a clear shadow that accentuates the outline and shape of the line, while when the light hits the line vertically, the shadow is relatively reduced, and the shape of the line is flatter and brighter. The artist can reasonably adjust the direction and intensity of the light according to the needs of the picture to express the light and shadow effect of the lines.
C. Light and shadow representation of faces
Light and shadow transitions and layering of planes: In oil painting, the light and shadow transitions of surfaces are expressed through gradients of color and lightness. The light will change the light and shade on the surface, and the artist can express the light and shadow transition and layering of the surface by adjusting the change of color and lightness. For example, when painting a portrait of a person, the face can be made more three-dimensional and vivid by treating light and shadow on different parts of the face.
Treatment of surface texture and the relationship between light and shadow: Surface texture is one of the characteristics of the surface, which has an important impact on the effect of light and shadow. Different surface textures reflect and refract light differently, which affects the overall light and shadow effect of the picture. For example, a rough surface texture creates strong diffuse reflections that soften light and shadow, while a smooth surface texture produces bright highlights and sharp shadows that make the image more three-dimensional and realistic.
V. The role and application of black, white and gray in the composition of light and shadow
A. The expression of black in light and shadow
Contrast and Emphasis on Black: In oil painting, black is often used to enhance the contrast of the picture. The black color contrasts strongly with the surrounding colors, making the other elements in the picture stand out and be more distinct. By skillfully using the contrast effect of black, the artist can direct the viewer's gaze, highlight the important elements in the picture, and enhance the visual impact and expressiveness of the work.
The Depth and Mystery of Black: Black is often seen as a deep, mysterious color, and can be used in oil painting to express the depth and mystery of the picture. By adding black elements to the picture, the artist can create an atmosphere of mystery and unpredictability, triggering the viewer's associations and imaginations. The deep effect of black can also enhance the three-dimensional sense of the picture, making the work more vivid and tense.
B. The expression of white in light and shadow
Brightness and purity of white: White is a bright color commonly used in oil painting to make the picture brighter and clearer. The bright white effect can highlight the intensity and direction of the light source, and enhance the light and shadow effect and three-dimensional sense of the picture. At the same time, white also has a sense of purity, which can make the work more fresh and elegant.
White Highlights and Reflections: In oil painting, white is often used to highlight and reflect objects. Lighting directly on a white object creates a bright highlight, and reflected light makes the white part brighter and more vibrant. By making reasonable use of white highlights and reflections, artists can enhance the three-dimensional and realistic sense of the picture, making the work more attractive and appealing.
C. Transition and harmony of gray in light and shadow
Gray Midtones and Transitional Colors: Gray is often used in oil painting to express the midtones and transitional colors of objects. Gray is neither as dull as black nor as bright as white, but is somewhere in between. Through the gray midtones, the artist can achieve transitions and gradients of colors in the picture, making the color gradation richer and smoother.
Gray gradient and layering: The gray gradient effect can make the picture more three-dimensional and deep. In oil painting, through the gradient of gray, the artist can express the three-dimensional sense and texture of the object, making the work more realistic and spatial. At the same time, gray can also be used to reconcile the contrast of different colors in the picture, making the work more harmonious and unified.
VI. Conclusion
As the core elements in the creation of oil painting, light and shadow have irreplaceable importance and rich artistic value. Through the precise capture and expression of light and shadow, the artist is able to create a dynamic and three-dimensional picture, making the work more vivid, tense and appealing. Light and shadow can not only highlight important elements in the picture and enhance the visual effect, but also create a specific mood and atmosphere that resonates and thinks for the viewer. Therefore, light and shadow play an indispensable role in the creation of oil painting, and have important value and significance for enhancing the artistic expression and appeal of the work.
Author: Lu Xilin
Bibliography:
Belting, H. (2018). Florence and Baghdad: Renaissance Art and Arab Science. Belknap Press.
Fehr, M. (2019). The Art of Light and Shadow: A Guide for Oil Painters. North Light Books.
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