Lessons that I have learned

Over the past 42 years I have had, as a teacher many questions about drawing and painting  I've had to research. The answers to these questions are a combination of my own thoughts, those of fellow teachers and artists, and literature research.
Although there are no absolutes in the world of art, some basic concepts are stepping stones to guide the artist in achieving their own unique art.
I will be posting lessons on Composition, color, linear perspective, techniques and procedures.


Sept. 2013
Edges
An edge is created when two values or colors that are different are placed next to one another.
Edges can be hard or soft. When the values or colors are very different, the edge is hard. When the values or colors are similar, the edge is soft.
In general, soft objects should have soft edges and hard objects should have hard edges.
As an art student, I was told that no more than one third of and edge should be hard. I now teach my students that no more than one tenth of an edge should be hard.
That principle is in the pursuit of painting in a realistic manner.