|
Back, back, back....home run!
All effects can be achieved by studying nature. Your hero, Gerome, was a master at making things go back into atmosphere. The greatest artists translate the effects they observe in nature to create the results they seek. The same mindset can be used to make an ear go back or a mountain go back.
What makes things come forward, in the order importance:
1- Contrast (from full hi-lites to dark accent)
2- Chroma (pureness or intensity of color)
3- Sharpness
4- Color differentiation
Van Dyke did an incredible portrait of a pale skinned women in a white dress with black trim, standing in front of vibrant red and orange drapery. The figure came forward due to her great contrast. The background receded because the values were relatively close.
Conversely to make things go back you employ:
1- Close values (loose accents, then highlights etc.)
2- Neutrality
3- Softness (al the way to blurs)
4- Color similarities
These effects can be used alone or in concert, whatever works.
Note: all things being equal red will come forward and blue will recede. But why make all things equal?
Gerome used these techniques (study what he does, dissect his approach) to create greatly exaggerated atmosphere in small expanses of space. Look at how he makes figures in crowds go back when in reality they are 2 feet apart or less. The general rule is that all values merge into the value and color of the atmosphere. Indoors at night, the atmosphere may get warmer and darker. Outdoors on a sunny day the atmosphere becomes bluer and more neutral.
Remember: the greatest tool at the disposal of the artist is neither brush nor paint, it is the brain.
|