Rembrandt light

[Celeste McCall]

Hi again,
This website is interesting when it says the following:

"To create his greatest effects, Rembrandt ignored the usual way of painting with the light coming from outside the picture, and painted as if the source of the light was from within objects themselves. Once he started this mental origin of light, it became imperative to change the composition to show how the light he was painting could be used to best advantage."

Here is the website to read more:

http://www.guidancecom.com/alphabet/value.htm

Now this brings up a question. Why is it that dark paintings with a small light source will draw the eye more than a light painting with a small dark value on it?

[Henry Wienhold]

This is interesting, Celeste you ask, why a dark painting with a small light source will draw the eye more than a light painting with a small dark
value on it?

Maybe the answer is a psychological one. I think when people are in darkness they will obviously look for a light source. Light represents life, hope and contentment, also light represents a way to safety and a way out. When one is in darkness physically or psychologically they naturally look for light, a way to escape the darkness.

Darkness represents fear, mystery and the unknown. People tend to avoid the dark. I think extreme dark represents a void, so naturally we are attracted to light rather than the dark. Colors, light or dark in value and intensity have a profound effect on people, consciously and subconsciously.

Then again the answer could be even easier than what I have just described. Light is just simply beautiful.

[Celeste McCall]

Dear Henry,
Thank you for the reply. I feel the same as you on that.

You used the word 'void' and also that the light may appear as a way out. I agree.

Could this also provide more depth perception because of the unknown? I'm just trying to figure this out, because I am a big fan of dark paintings with a light source like the portraits of Rembrandt and currently David Leffel. But I'm wondering why this draws the eye more than the lighter paintings.

Again, thanks for your input. I can always depend on the artists here on SOG to provide an excellent source of knowledge.