Contrast in Visual Art Techniques

Aug 4, 2024

Fundamental Friday Notes by Tyler Bourne

Introduction

  • Speaker: Tyler Bourne, Lead Concept Artist at Brush Saw Studio
  • Topic: Importance of contrast in visual art

Key Concept: Contrast

  • Enhances visual interest in illustrations, prop designs, character designs, etc.
  • Guides viewer's eye to focal points.
  • Types of contrasts:
    • Value Contrast: Light vs. dark
    • Size Contrast: Big vs. small shapes
    • Hue Contrast: Warm vs. cool colors
    • Saturation Contrast: High vs. low saturation
    • Shape Contrast: Different shapes
    • Direction Contrast: Brushstroke directions
    • Density Contrast: Noise vs. areas of rest
    • Edge Contrast: Hard edges vs. soft edges
    • Texture Contrast: Textured vs. non-textured areas
    • Brushstroke Contrast: Tighter vs. looser brushstrokes

Examples of Contrast

  1. Value Contrast

    • Example by John Sweeney: Focal point is the darkest part next to the lightest.
    • Example by Nick Gindro: Lightest shape next to darkest shape enhances focal point.

  2. Size Contrast

    • Example by M Des Shambo: Small spaceship amidst larger shapes to stand out.
    • Importance of including variations of sizes in illustrations.

  3. Hue Contrast

    • Example by Tyler Edin: Cool colors with warm focal point to draw attention.
    • Example by Simon Stalenhag: Warm colors in a cool palette create focal interest.

  4. Saturation Contrast

    • Example by Aon Zana: Saturated focal point against a desaturated background.
    • Example by M Dble: Saturated fire against a grayscale piece.

  5. Shape Contrast

    • Example by Eton: Square focal point contrasts with rounded organic shapes.
    • Example of man-made vs. natural shapes enhancing visual interest.

  6. Direction Contrast

    • Use of vertical lines in man-made structures versus horizontal shapes in landscapes.
    • Example: Castle stands out among softer, horizontal landscape forms.

  7. Noise vs. Area of Rest

    • Example by Spar: Focus on the ship with less detail in the background.
    • Need for balance: Too much detail everywhere creates chaos.

  8. Hard Edges vs. Soft Edges

    • Example by John Singer Sargent: Strong edges in focal point against soft background edges.
    • Hard edges can guide focus effectively.

  9. Texture Contrast

    • Example by Andreas Rocha: Textured tree as focal point against softer textures in background.
    • Example by Grady Frederick: Detailed building contrasts with smooth background.

  10. Brushwork Contrast

  • Example by John Park: Tighter brushwork in focal point vs. loose brushwork in background.
  • Importance of defining subjects with brushwork.

Conclusion

  • Emphasis on the importance of combining various contrast types.
  • Feedback request for future Fundamental Fridays.
  • Thanks to Tyler Edin and mention of group mentorship on Patreon.