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Saturday, November 17, 2012

Month 3, Equalization



Ideally, in a painting that is Equalization as a visual approach, there is no focal point; That the elements are equal in the pattern and the relationships to the whole (ie line, color, value, shape, texture and patterns). So, within the painting, each element is equalized or uniform. So, for instance, if you use the color red as an element, it must be evenly balanced throughout the whole but the red does not have to be tonally equal; ie you can use a red that is different in its general coloring (ie tint, shade, hue or value).  The shapes must be proportionally the same, but there still is variety in the shape (consistency and balance). The shapes will create pattern; texture is the “feel” of it; you can get to texture with brush strokes or by making the shapes/pattern ever smaller.  Keep in mind that the whole painting or area of the painting you are equalizing, reads as one unit.
Jackson Pollock example of equalization
Jackson Pollock’s drip paintings are a perfect example of equalization. Nancy Switzer is a good example for pattern and paint quality; Nancy gets good movement with gradation of color that creates a movement and supports the pattern; She keeps each shape and each color shift unique.Her paintings almost all incorporate equalization as the visual approach.
Vincent Van Gogh example of equalization (texture) as an element
Equalization can also be used as an element within a painting. Van Gogh’s drawings are an excellent reference for equalization within a section. Each section is defined by its texture (which then creates a pattern). When equalization is used as an element the approach is usually about texture and pattern. Texture will have a feel about it and pattern won’t. Think Eduard Vuillard.  Vuillard was about elaborate patterns that were harmonious and usually very flat (local tone; ie the use of three values: light, medium and dark with no obvious light source – think an overcast day). Pierre Bonnard did lots of pattern through layering of paint which created expressive textures.  Gustav Klimt is another who used pattern as an element and did amazing landscapes using equalization as a visual approach.
Eduard Vuillard example of equalization (patterns) as an element
Gustav Klimt example of equalization as visual approach (whole painting)
Next post I will show what I am doing for my project(s) for this month. 

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