Understanding The Elements of Light: Contrast, Qualities, and Mysteries

In order to apply color, one needs to be able to perceive and understand how light falls onto and affects an object, the space around the object, and how light is affected by the distance between the observer and the object.

Maine Nocturne 48x36 Oil Opus 1 2024

In understanding how light falls onto an object, a plein air artist can select to focus on one or more of the elements of light to express their idea. In natural impressionistic work, one can see captured an overall ambiance of light and movement of air as if charged particles of color are quivering throughout the canvas. The natural impressionists focused on the science of painting aerial and ambient light while the post-impressionist focused on the feel of color.

Light is a natural agent that stimulates our sight. An impressionist will perceive and sense the light, while a scientist will see and study the light. Yet an impressionist needs to do both. What I have listed here are Eight Elements of Light composed of 3 categories see posts.

https://www.dmitriwright.com/post/the-1st-category-of-the-8-elements-of-light-the-contrast-of-light

https://www.dmitriwright.com/post/the-quality-of-light-the-2nd-category-of-light

https://www.dmitriwright.com/post/the-mystery-of-light-the-3rd-category-of-light