Exercise: Tonal Study On a Dark Ground.

(1)

(2)

(3)

Notes.
I began this exercise by painting the three backgrounds. I decided to choose the colours, brown, blue and grey. I began sketching in the details in dark acrylic and then began to build up the mid tones, using the background for shadowy areas. I finished the pieces by adding the highlights, and finer details. My first piece  (1) I think is the most successful of the three. I think the combination of accurate shapes create a sense of solidity. And the slightly exaggerated colours using blues in the shadows and warmer tones in the highlights create a strong sense of 3d depth. I tried to use a whole spectrum of colours including blues and yellows and reds, which I think keeps the colours from not feeling too muddy.
(2) was also quite successful. The shadows create an interesting sense of depth and tone. However I feel the effect of the blue is quite overpowering. And If I was to make this piece again I might choose to incorporate some other colours.
I feel like (3) is the least successful of the three paintings. I was trying to see how far I could take simplifying of the shapes. I think it ended up looking rather flat and uninteresting. I think if I was to try this piece again I would try using some purer contrasting colours to give it more appeal and a sense of 3d space.