How to Get Perspective When Making Art
A problem that I have when working in my small home studio is that I am very close to my art work. When working in a small space, sometimes it’s difficult to move back from your art work to evaluate placement of colors and values. Either sitting at my work table or standing in front of my easel, there just is not enough space to continually step back a good distance to view my art with a more critical eye. The problem is that when I am up close to my art work everything always looks beautiful and right! (smile)
I really want to share what I have recently read, and now practice a technique that helps me when working in a small area. I use a few simple tools that you might have around your home, too, to gain distance from my art.
1. I use either a camera or the camera on my phone to snap pictures to review them on a smaller scale.
2. Here's an interesting idea: use a door peephole! I love this idea! This is the kind you would put in your front door. Hold it up to your eye and look through it. It immediately gives you that smaller view you need to evaluate your art work. The peephole is so small and easy to carry in your art tool box. You can purchase these at your local hardware store.
3. I also like to use a mirror. A simple makeup mirror will do. Hold it in your hand and look at the deisgn over your shoulder. This will give you that visual distance between yourself and your art work.
4. And finally, my very favorite tool to use is a reducing glass. You simply hold it up, and view your art work through the reducing glass. You are then able to see which areas need some work, and that everything is flowing and coming together nicely. A reducing glass is just the opposite of a magnifying glass. You can purchase these at your local art store or order one on line.
Go Make Art!
