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Color question
Karin, I have a couple of questions I think you can help me with. I have been studying this post of Rubens as I'm working on my first underpainting. I think I'm getting it! But . . . could you explain 5 and 6 in a bit more detail. .
"5. Deep Shadow (cast shadow at the origin) is hot. Darkest value, hottest color paint.
6. Reflected light within a shadow is as close to pure color as you can make it. The reflected light should match the value of the shadow and it can be either warm or cool in color.
I like to make reflected light by mixing two color opposites (i.e., red/green, purple/yellow) to neutralize each (can look like mud). Add enough white to this mixture to match the value of the shadow (and sometimes a touch of blue in addition)."
How do you get that 'hot' color besides just using red? How does it look like Rubens did it here?
I understand how reflected light within a shadow is close to pure color, but could you explain why you mix two color opposites? Is it because two color opposites give you some 'movement', some excitement/light in the reflected shadow? This makes me think of some of the Van Gogh's I saw at the VG Museum, for example green and red to create movement. Is this the same principle you're using?
Thank you!
Joan
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