Composition, Color, & Contrast

"Bobber Stare Down" - (4/6)

Author: Larry Seiler, Contributing Editor

Many years ago, I was standing in line at a fast food restaurant. The day was muggy and hot, and people's bodies were sweaty. I catch myself, (but usually not soon enough), intrigued and a prisoner of my eyes enthralled and staring at the play of light and color, and a few times have had to apologize and explain myself to others. On this particular day, I noticed that various colors of this woman's top was reflecting on the lower side of her jaw line and cheek. I made it a habit from there on when looking at the works of masters to see how many employed that understanding with pigment, and was amazed. From there on, wherever possible I pull any hint of color I can and apply it. Again...skin typically is moist.

Note how the cheek of my son here reflects the bright effect of the sun on the top portion of the life jacquet. It is not only moist skin that reflects, but areas of clothing. Next look at how the folds of the sweatshirt are reflecting the effects of sun on the life preserver.

All these devices work together to suggest form and volume to masses. To put the subject into the context of a real space and existence. See how I reflect the preserver's color off his hand poised above the fishing reel. Also look at the effects of this property of reflecting color on the fishing reel itself.

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