LANDSCAPE SILHOUETTES, THE SPOTLIGHT EFFECT

 "Silhouette 1"   11 X 14,  Lori LaBerge  2016

The first of a grouping of landscape silhouettes was worked on this week. These were developed from both plein air work and from sculptural pieces. Plein air has led to the rug hooked sections of light and dark. In the sculptural work I had used industrial felt and loose threads and this is carrying over into wall pieces 

The white threads are on the top sections and the black threads on bottom. While black threads are seen hanging off the bottom of the piece they are more hidden on the piece itself. They are seen clearly when the viewer approaches the work. The plan right now is to create a grouping of 10 to be hung together. 

"Intersection"  design,  Lori LaBerge  2016

While on the ride home from Vermont, we stopped on a bridge which looked down on a crossroad. The lighting was creating a spotlight effect on the roadway and surrounding area.  This piece developed from that scene. The outer areas are darker and progress to lighter with the focus area being the lightest. I also added a metal bar to the left side which balances the work.

Having been a psychology major as well as studying art I find the spotlight effect interesting. In psychology it refers to one thinking they are being noticed more than they actually are. In these pieces something is spotlighted that we usually pass right by and don't give much thought to.

"Watercourse" in design phase,  Lori LaBerge  2016

This piece was developed from a round drain on the road which had light shining on it. The same spotlight effect used on the piece described above was used here. There will be more contrast between light and dark on the actual work to bring out the brightness of the focus area.

Art Exercise-

Try to find areas that are spotlighted, whether by interior lighting or exterior lighting. How does this affect the color of the object and the surrounding areas?

A special thank you to all for the sympathy calls and cards received upon my mother's death.  I have been off my game and a bit unfocused.  I am now finding my way back to where she would want me to be.