Tempera Geometric Paintings Making use of the Scumbling Technique

Planning the Center of Interest The center of interest is an area in the composition that attracts the viewers attention. This could be accomplished by the size, color, position or type of shape used.

Center of Interest A triangle was chosen for the center of interest for this design. A center of interest may be near the center of the paper, but not necessarily dead center.

Tools of the Trade Since we are creating a geometric design it is important to know and use the tools of the trade. Rulers, compasses, french curves and templates will help you create the shape you desire.

Pattern You need to create a minimum of four patterns to include in this design. These could include stripes, dots, checks, zigzag, and many others.

Patterns Use the patterns and shapes you add to led the viewers eyes in towards the center of interest.

Tempera This design will be painted in tempera paint. Tempera is a water base paint that we consider to be opaque. Meaning that the paint is thick and covers a pencil mark.

Balance You need to plan your use of color as carefully as you plan your design. Balance your colors throughout the design. Balancing color also saves on trips to the sink to clean your water and brush.

Contrast Contrast is the differences in color values, textures, shapes and other elements. High contrast is exciting, while low contrast can be monotonous.

High Contrast = Excitement Use high contrast, light colors against dark colors. Keep the edges of your shapes sharp by painting the outside with smooth strokes first, then fill in the space.

Technique Pace your brush on the paper so that the hairs flatten out, then drag the brush hairs along the side of your shape. You can use shorter quick strokes to fill in.

Technique Notice that each color has been repeated and balanced. This saves times, if you changed colors after every shape it would take a long time to finish such a complex design.

Scumbling Scumbling is a technique used to blend paints. This work particularly well with water base paints. Begin by painting the two colors (green/white) up to the edge of each other.

Scumbling Now with clear water and a clean brush start blending the darker color onto the lighter. To get the desired affect you might need to blend back the opposite way.

Scumbling As you work the clear water across the blending area use smooth strokes. You may have to clean your water and brush if it gets dirty. Don’t over work the area.

Scumbling In this example you can see the blending occurring on one side, black graying into the white. The opposite edge has been left sharp.

Example