That’s what I’m here to do. This is what’s getting drilled into us. We’re here to make good pictures, but it’s not that simple.
I’m just going to write about some lessons I’ve learnt thus far, in no particular order. I don’t even really know where to start so maybe I’ll start with what we’re doing now. Our first assignment.
The aim is to focus on shapes and composition to make a nice looking picture (without narrative). It has to be a square and we’re only allowed to use 1 or 2 values (max 30% diff) for each ‘object’. It’s a slice of life project, based on something here in Kansas City.
And here are my 2 best thumbnails thus far (chosen by John English), although the guy with the wheelbarrow was a distinct favourite; and when I drew it I knew I was onto something:

One thing I’ve realised while doing thumbnails is that to make things pop (really emphasise a silhouette – it’s all about silhouette) you can define shapes with other shapes, but they need to have different values. For example, you put a light figure in front of a shadowed wall, or dark figure against a light sky etc. This is seen throughout master painters’ work, and it’s probably something you’ve even heard before.
It also involves simplifying. A great deal of simplification. You need to eliminate unnecessary elements from a picture to really focus on the point, or the important subject matter.
There are 2 ways to make pictures; having no light source and using pattern/shapes to define everything, or using light to draw form. Defining all your shapes by how they interact with the light.
Anyway, I’m crazybusy with this project but will attempt to keep posting.