Creative freedom cannot exist without creative control.
Practice
Copy a photo of an object which exhibits curves (flora, cloth, hair, …)
Copy a photo of an object consisting of particles (smoke, clouds, fog, …)
Render a scene which emphasizes curves and particles
Generality
Having already worked through several specific rendering procedures, we arrive at the following general pattern for both copying and imagining. Failure to do this may still result in a pleasant image, but you will likely avoid actually grasping the essence of the concept(s) you are working with (curves and particles in this case).
Plan your object to be rendered in a simplified manner in which the design emphasizes a particular artistic concept
Apply value consistently, consciously alternating between top-down and bottom-up as appropriate to develop forms in relation to the concept
If you are struggling, first render basic forms in isolation separately, focusing in particular on understanding the concept
Curves
Consider the following when working with curves
Roundness: The quality of conforming to the translation of a circle which facilitates an easiness through space as opposed to a bend which increases tension
Turning Point: The point at which a curve changes direction, which can be repositioned at will for affect or to correct when analyzing proportion
Velocity: The relationship between distance and directional change of a curve, often considered to be the foundation of constructing form with “style”
Particles
Consider the following when rendering particles
Density: The compactness of the particles in the accumulation which determines whether light scatters into an occlusion-like scenario (thick clouds) or simply catches the edges (thin smoke)
Movement: The feeling of the way the particles move through space with respect to forces acting the accumulation in the environment
Aside
You’ve made it through an intense three weeks to synthesize classical and modern approaches to rendering! Consider yourself among a niche of qualified craftsmen in art. Respect!