ROBERT FAWCETT'S PATTERN OF LIGHTS AND DARKS

In the 1950s, Robert Fawcett visited the instructors working at the Famous Artists School in Connecticut and talked with them about his method of constructing pictures.  He sketched three examples of how one might depict "a knock at the door":

Original size: 4" x 6"

  

He told the instructors that when designing a picture, it is important to focus on the pattern created by lights and darks.   He suggested that students use a tissue paper overlay to block out the geometric shapes which form the abstract pattern: 

He told the instructors that students should not try to redraw the underlying drawing on their overlays, but rather "outline mechanically" to separate the form from the content. 

He made handwritten notes for the instructors to use:

 

 Among his advice: to keep the pattern lively, use a "quick, nervous, spotty method" when outlining the key shapes:

 

He also urged, "wherever possible, use angular forms and emphasize differences of direction":

 

The materials from this long ago lesson were taped together on an illustration board (along with his separate lesson on creating "interior atmosphere"-- apparently they couldn't spare a separate board.) 

 

Worthwhile advice from a smart artist.