Basics: Using thumbnails

The principle of thumbnails, as used in our class, is to simplify a painting or a photo or something from life down to its' basic elements: line, shape/pattern, depth (using line), and spatial effect (using tone - with or without outlined shapes). This helps us deconstruct an image so we can se the elements clearly. Then we can use this information in our own work. In other words this process helps us to see what is in front of us. 

In the example below, it can also help us to try to uncover some of the decisions the artist made about, e.g. composition, light, shape, pattern. See below for an example. First is the original painting then there are the four thumbnail "deconstructions":