Art Analysis Ep.1 | Edges

Table of Contents

This week we have the one and only Norman Rockwell as our art analysis guest! The topic we will be focusing on is edges.

Key points mentioned in this article

• Edges break up shapes into a more appealing and interesting design. They almost act like free details that give the piece more visual interest.
• Edges can help with material indication. For example, harder edges indicate harder forms, while softer forms indicate softer objects. Lost edges add atmosphere to a piece.

First, let’s begin by reviewing some basic terms:

Soft edges - smooth transition in value.

Hard edges - quick change in value. They create higher contrast which can be attention-grabbing.

Lost edges - where two or more values are so similar that the edges near the area just disappear (usually happens in shaded areas).

Form Shadows - shadows that are created because the form turns away from the light gradually.

Cast Shadows - shadows that are created because an object is directly blocking the light source from hitting another object, resulting in a shadow being cast over it.

First, let’s take a look at this piece that clearly shows a contrast between hard and soft edges. Observe how the man’s left arm has softer edges that help depict the roundness of his arm while a sharp highlight is used to define the ulna (a bone that you see higher up on his elbow).

Why is the sharp edge there? We will explore this in the next image.

Allow me to bring your attention to the man’s blue vest.

Notice how all of the shadows originate with a sharp edge which then slowly fades out into the rest of the vest. Not only do these edges provide information about the form of the vest (we will cover this again in more detail later), the edges break up the shape into a more appealing and interesting design. They almost act like free details that give the piece more visual interest. Imagine this painting without those sharp edges. The piece would look homogenous and “marshmallow-like.”

Next, let's see how edges can be used to differentiate robust forms from softer ones.

The use of edges in paintings is implemented to define the forms, depending on if the form is more soft or solid. Hard edges are used to describe more rigid forms while softer edges are for softer and squishier forms.

For example, notice the more graphic shapes that are used to describe the form on the face.

Notice how the jawline just below the ear has a clearly defined edge. This hard edge serves to indicate the jawbone, which is a more solid part of the face.

On the other hand, notice how the plane softly changes on the face that doesn’t have as clear or defined edges as the jawbone. This emphasizes the roundness of the face very clearly.

To take this back to the previous image we analyzed, hard edges are used to define harder forms. The bone on the man’s arm is a very hard form that contrasts with the muscle and fat on his arm.

The tree stump is also a great example of how edges are used to describe form.

Notice how the cast shadows all have very sharp edges while form shadows have softer ones. The difference in the edges is what indicates form.

Alternatively, edges can also be used as a tool for achieving a sense of appeal.

For example, the entire piece stands out because the subjects (boy, tree stump, apple etcetera) are outlined with hard edges, so they don’t disperse into the background unlike how softer edges would make them. These edges also give the entire piece a more cheerful mood. When more soft edges are used, and when edges are less clearly defined, pieces achieve a more atmospheric mood. (Check out Rembrandt’s work and you will notice how the lost edges give the piece a sense of mood)

Let’s talk about some other interesting elements in the painting. Notice how Rockwell creatively uses bubbly and rounder shapes to portray the form and texture of the tree stump.

Let’s compare it to an image of an actual tree stump:

Stunning technique, isn’t it?

Now, back to our analysis on edges. In War News, Rockwell uses a variety of edges on his characters.

Take the counterman in white as an example. The hard edge on his right shoulder increases the value contrast and makes the guy pops out even more. This is a great way to attract the reader’s attention to the focal point, the counterman.

The use of soft and hard edges nicely portrays the drapery and form of his apron. Note how most form shadow has soft edges and cast shadow has hard edges.

Looking down, the lost edges in the casting shadow indicate the direction and the intensity of the light source — directly above and intense.

Artists who manipulate edge very well

Frank Frazetta | Steve Houston | Charles Bargue