Flat Tone isn’t an area of shading but rather an area of
single color, almost like a cutout shape of black, grey, red, white, or any
color. The interesting thing is that it
creates the illusion of light and shadow.
Our minds somehow replace the missing information. The shape must be precisely and accurately
drawn to pull off the illusion convincingly but when it is done well, it is
fascinating. A subtly drawn
silhouette can communicate a lot! It's
an optical illusion we are creating. Even the fingers have details that
aren't really there. I see fingers where none are drawn in or defined.
As Mr Spock would say: fascinating.
I love the way this method is used in fashion design
especially with striped fabrics or sold, classic black. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be of great
use in children’s illustration. One of
my favorite stories is Harold and the Purple Crayon. It is Harold who is wearing a singularly flat
outfit but it doesn’t distract from his character at all.
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