As fall approaches, and we are facing a crescendo of rich, vibrant, warm colors, and then a lapse into a period of bland, cool, muddled colors. I thought we should celebrate color, and its influence through painting, and perception by the viewer.
For the Impressionist painters, the creation of color takes place in the eye of the observer. A simple example, red and blue daubs or dots placed side by side and interspersed, looks, from a distance like purple. Our eyes mix the colors for us. Interestingly, though, people perceive color similarly but not in exactly the same way. There are also, studies that suggest color is not interpreted in the eye at all, but actually interpreted through our brains. Several ancient cultures, including the Egyptians and Chinese, practiced something called chromotherapy-using colors to heal. It is still used as a holistic or alternative treatment. However, most psychologists are skeptical to its effects, and point out the mood altering effects of color are temporary.
Today’s painting is on a larger canvas then I have been using-it definitely challenged me today. Not sure I will do that again so soon!
Best,
Valerie
A man’s character always takes its hue, more or less, from the form and color of things about him.~
You are the wind beneath my wings!