I jumped right into the color theory work pretty quickly, and now I’m doing some pretty simplistic exercises, and for what? Why exactly am I doing these? And why am I sharing them with you? Fair questions.
Well, I have a few goals in mind:
1. I do already know the basics, but I want to becoming truly proficient with color.
2. I want a project that will compel me to “practice” and to create art daily. You wouldn’t think I need that, but for some reason, I have trouble getting started. Once I start though, I could paint for days!
3. I’m sharing these with you so that you too can add color knowledge to you own work, whether it is painting, sewing, interior design, anything really. You know that gift you’re making for your third cousin’s mother-in-law’s best-est friend? Wouldn’t it be awesome to just intuitively pick the right colors to go with the afghan that’s draped over the recliner? Instead of standing in front of the colors at the art supply store for hours and either buying nothing or 20 shades of green for trial and error? (Yes, it would!)
Some secondary hope and wishes:
1. I want to get back the painting skills I that I know I have tucked away in my brain and muscle memory. It’s tough to look at old paintings when I’m struggling now.
2. I want to learn to write better.
3. I like the idea of someone else doing this with me. I don’t know many artists in my area, so a virtual classmate or two would be cool. Plus, I would love any input you want to give!
4. When I *really* learn how to internalize this color stuff with precision, I want to teach others.
I believe that color knowledge is important for creative folks of all kinds. Even when you use very limited color, I think you should be aware and purposeful in what you do. Do I think you’re going to sit down (outside these exercises!) to paint a monochromatic painting? Nope. Instead, I’m hoping that you (and hopefully me too!) will sit down, assess your subject matter, the mood you want to create, and intuitively draw on the color theory knowledge you’ve learned. You may choose to use only one color because of what it can create for you, but I doubt you’ll call it “monochromatic” until you have to write about it or describe it to someone. You may be able to do this to some extent now – that’s where I think I am. But, I want to be so much better.
Finally, one big selfish reason is that I *heart* well done color! The more folks that can do it well, the more good there is to see.
