There are many guidelines for creating a successful painting. Sometimes, it
seems like there are too many. How do I remember them? Do I want to
remember them? The following is one of the two that I choose to remember
above all else.
As a painter who is very much interested in color as means to express an
idea, I love reviewing color theory, and then, planning and deciding my
palette before starting a work. Perhaps I should say that my paintings
start when color comes into my thoughts. With that idea in mind, here is a
simple guideline on the subject of color.
A COMPLEX SUBJECT REQUIRES A LIMITED PALETTE.
In SUMMER'S EVE, there are many shapes & values. If I used an open palette
of colors, I would easily lose my way & focus. The solution was to use a
limited palette. I chose a tetrad of QUINACRIDONE GOLD, PERYLENE MAROON,
ULTRAMARINE BLUE, & SAP GREEN.
Even with this palette, there would be a variety of directions to go.
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