H is for Harmony

#PostcardsfromthePandemic

In these divided times, the idea of harmony, of getting along, of mutual support is on the horizon - but in no way yet a reality. 

However, there is one kind of harmony that I feel I can achieve - color harmony. And its surprisingly easy to to do. 

Before Covid arrived, I regularly taught painting and drawing to young students. One of the ways I helped them achieve beautiful work was by teaching them to limit their palette. The rule was simple - One light color, one bright, one dark and one wild card (color of their choice.)

 I enjoyed watching them sort through boxes of color pencils or markers to make their choices. As they grew in skill and understanding, I enjoyed watching the rules hold as they mixed paints. By limiting colors, and discovering the colors that can be created from only those colors - beautiful blends appear. And the entire piece is more likely to work well as a whole.

Now, teaching only adults, and only via Zoom, I am surprised to discover that my approach to color works as well with these talented and skilled artists.  

The art on this page is composed of only analogous colors (yellow green blue) close friends on the color wheel. This quiet palette keeps the image calm and serene.  The image is drawn with one line.