One favourite exercise was to select a painting by a modern master and reproduce the image in complementary colours to the original. The tones and tints must remain the same however. This made the student really analyze the original and really SEE the colour...not as a simple red for instance. But a medium toned reddish green perhaps. The opposite would be a medium toned greenish red. The results were quite wonderful and taught the student more than colour theory in that they became aware that amazing colour contrasts can be achieved with more subtle forms of a given hue. As a corollary, they also discovered that the colour palette of the original was carefully selected to achieve the artists' intent. Here are some examples from a highschool class:
You may recognize some of these ...the top left a Matisse interior, left middle top Picasso portrait and the far right Van Goghs chair. The contemporary yellow blue face is an artist whose name escapes me.
I offer similar exercises in fabric where a limited palette of only two colours in all their permutations plus black and white, results in a rich exploration of ALL the possibilities within the parameters.
So for people like me whose eyes glaze over at the mention of theory, this kind of alternate method of hands on discovery may be just the ticket!
2 comments:
hi pamela, thanks for an interesting and instructive post. you make some significant points. One is that you reference accepted color theory origins, with Itten. Much of what a non-trained artist, particularly a quilt art creator is exposed to is a watered down version of color theory with no link to the body of knowledge, developed over a great deal of time, and used by artists for centuries. as a fiber artist who started with quilts and the wonderful world of quilters, I find I crave more knowledge, and ways to apply it. I particularly liked the color exercise you described. I find it challenging to come up with ways to learn to see, and to apply the theory I am learning. Being able to see the subtle hues in fine art is an eye opener for me. Then to attempt to create a similar composition as a known masterpiece of art, with a reversal of colors would be a very instructive exercise, and as you say, much more interesting than just reading theory about color. this exercise puts color theory into action! When you, or other artists, put into words what is happening before my eyes, it is magical for me, and helps me grow as an artist. Seeing the revered fine artists use a wide variety of values, shades, and tints of pure color is inspiring to me for my own work. thank you for taking the time to write this and to have the visual illustrations. Your teaching skills are excellent. Rosemary
I have learned to trust my instincts with respect to colour after many years of playing with fabric. Now I what to apply theory & academics to it so I can verbalize my choices. I plan on doing Itten's studies & David Hornung's workshop book in the new year.
Maggie
Post a Comment