Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Exploration

 In Bill Kerr's color class we did a couple of "explorations" (he said his publishers don't like to use the word exercise because people don't like to exercise.  I actually do like to exercise, but oh well :)
In the first exploration he handed out a copy of a painting to each of us.  There were several different paintings - they weren't all the same, so that made it more fun.  The painting I received is called Wedding Portrait by Jan Van Eyck, 1434.
Our first task was to list the words that came to mind while looking at the painting.  Then we were to map the painting's palette by placing dots on the color wheel. Third, we were to note the approximate percentages of each color, and finally using fabric swatches in the right proportion we were to represent the colors shown in the painting.  It was a great exercise.  It really made me focus on the color in the painting, and what color there was less of (like the bright blue) but that stood out or really popped.  The palette kind of reminded me of a Jinny Beyer quilt I made years ago and have since given away.
 My exercise is the photo above.  We all placed ours on the floor and Bill went over each of them, pointing out many things I hadn't noticed.

A couple of notes I jotted down:
1. Use color to express meaning
2. Color and Structure - avoid the eye magnet, the one thing that pops out TOO much.
3. He doesn't like to use metallic prints because the metallic is just painted on the surface and after a couple of years it won't look as good.
4. White on white does not wear well either.
5. Color and Proportion - what do you want people to notice?
6. Use reproduction fabrics in modern quilts.
7. Tiny bits of a golden color makes for glow.
8. Color and Edge
9.  Color can be representative not literal.
10.  Editing is the key to all quilts.
11.  To make brights brighter, add a drab color like gray or taupe.

In this picture you can see a few of the other paintings and the fabric swatches chosen by different class members.
An enjoyable, well spent day, in which I learned a lot!

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