Colors by comparison

Color, part of Signs instant downloadable patterns on Etsy

The beauty of color is chiefly recognized by comparison.

By comparison we can see that one blue may be bluer than another, one is perhaps greener, one might be more muted. One blue by itself can only say so much.

Several variations of blue can be a rich experience. Makes you want to study it, appreciate its wonderful qualities, its uniqueness and special beauty.

close up of Bittersweet pattern

That is why when I create something, I like to put these color qualities in them. When I hook a background in a rug design, I like to put variations in color and close color mixtures to create subtle surprises when you look close up.

detail of Hideaway House, instant downloadable pattern on etsy

When I make a flower, I like to use several colors that are related instead of one color.

I notice that I utilize this technique in all of my creative work. As when I mix metals in jewelry making, when I faux finish a piece of furniture with several layers of color, when I spin together fibers to make yarn, when I decorate a room with variations of the same hue.

It is as if colors love to play with other colors.

view of Herbs, instant downloadable pattern on etsy

Allowing each other to be who they truly are without reservation or envy, basking in their individual beauty and the beauty of one another.

I encourage you to bring more color into your life and learn to see color in new ways. For fun, set out a table and bring similar colors together there, and start a color school for your learning. Make a beautiful single (similar) color vignette. Let it be a color still life. See what happens as the colors show you more about themselves. Take your time as you simply look at each variation. And how a color can change because it is glossy or has a matte finish, when it is textured or heather, when it is warm or cool. Assign a mood to your vignette, such as jazzy, serene, carnival, somber, or elating.

Now introduce a single object to the table that is a totally different color. Observe for a time.  Ask yourself – how have the colors changed now? How has the mood changed? What one word describes the mood now?

Keep this exercise going as long as it adds beauty to your day.

My experience has been that when I notice the little details about color, then I learn secrets of how to use color in new ways, and so I become inspired to create.

Have a colorful day ~ Karen

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