VALUE versus COLOR

Quite a few years ago I came across information in the book, "Color and Fiber" that translates to:

"The first visual response is to value contrasts rather than to colors."

Colors have "local" meanings depending upon the culture (see end of this post for examples) whereas the relationship of values (lightness/darkness) is a universal language of moods to which each of us responds.

The full mooned Halloween small quilt is one of six pieces that I made up to more fully comprehend this theory. Each features the same composition. The consideration for my choosing the fabrics was according to value organizations for strong OR weak contrasts.

STRONG CONTRASTS

light values dominating = positive, stimulating, happy

medium values dominating = strong, direct, rich, open

dark values dominating = mysterious, dramatic, dignified, somber

WEAK CONTRASTS

light values = delicate, atmospheric, serene

medium values = surreal, mystery, fantasy

dark values = somber, depressed, brooding

For these reasons, understanding value and their relationships is a valuable tool for establishing the mood of a piece. Value and the expression of a pattern holds more importance for me than color. In so many situations any number of colors will work. Consequently, strange colors can creep in and create unexpected excitement.

To isolate value from color in my work, I view it through the wrong end of binoculars. This creates a faraway viewing distance which obscures the colors and patterns allowing me to more easily assess the values and their interaction and progression as well their as impact or mood.

What I've presented here is only touching the surface of this topic. My intention is to bring awareness to an important element that is often overlooked ... even though it's something we all intuitively feel. So, the next time you have a color problem or a particular mood is not being conveyed, check out your chosen values and their contrasts.

(This conversation is continued in a future post here as a result of Kay's comment at the end of this one.)

........................................................................

RED
China: Good luck, celebration, summoning
Cherokees: Success, triumph India: Purity
South Africa: Mourning Eastern: Worn by brides
Western: excitement, danger, love, passion, and stop

ORANGE
Ireland: Religious (Protestants)
Western: Halloween, creativity, autumn

YELLOW
China: Nourishing Egypt: Mourning
Japan: Courage India: Merchants
Western: Hope, hazards, coward

GREEN
China: exorcism
India: Islam
Ireland: Symbol of country
Western: Spring, St. Patrick's Day, go

BLUE
Cherokees: Defeat, trouble
Iran: Heaven, spirituality
Western: Depression, coldness, royalty, wisdom
China: Immortality
Middle East: Protection

PURPLE
Thailand: Mourning
Western: Royalty, luxury, sensuality, magic

WHITE
Eastern: Funerals India: Unhappiness
Western: Brides, angels, peace

BLACK
China: Color for young boys
Thailand: unhappiness, evil
Western: Death, mystery,

To read more about the symbolism and psychology of color go here.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

The 1st of the Next 50 Lake Quilts

This piece is my interpretation of the lake near the end of a typical fall day. The sun is low and glaring, the air is clear and fresh, strong winds blow the clouds and make high waves that wash debris ashore, plus there's a bit of pinkish color cast over all.

Lake #51 (13"x12")

under construction

Since we arrived in Tennessee, I check the webcam that is focused on Lake Michigan at the Holland channel just about everyday. Our cottage is less than a half mile down the beach. I miss being there to experience the sensations, but being able to check out the lake conditions and effects of the weather satisfies something within me. I look forward to watching the ice form and build up on the piers and lake.

Home From the Mountains...and the PIF Result

We just arrived home from our weekend with friends up in the Smoky Mountains. This is the view we enjoyed from the rented house that is near the top of a very big hill.
There was a bit of stitching going on. Six more blocks for the "and Still Counting" project were stitched by Susan, Virginia, and me.Here are a few of the photos I took on the Motor Nature Trail that loops out of and back into Gatlinburg. It's a one-way narrow road over five miles long and the next best thing to actually taking a hike. There is the option to park and take short hikes off the car trail.


All of the photos were taken from our slowly moving car. I set my camera to "action" mode for a fast shutter speed. The next two were taken through the sunroof.


I thank all of you who responded to the Pay It Forward artshare meme. The first two participants, Deb and Amy, had responded before I left home. The third is Koroda. Thanks to all the rest of you for leaving comments and I'm sorry for any disappointment about not getting to partake. I hope each of you continue to pursue a PIF in which to participate.

International Artist's Day

October 25th every year has been selected as International Artist Day. This worldwide tribute honors and brings recognition to artists contributions made to civilization. Everyone around the world can do something special on this day to enhance the visual arts: take an artist to lunch, host an exhibition, buy a piece of art, attend a gallery show, visit a studio of your favorite artist.

My tribute is participation in the "Pay It Forward" (PIF) art share meme that is circulating. This involves giving art to the first three people who leave a comment on this posting. The first person will receive this small lake art quilt. It is a collage constructed of pieces from the first 50 quilts in my lake series.

Lake Series 50 1/2 (8"x 7")

The second and third people to comment will receive similar pieces made in the future from the second fifty quilts in this lake series. One of the stipulations of PIF is that it take place within one year.

The only thing that those of you who participate in this PIF meme have to do in return is "pay it forward" by making the same promise on your blog.