Anthropology of Color Theory

I’m taking a course in Color Theory and never thought it would incorporate history, biology, and physics.  One of the sites below shows a time-line of color, from prehistoric times to now.  I never realized how much the availability of color and the media (oil, egg tempera) impacts art.  It makes sense that art would be influenced by the available tools, but I had not made the connection.  Yellow ochre has been around since prehistoric times but cadmium red became available in the early 1900’s. 

I have a BS in Biology, so I knew how Rods and Cones allow us to see color and shades, but just learned there are three different types of Cones, each react to different wavelengths of color.  Also, we cannot perceive the edges of objects where object and background have the same luminance.  The third link has a nifty tool that shows how this works.

 

This stuff may not be as fascinating to others, but I’ve always been the type of person who likes to understand the “why” and “how” of the world around us.  Hope you enjoy the links.

http://www.webexhibits.org/pigments/intro/history.html

http://www.webexhibits.org/colorart/cones.html

http://www.webexhibits.org/colorart/anuszkiewicz.html

The Artist as a Salesperson

The focus of my painting has shifted over the last couple of years from a hobby to a career.  I've expanded the scope of my knowledge in many directions; technique, composition, color, and of course MARKETING.  One art marketing article reminded me of brochures I was given after being laid off.  (UGH)  Those brochures talked about practicing my "30 Second Elevator Speech" which quickly described the job I wanted and why someone should hire me. 

I realized my paintings may not always sell themselves and they might need an "elevator speech" to help them along.  I could provide insight to the technical or creative process of the painting, the mood I was trying to capture or perhaps just ask some open ended questions to get their first impressions.   I guess being an artist is just a constant job interview.  And I now need LOTS of elevator speeches.

My Collection - Alice Benvie Gebhart

I realized today that every room in my house has at least one piece of original art, even the bathrooms.  Most are not mine.  Most are local artists and most are paintings, but also stained glass, art glass and sculpture.  I decided to share my collection, one piece at a time, and also share the artists.  Today's artist is Alice Benvie Gebhart.

Cold Nights City Lights

I usually buy art because of the connection I've made with the artist, as well as the art.  Alice was an exception, in a number of ways.  I had not met Alice and never saw the piece in person.  I've seen her work in various galleries and liked everything I saw.  I decided to visit her website and found a piece I liked more than those I saw in person.  With an email and a phone call, and my trust in people and intuition,  I was well rewarded.  The piece was more beautiful in person, as was the artist.

Alice is a Fused /Kiln Fired Glass Artist
If you would like to see more of Alice's work, her website is:
http://www.abgebhart.com/Alice_Benvie_Gebhart_Fused_Glass_Artist.html

Flawed Process

Some of my art teachers have told me art is often about the process.  Here is the process for my latest work.  I found a bargain! Lovely little 4x6 silver frames for only $8.00 each, so I couldn't pass them up.  I searched through my stash of photos to find images that might look good in the frames and then bought little canvases.  My work area is set up and my inspirational T-shirt is on the back of my chair.  It reads, "If you get out of the way, the art will make itself."  Well nothing is happening, so I'll just need to sit my butt down and make art.