Finished-Still Wet
Sent: 11/19/2022 7:02:12 AM

View Text Version | SUBSCRIBE

The Color Of Serenity

Dawn At Silver Creek Ranch 10"x10" Oil

Hi!

Well it appears that we have a theme here. Last week I wrote about Veteran's Day and poppies. I titled it The Color Of Gratitude.

For some reason, pthalo blue makes me feel euphoric. So I decided to refresh my memory on the psychology of color and the effect of color on emotion.

Sure enough, blue evokes feelings of calmness, serenity, and wisdom.

Still, there's an extra special place in my heart for paint color, pthalo blue. It's a very intense staining pigment that occurs as a chemical reaction to copper and acid...I think. The scientific description made my head hurt.

The first time I saw a painting done almost entirely in this color, I was captivated. I knew one day I'd have to explore it for myself. Three years went by while the idea brewed quietly.

Seeing this color in the wee hours of the morning while in Maine last summer sparked the inspiration anew.

And the Mizes' Ranch was the perfect subject for it.

Dawn At Silver Creek Ranch-sideview

Dawn At Silver Creek Ranch-topview

As you can see, I've continued the painting around the edges for a more contemporary look. I think it gives the painting a feeling of openness.

What you can't see here, though, are the barely-there specks of iridescent silicone glitter. They reflect and intensify the blue even more. You don't see it at first. There's just enough for the eye to catch a glint of movement and make you lean in for a closer look.

Next week is Thanksgiving. To us, it's an opportunity to feast and laugh with people we love.

It's a chance to express gratitude for each new dawn that greets us with its beauty. None of us is guaranteed even so much as our next breath.

But we are offered God's love and forgiveness ...if we trust Him for it.

May this time next week find you profoundly grateful and content.

And save a few bread crumbs for your feathered guests outside.

Jan

P.S. I'll have some finished cardinals ready by next time.