Color Study Q&A

My color reference wall

Hi,

I had something else planned for today.

Several works in progress are nearing completion but I'd like to showcase them together, so we will wait on that.

In fact, there's one for moms involving an antique iron crib that I've only shown my sister so far. And THAT one will be completely finished before I unveil it.

But a reader asked a couple of questions about my color studies this week.

And since others have asked similar questions, I felt it was time to share a little Q&A on this topic.

Since I'm not sure how much you already know about color studies, I'll keep it simple for now.

Here goes...

Q: What is a color study?

A: The official art school definition is...a small version of a larger painting the artist wants to do. It's essentially a practice painting that helps the artist work out composition and color mixing before committing a large expensive canvas and gobs of paint to it.

Color study-aqua teacup

But many of my own color studies address a single object rather than the whole painting, as this one with the aqua teacup illustrates.

As you can see, I painted color swatches along the edge and labeled them.

So the next time I want to paint white porcelain, the aqua on a rounded object, or gold edging on a dish, I'll remember what I mixed to get those colors.

Q: What do you do with your color studies when you're done?

A: I usually tape them to the color reference wall in my studio. Eventually, I hope to compile them into an artists' reference book.

Q: Can I buy your color studies that are like small paintings?

Fire Study: "Triple Flame" 6"x6"

Available: $138

A: Darlin'....you can buy any painting I show you if it speaks to you...as long as it's not earmarked for a show or someone else hasn't already asked.

This one, for example, is still available.

As for the studies that have color swatches, I need those originals in the studio, but if you want to see a particular one, I'll send you a close-up image.

Q: Can you teach me how to make a color study like yours?

A: Again, yes! I'm planning to do an online workshop on this topic soon. I've been thinking about that for a long time. But the recent questions I've received from readers have inspired me to push it to the front burner.

Please don't ever be shy about asking questions.

It helps me to know what people are interested in hearing.

"Heather's Feather" 1.75"x2"

Speaking about questions, you might be wondering what choices will be in the next GIVEAWAY on April 8.

Well, there's the daffodil I showed you last week and there's this teeny tiny one.

It's titled, "Heather's Feather"

in honor of a reader who submitted some of the questions we addressed today.

I haven't quite decided on the third one. Next week, I promise.

As I hold a cup of very strong coffee in my chilly, calloused, paint-stained hands, I am reminded to be grateful for every cherished thing that graces my life with its presence...

...including you.

Take time for birdsong!

Jan

P.S. Do you have other questions about color studies/color mixing?