Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Color Studies and Resources


When I began creating art quilts, I really had a lot to learn. While much of what I needed to know was the crafting of a quality piece, the most difficult element to learn was how to design a piece of art that I could feel good about.

One of the first aspects I studied in some depth was the use of color. Three different books made a tremendous difference in my comfort level with this aspect of the art quilt.
This posting is on one of them. I will cover the other books in later postings.

The first book was one by Joen Wolfrom, The Magical Effects of Color, published in 1992. I have read it cover to cover several times, and when I want to obtain specific effects, I have often referred back to her discussions on how to use color expressively, or to create luminosity or other special effects.

This was my first color book and was a great place to start as she illustrated her points with quilts from many different quilters, both traditional and art quilts. She covered each of the primary and secondary colors and what they could do in different combinations. She also had excellent information on value and how to use it. This was the resource that taught me the difference in tints, tones, shades and hues.

A real eye opener for me was her discussion of the impact of tints that were somewhat grayed or yellowed, as if using a non bleached muslin for background.

Chapter 10 has exercises to help develop your eye for color and are well worth doing.


Dear Reader, please let me know if you find this review helpful and if you would like to see comments on other books that have been important in my development as an artist.

Thanks for reading.


Nancy

13 comments:

  1. I have her books, but I'm always interested in new ways to look at color, so look forward to your comments.

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  2. I have not seen this book, but I will look for it. Yes, this is a topic that I find very interesting.

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  3. I've been doing a lot of color studies lately, too. I love Joen's books!

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  4. Since learning about this week's FFFC--this is ery interesting to me. I'll find the book and have a look-see!
    --Toni in Milwaukee

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  5. Thanks for the reminder about this great book! I used it many years ago and it will be interesting to go back and see what new insights it has now that I'm in a different place with my work. I look forward to the other two books you've found helpful on color--my favorite topic!

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  6. This is an excellent book, IMO. This is the one that I recommended when I taught color classes to quilters.

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  7. This is a new book for me. Books are such a helpful way to help solve design problems, and get inspiration. Hope this is still in print as I'd like to order it. Good series for the blog!

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  8. Thanks for all the comments. Color is one of my passions and my use of it has changed a good bit over the years.

    After I tell about the 3 books that made the most difference to me, I will write about a couple of color tools that I use regularly today.

    Thanks so much for reading and taking the time to give me feedback.
    Nancy

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  9. I love reading reviews from other artists on books. Yes, plz do continue reviews such as this! and Happy Holidays to you and your family!

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  10. I am just getting started making art quilts and this kind of info is wonderful! Thanks for taking the time to share with those of us with no art background!!

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  11. Karen, I received so much help beginning my career in the arts that it is only fair to give back. As Cindy said, it is also helpful to go back to some of the solid basic books and review them. There is often more to be learned from them another time around.

    Hope you all -- yes, I am USA Southern-- will continue to enjoy them. Will post another early next week.
    Nancy

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  12. as the producer of the Rodale's Successful Quilting Library Series, esp volume 8 Creative Guide to Color & Fabric, and as someone who uses and fuses all manner of commercial and surface-treated fabrics in my work/play, i thought i knew all about color...but your reviews have convinced me i have a LOT to learn. onto Amazon!--Eleanor Levie

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  13. Eleanor, what a lovely note. I am not sure that one can ever finish learning about color. There is so much to be explored on the subject.

    BTW,I love the Rodale books. They have been real inspiration to me both in quilting and other endeavors.

    Nancy
    Nancy

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