Paint Harmonious and Inspired Paintings - 3 Tips

This time of year our Master Artist provides us with harmony and inspiration as we view his creations.

"I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn't say any other way-things I had no words for". Georgia O'Keeffe. An artist sums up their impression of fall in these words.

In our area, the Bartlett pear tree, sour wood, maples, dogwoods and oaks are blazing with color. As early morning sun touches each tree, I want to go to my easel and paint, paint, paint.

As an artist, how do we decide what color to include in these beautiful fall paintings? Everywhere there are colors that we want to try to mix, textures, and shapes that highlight the center of interest.

Can't you just see all the beautiful paints on your palette? But, how to decide on colors that best represent your inspiration?

So, look through your artist eyes, and consider the following: Cadmium Yellow, Lemon Yellow or Cadmium Yellow Pale, Orange or maybe Burnt Sienna which one? Just the selection of this color is a big choice.

Red is a fall favorite, which color to use ... Alizarin Crimson, Cadmium Red, Cadmium Red Deep? How do you mix the beautiful color of dogwood leaves?

Blue and green are very important also. Furthermore, fall color is different than in spring and summer, particularly the greens. It is preferable to mix greens from colors used elsewhere on your painting. Since the sky is a large part of the painting, would Cerulean Blue be better than Cobalt Blue?

Following are steps to look at while pulling this painting together, creating a pleasingly constant, harmonious picture of good composition, color and an inspirational story.

1) Composition:

Use the nine patch to place your center of interest.

2) Color Harmony:

Reds: Cadmium Red and Orange, mix just a little Alizarin Crimson to either of these to create bright red fall color.

Yellows: Lemon Yellow and Cadmium Yellow, add Burnt Sienna, making light, medium and dark yellows.

Blues: Try Cobalt Blue with Alizarin Crimson, good sky colors.

Greens: Lemon Yellow and Cobalt Blue. Beautiful subdued greens result from this mixture.

3) Inspirational:

Tell your inspirational story with brush strokes, subject and color choices. Whether painting loose or with more detail, let your passion for painting show.

You will find more art information in the Valle of Yellow Creek Art Studio E-Zine. Published on the first and third Wednesdays each month. Each E-zine includes, Musings, Art World Happenings and a section that is both inspirational and educational. Sign up here http://ellenebreedlovedavis.com/email-newsletter

Do you want to see how I use composition, color and a good choice of scenes to paint harmonious and inspired paintings? Find out here http://ellenebreedlovedavis.com