> <<This thread about color theory is WAY over my head. I live for
> color,
> work in it every day, but STUDY? >>
>
> Hey, if it ain't broke, don't fix it ..... go with your
> instinct, because it's a darn good one

Thanks for the charitable, if not entirely accurate ;-), response to a
very stupid statement!

I'm really not such an ignoramus that I would wave away the importance
of fundamental principles, but color theory has abandoned me at my hour
of need in some crucial areas.

Medium:
I read this thread from a very narrow viewpoint, that of using color in
the form of liquid dye on wet fiber. When I began this work I kept my
color wheel handy, paid particular attention to the new color that would
be created where two butted, etc., then turned the piece over to find
that all kinds of color mayhem had taken place. Colors had disappeared,
others had taken over, new ones had emerged. So much for theory! I
banged my head against this wall for a while and then threw in the
towel. Now I do my best and take what comes.

But of course I am mindful of the need to apply color theory
intelligently when dealing with design and the blending of fixed-color
fibers and I hasten to say so now.

Mood/taste/attitude:
A color scheme that is boring to one person is 'refined' to another.
What is boring on one day can be soothing to the nerves on another. If
you are trying to appeal to the tastes of the public, color theory is
probably not as much help as current style. Next time you are in a large
group of people, check out the color combinations and you will often see
a common thread based on what is being shown in the department stores.
(They certainly don't resemble the schemes of the '60's.)

Context:
When asked what my favorite color is, I always say "color of what?". The
planter outside my door has deep purple petunias and bright gold
marigolds with green foliage. Lovely. Would I want those colors on my
living room walls? Or my car? Saturday at Rhinebeck I saw a pair of
trees that were hung with bright yellow, orange and red leaves on dark
brown branches against a clear blue sky. Beautiful sight. Mother Nature
has her own lock on theory. But let me put those colors together in a
roving and people would flee in all directions.

Maybe some things will become clearer when I crack the books again,
which I will do when the hospital thing is done. A good dose of
discipline is just what I need!

Carol

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