The Gold Dome

 

Olmsted Plein Air Invitational ended today. I did well. I got one award, and sold a few paintings. I am tired and happy.

Blue Bonnets at Wild Flower Center

 

This is another blue bonnet painting. I consider it is mediocre. I must admit that I have not generated much of good paintings lately. I know exactly why this has been happening: because I am re-learning many things in art. These a couple of months, I am learning the science-based color theory like drinking from the firehose. You might have viewed some of my short video demonstrating interesting color phenomenon. That was just the tip of an iceberg. I was so involved of searching information online, and doing my own color studies. I wish I can show the progress on my paintings right now, but it takes time to find the right directions, and gain the right knowledge, then practice and develop new skills and experiences. Eventually, I should be able to show good effects on my paintings. I am progressing in baby steps. Please be patient with me. I will catch up. Please believe: old dogs are still able to learn new tricks.

Blue Bonnet at Anderson Mill

 

I did a few plein air blue bonnet paintings. I tested my recent understanding of CYM limited palette, and it worked. I used quin red, hansa yellow, and phthalo blue, and white. It was a little hard to mix grey with this palette, but for high chroma blue and green, it works well. My theoretical understanding does give me correct guidance. So now I painted more scientifically, instead of using experience (or intuitively).

Blue and Yellow are Complementary

 

So far I have found at least 4 types of color mixing mechanisms: 

1. Additive, which applies to mixing colored lights. Blue and yellow gets white.

2. Subtractive, which applies to mixing transparent pigments or filters. Blue and yellow gets black.

3. Average additive, which is shown in this video. Blue and yellow gets grey.

4. Paint mixing, which applies to mixing opaque pigments. Blue and yellow gets green.

Isn't the color world amazing?!