We not only ‘see’ but also ‘feel’ colours because materials selectively absorb light, and our visual system and brain receive the wavelengths of light that are not absorbed or scattered by the objects. When I think about the series of magical scientific processes involved, it fills me with excitement. Perhaps what I’m seeking goes beyond the beauty of colours; it encompasses the essence of light as well.
I started seriously studying colors, and it all began with colored pencils. I didn’t anticipate it being such a significant starting point. At that time, I was tangled up, thinking that I needed a solid foundation and had to start with the basics of color theory to truly understand it. However, I discovered that when you relax and let go of worries, you are most receptive to new knowledge.
Below is my first complete colored drawing, which took me nearly 16 hours over two months to finish. Back then, I thought it was nothing special – just picking a pattern I liked and casually choosing colors to fill it in. But looking back now, I realize that through this process, I have discovered my preferences in composition and learned how to select and combine colors. I’ve also found it to be a great way to relieve stress.
Can you tell that I truly enjoy the interaction between light and dark in colours and love experimenting with layering effects?
For the second coloured piece, I chose Totoro, an iconic character that won the lantern competition every year when I was a child. I became more proactive in experimenting with different combinations, not only mixing colours but also incorporating techniques from various artists. For example, I incorporated elements inspired by Czech decorative artist Mucha in the background and colours reminiscent of Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss,” an Austrian Symbolist painter.
I found great joy in this process and was highly satisfied with the outcome. I realised that in the creative process, it is essential to draw my favourite subjects and select materials I love. When all the decisions come together, it truly reflects my own artistic expression!
Next, I delved into studying the colours of more masters, such as Renoir‘s ‘Girls at the Piano,’ an Impressionist painter from France. I found the beautiful colour of the green curtain fabric and tried to apply it to the clothing of an Oriental dancer. For the painting of an angel, I used the colours inspired by Klimt‘s ‘Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer II‘. During this stage, I continuously practiced and experimented, noticing my particular affinity for certain colour combinations. I began to build my own colour database.
This is my recent exploration with coloured pencils, featuring the Sydney Opera House as the subject. You can see how I combined my past experiences by enhancing the otherwise plain pattern with a projection design from a memorable year at the opera house. I also focused on improving the depiction of the lake’s reflection, incorporating intricate patterns and vibrant colours to bring the entire image to life.
Learning about colors doesn’t require buying paints; you can start by observing and sharpening your sensitivity to colors with simple colored pencils. From my experience, I have summarized three key insights on learning about colors:
★ Relaxing your mind facilitates more efficient learning of new knowledge.
★ Engage in activities that ignite your passion and choose your favorite subjects and materials for creating art. This will bring a sense of accomplishment and foster continuous learning.
★ Continually explore and understand yourself, using your own colours to convey emotions. This approach not only has the most impact but also brings the most enjoyment.
I hope my learning journey can be helpful to you in overcoming the belief of ‘lack of aesthetic sense’ or ‘inability to choose colours.’ Pick up your coloured pencils, enjoy the sensation of them touching the paper, and relish the joy that colours bring to life!
Wishing you all the best,
Susu❤️
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