Color Is My Life

Do you ever stop and wonder how you got to where you are in life and career? Sometimes I stop and wonder how did I become such a successful Color Expert, own my own business and where did I get such a finely tuned eye for color?

I really don't mean to sound conceited, I'm really a very down to earth person, but knock on wood sometimes I even surprise myself. Here's a painting I did today of Monet's Lady With Parasol, mine is on the right. I just love color so much and it's such a huge part of me it's clear that this is my destination. 

Some people go to school to learn about color or take some certification classes and some “Color Experts” just decide to go into design because they “like” it. Which is fine because there are all levels of expertise and I can respect that. However, for those individuals such as myself who had their hands literally IN paint and color since they were kids - THOSE will be the true color experts if not by anything else but by experience alone. 

There's a small percentage of people who clearly were born to color. I guess it's like the difference between a Chef and someone who just likes to cook. Everyone can follow a recipe but isn't it funny how some meals just taste better than others depending on who cooks it? Why is that? Because some people have the natural God giving talent and drive without even trying so it just comes more naturally to them. These are the people that will shine.

Getting back to color and art, if you look at my “fancy” painting palette which in nothing more than a white plate which I bought at the local Goodwill store for 25¢, notice the colors. Looking closely, I circled the original colors, you can see 5 main colors. 

Starting at 12:00 there's a blue, yellow, red, black is at 6:00 and white is - or was - in the center. Those are the only colors I work with. With those five colors, you can make any color in the world - if you know how. This little factoid comes in handy when you're thinking about what colors to choose at a color consultation.

I've been oil painting since I was 10 years old, had several art shows in New York, won several blue ribbons and been published a dozen times over. Have I sold paintings? Very few - it's just something that I can't part with. When I paint, I feel like there is a part of me that is in the painting so how can I sell that?

I was just talking to David Hunt, Artist and owner of Eight Legs Gallery & Divine Custom Frame about selling art. He to was not able to sell his art for years but after a while, for one reason or another, an artist makes the decision to sell their work.

David Hunt 

David Hunt

Perhaps at this stage in my life when my home is completely adorned with my paintings and I do have an art show coming up December 2nd, I think I may be at the point to share some of my work. After all, why not? If it brings such joy to me and I see how other people love it as well, then I'll share.

If you live in Charlotte, NC and would like to purchase this painting, see more of David's beautiful works of art or just enjoy the art of the Waxhaw Arts Councils members, please stop by the Bean and Belle Art Studio in Waxhaw. The event is this Friday, December 2nd from 5:30-9:30pm.