Taming Yellows

Series 19: Modulating Colors- S19L3

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To modulate means to gradually change from one characteristic to another.  We can use color modulation go give life to our paintings. This series explores how to modulate the three components of the two most baffling of all colors: green and yellow.

 This lesson is S19L3  Taming Yellows of the MODULATING COLOR series.  Using as her subject a cluster of yellow crocuses, Dianne demonstrates how we can use modulation of hue, value and intensity to control the vibrancy or visual vibration of yellow while retaining its brilliance. Too much vibrancy can overwhelm just as too much dullness can be boring.

Color mystifies more artists than any other element. Finding the right mixture requires a working knowledge of how hue, intensity and value behave independently and in concert. Once we get the hang of how this works, modulating color becomes an exhilarating adventure.

This series of tutorials is presented in two pairs.  Lessons 1 & 3 are studies, each showing how to use a principle to resolve an issue.  Lessons 2 & 4 each take the previous study to a conclusion, showing how to use those same principles to bring convert the study into a painting.

With every brushstroke we make, we are composing.  Just as with any creation, we begin with a structure, then as the art work begins we place shapes and colors according the concept with which we are working.  But the time comes when we move to a different level of thinking and decision-making–that moment when our intention becomes to bring clarity and resolution to the work.

Among Dianne’s passions about painting and teaching painting is how composing principles can expand creative freedom if the artist transcends the “rule” idea and instead, transforms the principle into a tool that opens creative doors.

Read Dianne’s Compose blog posts HERE.  Visit Dianne’s website and example her work HERE.  And visit her YouTube Channel with dozens of Quick Tips HERE.