Blue Colored Glasses

Sometimes painting is more about looking and enjoying.  I love to visit art museums, galleries and sights that inspire me.  Our busy schedules hinder rather than foster creativity. I remind myself that life is not a race. I want to slow down, enjoy and take time to be grateful.

​A happily unexpected situation is sending me to France.  Yes, an artist’s dream.  After a great deal of time research and study, I wish to dive into my holiday, like diving into a cool French blue swimming pool. To be delighted by beauty, refreshed by color – and even cooled off by a more reserved nature. 

With an old fashioned Roget’s Thesaurus in hand, I note words and ideas about leisure time and vacation.  Ralph Waldo Emerson, who lived in a different world, instructs,
                            “Never lose your present mind and never get hurried.”

With this in mind, I wish to respect people, culture, language, quieter speaking voices, a slower pace.  I want to wander, absorb, listen, sketch, write….

Lovely, peaceful French blue comes to mind.  The French Riviera is known as the Côte d'Azur, the Azure Coast. Since the 12th century, Bleu de France has been used in the heraldry of the French monarchy. Blue is France's national racing color.
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I imagine the blue of Matisse’s cutouts and the stained glass windows he designed for the Chappelle du Rosaire.  Many of Monet’s waterlilies reflect blue.  Degas’ dancers…Cezanne's Sainte-Victoire....

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Looking through blue colored glasses, I see the Paris skyline. Blue has been my favorite color for as long as I can remember. (Photo credit below: Brooke Commentz)

You may not be traveling to Paris, but I encourage you to take some spare time for an “artist’s date” to visit places that inspire your art. Visit a gallery, museum or even local library.  Sometimes a walk around the block helps.

You, most likely, have a color that speaks to you as blue does to me. A quick random look at my paintings  (see image below - from Google Images) reveals that blue predominates.  In fact, a great exercise for me is to paint without blue. 

​As I blogged about green, I promise to discuss blue in the future.
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In my present mood, I encourage you to simplify your travel or carry in the car art supplies. I will travel light—carry on only.
So, what’s in my bag? All dry supplies – to meet TSA requirements

A small set of Winsor Newton Watercolors about 6” x  3”
Derwent Inktense watercolor pencils – 6 in primary and secondary colors
2 small paintbrushes
2 fine point sharpies
A small watercolor paper tablet – 7” x 10” 140 lb. weight
And my new iPod. I’ve been practicing with Procreate….

 This summer, enjoy the coolness of blue!
         Explore your favorite color! 
​                  Simplify your painting routine! 
                            Bonne peinture!  Happy painting!