the painted surface

Wonderful World of Color...

Power of Color... Color is everywhere, we can't escape it, nor would we want to live in a world devoid of romantic pinks, firey reds, cool grays, refreshing blues, soothing greens and cheerful yellows. These colors greet us. They cannot help but speak to us, it's their nature, and each one has something to say. Some will speak in subtle tones, soft and wistful, others boldly, commanding our attention, then some will simply invite us in. They possess an artful power of influence as they sway our emotions to leverage us into another mood.

Color Reveals... What will color help you do for your space? One idea among many is it will help you reveal your personal taste. Whether it is your home, a single room, studio or office, your choice of colors will say "This is what I like, this is me, this is where I am comfortable". Color can reflect how you wish to view the world: "Please come into my space, this is the world as I would like to see it." Colors of different shades and hues, lights and darks, pinks and greens, blues or reds and purple will help you create a space to savor your favorite objects, your friends, and your life.

Suitable Colors... Selecting colors is a first step of a journey toward a space that rewards you with happiness, contentment and fufillment. The goal might be to create a space evoking the relaxed and tranquil feeling of lying in a meadow on cool green grass under a deep blue sky as a soft breeze pushes the white cotton candy-like clouds across your view. Perhaps the room should be stately and rich, decorated in browns and reds, to showcase an heirloom dining room suite. Or maybe the need is for a lively gathering room that exudes energy and excitement brought forth by the careful use of red, orange or yellow. Colors suitable for a space can be as comfortable as your favorite chair, restful as a feather bed or exciting as your best friend, capture these things and bring them home with the help of color and... Live with what you love!

Warm Vibrant Colors... To liven up a room consider the family of warm colors like red, orange or yellow. These colors alert the viewer, they are energetic and radiant. As colors they seem to come forth, like the warmth of a glowing fireplace to greet the guest with their energy. They advance boldly, commanding the attention of the viewer.

Cool Pastel Colors... While warm colors advance toward the guest, cool colors like blue, green and lavender retreat. They are reminiscent of viewing a horizon filled with a green meadow and fading blue sky, creating a backdrop for a majestic tree or country barn. Use these colors to convey a sense of tranquility and quiet. They become backgrounds to showcase your favorite artwork, decorative objects and furniture. Coupled with white they freshen and sooth any space.

Saturation of Color... Be mindful of the affect of colors as their saturation and intensity is increased. Pastels are cool, peaceful and refreshing, while their darker shades can be moody, strong or rich. Increase the intensity of pastel blue and it becomes bright and gaudy, suitable for a carnival atmosphere, but saturate it further and it becomes royal blue, a stately and regal color. Pale greens can be calm and restful, but when darkened they might be earthy or folksy. An airy, serene shade of lavender when intensified becomes a noble, spiritual or exotic shade of purple. These varying degrees of color can alter the mood of the viewer unintentionally. Compare like colors, the right shade is there to perfectly convey your purpose for the space.