Watery pools reflecting cobalt sky upon their mirror surface dotting the frozen river, greeted me as I ran by.

As ice rinks melt and snow disappears from forested pathways, last season’s grasses lie in shaggy disarray.
Trees stand barren of their frosty blanket, with buds yet to sprout.
We wait anxiously for the first pop of purple crocus and starry bright wild trillium.

Despite having months of winter left in Canada, it’s a time many pine the colour of spring.

Colour is on my mind too, both indoors & out.

Dec morning run -photo Dawn Banning

I have been developing some new hues in the studio.

Thrilled to see these new colours infused in new work, and refreshing existing work.

NEW 22×28 oil on canvas ( Sleeping Giant) commission ~ Sold

For Colour enthusiasts, a few facts:

* The human eye can distinguish up to 10 million different colours.

* Yellow is the first colour the eye sees. It may be used in art to attract interest of the viewer

* Colour affects us psychologically, physically, & emotionally.

* Everyone experiences colour differently, and we SEE colours uniquely.

* People are affected from experiences & memories to colour.
(You may be drawn to a soft pastel reminiscent of a favoured child-hood teddy bear.)

* We react differently to strengths of colour.
We may be overwhelmed similar to experiencing music that’s too loud, or underwhelmed like tasting bland food.

* Psychiatric wards are painted in green to induce calm.
(blue is a close second).

* Cheer up a friend by wearing their favourite colour on your visit or offer a card/ gift wrapped in the hue.

* Some say purple sparks creativity, and use it for studios.

* Attracted to ‘colourless’ spaces in beige, gray, or creamy whites?
Many neutrals have subtle layers of cool or warm shades, from green in gray, to pink in beige and are not colourless at all.

* Try placing your painting on different wall colours & experiment using different light.
The colour will change, as will your experience of the piece.

Painting shown here, in stark daylight, and with an addition of lamp light.
Same room, same time of day.

4ft x 3ft oil on canvas “SKY” infused with new colour, avail for purchase.

In August of 2003 Robert Genn wrote a thoroughly engaging letter on Colour Therapy.
He discusses topics ranging from using colour to treat obesity to the symbolic.

“Colours may calm, excite, arrest, motivate, or even heal. In art they need to be understood and used with both intelligence and intuition.” Robert Genn
~
Studio News~With the new commission and Calgary exhibit paintings just complete I am busy finishing studio paintings, gathering supplies, quoting new projects and preparing new paintings for shipping.
Add in a little furniture design with Marc, & new concepts in the sketchbook, makes it all such an exciting time in the studio!

Thanks so much for your support and interest in the work. Keep the letters coming!