The Art of Color

If you are interested in art or are a student of art, then it is vital to have a strong knowledge of color theory. This is the art of combining colors that are seen on the color wheel. The color wheel is an organized visual representation of the primary, secondary, and tertiary colors. Combining them in the right way and understanding how colors relate to each other is important in many professional fields, like marketing, advertising, and visual artists. 

The color wheel

Often called the color circle is the arrangement of colors in a concentric way. It shows the relationship between primary colors, secondary colors, tertiary colors, and others. 

Primary colors

These include yellow, blue, and red. The colors cannot be created by combining other colors. These colors are likewise needed to create the secondary colors, and ultimately to create tertiary colors. In general, all colors are derived from all three primary colors. 

Secondary colors

Secondary colors are orange, purple, and green. These are derived from mixing equal amounts of two primary colors. For instance, combining equal amounts of red and yellow produces orange; purple is created by mixing red and blue; while green is by mixing blue and yellow. Hues, on the other hand, are produced by considering the ratio of each color. For example, combining 1 part red with 1 part blue creates a shade of blue, while combining 1 part red with 23 parts blue will create a darker shade of blue-tinged of purple. 

Tertiary colors 

These are known as intermediate colors and they are created by combining equal parts of primary and secondary colors. In many instances, the name of the two colors is based on the two colors combined. Examples are magenta (red-purple), violet (blue-purple), teal (blue-green), and amber (yellow-orange).

What are complementary colors?

These are hues that contrast with each other and are located exactly opposite each other on the color wheel. This is one of the reasons why understanding the color wheel is crucial because it helps in creating harmonious color schemes. These colors feature intensity when placed next to each other. 

How about the analogous colors

Analogous colors are those that are adjacent to each other on the color wheel. When combined, they look appealing and produce a calming effect. This definition is in contrast with the intensity produced by complementary colors. In analogous colors, there is the dominant color with the second color supporting it, and the third one acting as an accent. These colors are often used in artworks with the objective of evoking a calming effect.

Hallway Color Schemes That You Will Adore

First impressions last forever. Choosing a suitable color scheme for the hallway is just as important as picking the colors for the bedroom. If you are planning to liven up the hallway, then this article will be of great help. Read on and know the perfect scheme that will boost the overall appearance of your hallway. 

Why add colors in the hallway?

A beautifully designed hallway sets the tone for the rest of the house and introduces your own interior style for everyone to see. The hallway is the first part of the house that your guests will encounter. It is just right to see the area with attractive colors that will impress anybody. 

Colors to add in the hallway

When it comes to the colors of paint, you can be brave and bold or choose to be subtle with soothing colors. Neutral colors can make your hallway light and spacious. You may consider light shades of yellow, green pink, and blue pastels to make the hallway look cheerful. If you want to be safe, shades of gray will create timeless beauty.

Try to be bold with colors 

If you want to give a lasting impression, then be brave with the color combinations and patterns to add to the hallway walls. Add yellow if you want to give a summer vibe. Pair this color with black for a stunning result. The flooring likewise needs something to inspire your guests. A patterned floor works well as it highlights that area of the house. 

Bold colors up to your waist

Divide your walls into two by using a heavier accent color on the lower portion of the wall leaving the top in a bright white. The balance of colors can help prevent overwhelming feelings. Waist-level wall color can add vibrancy and a different perspective, making the space feel bigger.

The woodwork in contrasting colors

Want to have a modern-looking hallway? Pick woodwork on a staircase in a bold contrast color. This will certainly make that part of the house stylish, especially with black wood stains. 

Mix and match complementary colors

Try to experiment with colors and the hallway is the best place to start this. For instance, combine colors that are opposite to each other in the color wheel. With these, you will be able to prove to yourself and others that opposites attract. 

A blue entrance for a refreshing vibe

Many homes have small and narrow hallways. It is often imagined to be lacking in space and light. However, the vibe can be changed with the use of a lighter shade of blue. Paint the door, ceiling, and walls with this shade and evoke comfortable feelings. In addition to these, the hallway will also have a coastal appeal that can be seen in many restaurants and other establishments. 

Dark colors for a sophisticated look

Dark walls are not to be afraid of. In fact, dark walls evoke a classic and sophisticated appeal that is loved by many. Especially if natural light is present, the effect is simply amazing. To prevent the dark walls from being too overwhelming, add decors such as posters and collectibles. 

Introduce fun and friendly accents

Use a versatile mix of color, patterns, and accessories. Sometimes a plain wall is fine but with the addition of accents at least. These may be any furniture pieces, collectibles, framed art, or personalized posters. Not only that these items add beauty, but they can also boost the overall appearance of the space. 

Simple Ways to Create Color Harmony

COSY ORANGE ART WALL

We all know that adding aesthetics to any space is challenging. Sometimes you may even end up not doing anything because of some frustrations. However, don’ let these failures overpower you as there are ways to learn how to be successful in combining colors. All you need to do is learn the basics and the rest is up to you. Here you will learn the fundamentals of color coordination, color harmony, and how to create a beautiful home

Monochromatic 

The monochromatic color scheme is based on a single color with the use of different shades, tones, and tints. Tints are achieved by the addition of white, while shades and tones are achieved by adding darker colors, such as gray or black. The color scheme offers a sense of visual cohesion and can help attract attention, create focus, and support legibility. 

The downside is, that a monochromatic color scheme is oftentimes associated with being dull or boring. As such, in decorating your home, you usually add accents. Examples are the display of paintings or art and adding cushions or fabric. 

Complementary

This color scheme may be a bit challenging to achieve but if successful, the results can be simply stunning. Complementary color schemes are actually a combination of two colors that sit opposite each other on the color wheel. The colors are in high contrast like blue, orange, yellow, and purple. These colors can be used as accents against monochromatic or neutral backgrounds. Another way to use the colors is by using one of them as a base and the other one as an accent. 

Neutrals

If you have any doubts or are not confident in using the said color schemes then stick to the classic. Neutral colors are grouped into warm and cold. Examples are black, white, gray, and beige. Examples of warm ones are creamy whites, and shades of brown. These colors can help make any room feel cozy with a classic feel. 

Triad

This color combination uses three colors that form a perfect triangle in the color scheme. The colors offer a more intense effect. It is recommended to tr different triads in the color wheel to achieve different visually intense harmonies. Sometimes the combination of vibrant colors can have awesome results. 

Analogous

This color harmony uses three to five colors that are all adjacent to each other in the color wheel. It is one of the easiest to use in decorating any living space and paintings. 

Split-complementary

This is similar to a complementary color scheme. However, split-complementary is usually used with a primary color and two tertiary colors. You will then be given the chance to explore more colors as you add colors to a painting. The combination of all colors creates gray or neutral colors.

Best Colors for Small Living Rooms

Choosing a paint color for small living rooms may be challenging but can be a fun activity. It may be confusing as well as there are a lot of shades and hues to choose from. Although those neutral shades are commonly used, there are still many hues in the color wheel that will look best in small living rooms. If you are having trouble deciding which color to use, worry no more as this article may help you with your interior decorating project. 

White

Pure white is excellent but not much used as many would think. Some whites reflect tones of blue, pink, and green. The color is ideal in a small living room as it reflects natural light, making it look more spacious and cozy. Having the color also creates a room that appears pure and clean. This is one of the reasons why hospitals and clinics prefer to use white. Moreover, white is seen in minimalist rooms and can be blended with many decors and styles. 

Cream

Many homeowners prefer the color and ideal in small living rooms as it makes them look open and bright. The color is best to be paired with hardwoods and other natural materials. The color cream is safe to use as it can be a perfect backdrop for other decors and colors. 

Yellow

Bright yellow may be too bright for most people, but you can use a softer tone. This can instantly make any dull room look warm and bright. It is a versatile color that can easily blend with contrasting colors such as red. It is also an ideal substitute for white and cream. 

Gray

Use gray if you are confident enough to make a difference in a small living room. The color can add depth and create a visually cozy and trendy interior appearance. Just like white, you can easily blend the color with any hues and decors. Darker shades of gray can be partnered with patterns and pops of color mixes to achieve an eclectic look in the room. 

Indigo

Just like gray, many homeowners choose this color in their small living rooms. It can help create a moody and sensual atmosphere. In addition to these, the small living room can have a cozy feel with a cool and relaxing feel. What makes the color more interesting is that it can easily be blended with other colors and decors. The dark indigo tone can likewise be a great backdrop for any wall decor and wall art. If you have this color on the walls then the ceiling should be in the color white. 

Try These Amazing Watercolor Techniques

Philippine map watercolor poster by Local Artist Siara Gogh

Are you still wondering why many people are so engrossed with watercolor paintings? Then you just have to look at some of them to see how awesome they are. This painting may be intimidating for some, especially for beginners, but there are many techniques that you can try to see and experience the beauty and versatility of watercolor painting. Read on to learn more about these techniques and you can try some of them and have them displayed in your rooms.

Watercolor washes

Laying watercolor wash can be done on a wet surface or a dry one. Although mistakes can be committed, the secret is not to try fixing them. Just let them be since adding another layer once the original stroke has dried is more obvious. Washes are the backbone of watercolor painting. The wash can be differentiated by the size and swipe of the brush. Washes are used to fill in large background areas, or to create underlying forms that will have more detail and deeper tones. 

Wet-In-Wet painting

This is one of the basic techniques in watercolor painting. You may not realize it, but you have probably done this technique before. Start by brushing water onto the paper. Dip the brush in paint and spread it over the water wash. As such, the paint will weather and diffuse.

Underpainting

This technique is a monochrome wash that is used for the first layer of the painting. Add layers of transparent washes over the underpainting and these will provide a realistic and luminous effect. 

Gradients and color blending

In a simple watercolor wash, only a single color is used. However, depth can be added by using more hues in a gradient, You can start adding fresh watercolor to a wet paint surface. The second color can have a more intense version of the same hue of a different hue. With a wet surface, the colors will blend slightly and create a natural gradient in the tones. 

Layering watercolors

Dimensions can be created by adding layers of the watercolor once the color of the paint has dried. Be sure that the paper is also dried, or else the colors will unwantedly blend together and get messy. Do not add much water to the second color since this can dampen the initial color, thus blending the colors. 

Dry brush

This requires little paint and water to create a scratchy brushstroke. This can be used for an entire painting but is still perfect for creating texture. Mix your pigment, making sure that the paint mixture is not that wet. Dip the dry brush into the paint and remove excess moisture. Brush lightly across the surface and this can highlight the texture of the paper. 

Watercolor blooms

Blooms can be created when very wet paint spreads on a drier area of a painting. When you apply wet paint on a damp wash, the liquid forces the original pigment out and creates irregularly shaped splotches. Lay down a colorful wet wash and let it dry a little. Load the brush with water and touch it lightly to the paper. Blooms are created by drops of water. 

Lines, Hatching, and Crosshatching

Lines of any size and shape can be painted with the use of watercolor. Place lines beside each other or layer them perpendicular to each other for a hatching or cross-hatching effect. For clean lines, you can use a small, pointed brush and load it with pigment with the use of a dash of water. Paint a line on the paper and the shade can be determined by the amount of water used. 

Sponge painting

A textured sponge is also an unimportant tool to paint foliage on trees or sand on a beach. All you need to do is to dip it into the pigment and press it on the paper. 

The Beauty of Watercolor Painting

Turtle Poster in interior

We have seen various arts over the years, but watercolor paintings evoke an incomparable beauty. You may have your own descriptive words when you see one. For us, the words can be legendary, beautiful, WOW! Watercolor has an inner beauty that pulls anyone in. This medium offers rich, vivid soft, and soothing tones. It is also considered to be one of the accessible and versatile art forms that can turn any plain paper into remarkable artwork. 

Watercolor painting likewise has different characteristics that are good to know, especially if you want to try watercolor painting. Just like in any painting, these factors are important for you to turn any plain paper into something monumental.

Transparency

The natural beauty of watercolor is based on its luminosity and transparency. When mixed with water, it gives the water-soluble pigments or palette its transparent with pastel-like properties. Once applied, it allows the whiteness of the paper to highlight and enhance the luminosity of the painting. 

Staining and non-staining paints

Applying watercolors immediately penetrates the fibers of the paper and stains it. On the other hand, non-staining watercolors stay on the surface of the paper and can be lifted when dry.

You can test watercolor before using them. Paint a patch of color and let it dry. Then try to scrape off some paint with a stiff, wet brush. The staining quality of the paint is determined by the amount of pigment that remains. 

Granulating quality

Depending on the pigment, the particles in the paint may be considered to be heavy or light. The particles of watercolor paints are heavier and tend to separate from the water. Granulating paint adds interest and texture to a painting. 

Fugitive and non-fugitive paints

Fugitive paint tends to fade quickly while non-fugitive paints will not fade over time. This element determines the longevity of the art. Thus, it is important to use good quality paint so that the art will last longer. 

Final thoughts

Watercolor paintings are among the popular art that has been created over the years. They have certain effects on the overall art that may be considered unique as compared with other forms. The colors they create with the blending easily distinguish watercolor painting over the others. The beauty is even enhanced with the stroke, depth, and subject. The art is even taught during primary years, in which kids are given the tools needed to create their art. Sometimes other tools are added in addition to the brush. Kids can create art based on their imagination, and how simple it may be, but one can easily distinguish that watercolor is used. Some of you may also be familiar that even vegetable cut-ups can be used to create art on plain paper. This is one of the amazing things about watercolor – its versatility. 

Philippine Map Watercolor Poster

Philippine map watercolor poster by Local Artist Siara Gogh

No, it’s not today’s weather forecast. Still, it’s cool, right? A map of the Philippines with a touch of nature is what you need for an awesome wall display. This is another inspiring art in watercolor by Siara Gogh.

Colorful art wall

COLORFUL ART WALL

Colorful and modern styles that’ll brighten up your space. Shop your art wall here  Artdesign!

Number of posters: 4

Sleep Soundly With These Bedroom Color Ideas

Art wall 231

Insomnia is one of the biggest dilemmas of many individuals. It has been observed that there are different reasons why this is experienced by many people. One of the reasons is the ambiance of the bedroom which is influenced by certain factors. The color of the room greatly affects the mood and contributes to the sleepless nights of many people. This can easily be remedied by choosing and incorporating the right color for the room. Read on to learn more about choosing the right bedroom color and decor to help people have a deep and relaxing night. 

What color to choose?

Many experts believe that there are ways to help an individual have a deep sleep. One of these is the design of the interior, particularly the colors. Choosing the right bedroom color can be one of the solutions for people to have a proper sleep pattern. Cool colors such as blue and green are proven to help create a room that is calming and relaxing.

The colors and sleep

It is a proven fact that the colors of the bedroom influence sleeping patterns. Studies have been continuously conducted to find the association between room colors and sleeping habits. 

Rooms that are dominated by cool colors, particularly the color blue help people enjoy longer sleep as compared to those in a room with different colors. Hues of blue are associated with calmness and can help in lowering blood pressure and heart rate. People who are staying in a room with hues of blue can sleep for an average of 7 hours and 52 minutes. 

Other colors may also contribute to sleeping patterns, yet the average length of hours of sleep is shorter than those of people in a bedroom with shades of blue. Yellow, for instance, promotes sleep for around 7 hours and 40 minutes, green for 7 hours and 36 minutes, orange for 7 hours and 28 minutes, purple for 5 hours and 56 minutes, gray for 6 hours and 12 minutes, and brown for 6 hours and 5 minutes. 

The reason why the color blue promotes good sleep is because of the receptor cells in the retina of the eyes. These cells are called ganglion cells and are highly sensitive to the color blue. Ganglions are likewise responsible for sending information directly to the brain. As a result, body activities are regulated and controlled. 

If blue is not your preference, you can still use other colors and hues that can promote deep sleep. Neutral colors such as gray and silver are also known to promote good sleeping habits. In addition to these, pale yellow can have the same effects as that neutral colors. 

Wall decor and sleep

The display of posters is one of the easiest and fastest ways to set the mood and atmosphere of the bedroom. The designs and images featured in posters come in a wide variety. They also come in colors that can help promote sleep. With the creation of wall art in the bedroom that is dominated by hues of blue, individuals will be able to have a good sleeping pattern.