I am so happy to introduce today's guest blogger: Rita from Red Pepper Quilts. Rita's quilting style is just beautiful and her choice of fabric and color is always inspiring. Today she is sharing how she uses color and where that inspiration comes from. Please leave comments for Rita in the comments section of this post.
I was really excited to have been asked to be a guest blogger here, and when Randi suggested that I write a little something about how I go about working with color it really made me stop and think about how I use color and how I make my color choices for my quilts.
My initial thoughts were that I could go into depth here about the theory of color and how quilters can use the Color Wheel to help guide them in their choice of colors, and explain a little something about the relationship between colors. However, my professional background is far removed from anything artistic or creative (certainly not color theory!) and to now write a knowledgeable article about color theory I would have to go and do some serious research. So, no I don't have a color wheel beside me as I set out to make quilts.
I was "awakened" to color several years ago when I attended a lecture in Melbourne by Kaffe Fassett on color. The message that I took home from Kaffe's lecture is to look to the world around me for color and shape inspiration.
Train your eyes to see this never ending source of creativity. Color (and shape) is everywhere, every day! We just have to stop and really absorb the color in our surroundings. Get excited about the brick walls, flowers as they appear in nature, the fruit bowl, a box of buttons ~ I even become mesmerized by the colors of the products in the grocery store aisle. Make a concerted effort to notice color everyday, and it will become habitual ~ you'll soon find that once you start noticing color you'll also start to see shape.
If you are familiar with my work you already know that I love intense colors. Color preferences are highly individual and I have learned to appreciate those colors that challenge me ~ like purple and lilac and lavender ~ and embrace those that I love working with. In addition to using a spectrum of colors in my quilts I bring contrast, clarity and sparkle by using white solid fabric.
Working with color should be fun and despite many misconception there aren't any rules about color. Sure, there are theories and guidelines and accepted color combinations, and although color theory is important in understanding the relationship between colors, don't allow yourself to get too caught up in these concepts. Instead, I hope you too will take from Kaffe's message to be open to the colors and shapes in your every day surroundings.
Noticing Color ~ Instore @ Antropologie NYC Dec 2010
I further encourage you experiment with color, trust your eyes and your instincts, but most of all enjoy working with color!
With thanks to Randi for asking me to write on her blog!
Rita
-- You can find Rita here on her blog (check her sidebar for links to her finished quilts) and well as at her Etsy shop.
Thank you so much, Rita!
