Harmonious blends and other artistic musings

Harmony is a combination of units which are similar in one or more respects. It is a medium interval or difference in one or more dimensions. Units are harmonious when one or more of their elements or qualities, such as shape, size, or color, are alike.

In this sketch, done by my husband in preparation for a painting commission of a Chilean vineyard, I am struck by the harmonious blend of the directional lines that lead my eye through the painting. Design in art is not random, it is planned by the use of the elements of design, such as line tone, color and form. In this drawing, the lines of the vineyard rows lead the eye of the viewer toward the distance and then back toward the front. Harmony is achieved by the variegated, yet similar, lines that form the rows of planted vines.

In 2011 I am going to explore all aspects of visual harmony. Whether is it fashion, jewelry design, art, food and wine combinations or just different aspects of harmonious living, I am going to blog on under the rather large umbrella of harmonious blends and other artistic musings. Please feel free to help me find examples from life and living that exemplify harmony.

Here's to a harmonious and happy New Year, 2011. God bless you all and enjoy the coming year.

Comments

Big News!

For awhile now I have been thinking about sustainability with my work. As in, how long can I honestly sustain this pace of doing art shows all over the midwest? Which I love, mind you, BUT. You may not know this but I'm not getting any younger! The gamble with shows is that, even with the best preparations, it may not be worth all the trouble. It could be a great show, with sales non-stop, or the opposite, with barely enough to cover expenses. And whether great, good or bad, it still requires the same immense energy. Not to mention gas, lodging and food. I am not complaining; I've had a pretty good show season. That being said, I have been thinking alot about sustainability. I'm also thinking ahead about the daily routine of going out to the studio (which I love) and starting the fire in the woodstove (also love) and then waiting the hours it takes to get it warm enough to work. Add to that how the groundhogs have m...

January Line-up

Look what's coming up in the new year! First up: Artful Journaling. Guests will receive a blank journal of watercolor paper, access to all kinds of art supplies, with limited instruction and demos. Snacks, coffee and lots of laughter will be provided. Next up: Relax, Unwind & Refresh. Great way to start off the new year! Guests will be making a frameable art piece at the table with friends. Wine, sparkling cider and charcuterie board will be provided. Also this month: Art Class, every Thursday afternoon from 1-3 PM. Bring your own artwork in progress or join in the group project. Coffee and snacks, limited instruction and plenty of camaraderie will be provided. Register here for any classes or events. See you soon!

Next up: Two of my Favorite Shows

First up is Art in the Village in Franklin Michigan, on Monday, September 1st. I will be making my fourth appearance at this gem of a show. Props to the director of the show, Jane Polan. She has the heart and soul that it takes to put on a great show. In her communications to the artists, she always states that she is delighted to showcase our talents. And I believe she really means it! She consistently manages to provide a great space for us, feed us, and, most importantly, get the art-loving buyers to us. So, even though it's one day only, and it's a long drive and a night in a hotel, it is worth it for me. Franklin is just north of Detroit. It is a beautiful community and I always enjoy staying there. The event is in conjunction with a Labor Day Celebration, which includes a parade with a marching band, food trucks and fun activities for families. The art show is on the grounds of the local library, which hosts a popular book sale...

The Art Dept

Search This Blog