So why does this go with that?

So my last post was about harmony in design, a subject near and dear to my heart and one I had been wanting to write about. After I was done with it though, I started thinking and well, second guessing. It was boring. Way too simplistic. Who the heck would be interested in that stuff anyway. why do I bother and why am I so into it. My inner monologue pretty much talked me out of how inspired I was to write about it.

The next day I was at my job, which is the accessories department of Macys. A customer came in with a bag which contained her new dress she had bought to wear to a wedding. She said, " The problem is, I have no idea how to pick out jewelry that will go with it!"

   "Ah, my favorite thing to do!" I said, and had her show me the dress. It was a sun dress with a bold geometric print in black, plum and white, and black around the yoke.

   Great dress, but did it match her? She was petite and fair, brunette with soft features. The challenge was not just to find a necklace that matched the dress, but one that would harmonize with the bold print of the dress and her soft features.

   We found a few pieces that went with the colors in the dress, me all the while pointing out what makes things harmonize. What we want is visual harmony, not just matchy matchy. And with the right jewelry pieces the attention is drawn up to the face, which is what you want. Then we found a necklace that was perfect for her. Not just for the dress but for her. It had colors and shapes similar to the dress, but added a very feminine and soft touch she needed. It was the right balance between repetion and discord. Plus it was on sale and she was thrilled.

   She thanked me several times and kept saying, "I just never have a clue how to put the jewelry with the clothes. You have helped me so much! "

   It really is one aspect of my work that I love; I look forward to helping women harmonize their look. And it made me realize that my attempts at explaining visual harmony ARE worthwhile and need to be continued. So, you that find that boring, beware!

   Sometimes you just got to tell your inner voice to shut up and take a hike.

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!

Harmonious Blends and other musings

So what makes it a harmonious blend? Harmony is a combination of units which are similar in one or more respects. 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 the 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 2019, I am going to explore all aspects of visual harmony. Whether it is fashion, art jewelry design, mixed media, or just different asp...

The Art Dept

Search This Blog