[dropcap]It’s[/dropcap] official. I’m going through a blue period. I’ve decided to experiment and explore the colour blue in detail in my art. I’ll be working/collecting blue objects like a satin bowerbird. And I’ll be arranging/painting my still life compositions with a blue theme/palette. It all started when I wanted to try a monochromatic composition. At first, I thought about pink. Because pink is pretty. And there’s so many pink flowers around. Then I thought about red. Because it’s the first colour of the spectrum. But I’m not very good at following orders/rules. Then all of the other colours of the rainbow popped into my mind. And black and white. And fluorescent. (How fabulous would that be?!) But blue stood out. And it made sense. Because we both love blue. And we already have a few blue things in the house. The universe was aligning us on a blue path. Blue was everywhere. And so blue it is. And here we are. Blue has become the centre of my attention over the past week.
Many great artists have appreciated the colour blue. And produced many beautiful blue works. Including Picasso, Van Gogh and O’Keeffe. Some of my favourite artists. And to name a few. I look forward to following in their footsteps. Picasso produced powerful/emotional blue paintings during his blue period. Van Gogh used blue freely/intensely with his expressive brushstrokes. For example, in ‘The Starry Night’. And O’Keeffe used blue beautifully/poetically in many of her ethereal works. Recently, I’ve been inspired by the works of Australian still life artist Criss Canning. I first discovered her works on Instagram. I love all of her detailed/luscious oil paintings. Including her wonderful monochromatic works. She’s one of my favourite Australian still life artists atm. And a great inspiration. (Thank you Criss!) Along with Margaret Preston. And more. Do view Criss Canning’s works when you can. They’re just absolutely exquisite! 1
Blue is such a beautiful colour. I do love it in all of its myriad shades. It can be cool and calming. Deep and emotional. It doesn’t always have to be sad. It can also be bright/happy. Just look up at the sky. And out to the sea. It’s the colour of our planet. And blue looks great – in the house or out. And it’s easy to wear. I’m not sure how long my blue art period will last for. Maybe one year, maybe two. Maybe just one painting. But I’m going to give it go. I might also experiment with all of the other colours of the rainbow one day. But we’ll wait and see – one step/colour at a time. Let’s see how blue pans out first. Anyhow, a blue period seems like a fun/exciting idea to explore. It’s a side project. And I’ll keep you updated on its progress. I still have other ‘normal’ paintings that I need to complete and new ones that I want to start. And I’ll continue to work on them. So please keep your commission inquiries coming. Do you like blue? Excuse me while I try on my denim jacket. smile
Notes:
- Read about other blue highlights in art history here. Also, don’t forget about the upcoming ‘O’Keeffe, Preston, Cossington Smith: Making Modernism’ exhibition at the Art Gallery of New South Wales (1 July – 2 October 2017). The exhibition is the largest survey of O’Keeffe’s work to visit Australia. We are going to this Cynthia and Pet. ↩
Cynthia and Pet
“Blue blue electric blue, that’s the colour of our room, where we will live, Blue Blue” 🎶
Without question our favourite colour Ngeun!
If our favourite artist (and person) is going through a blue phase, well this is absolutely pure bliss!
We would love to be an inspiration in the blue phase if we are worthy! 🤗
We cannot wait to see what wonders you produce Ngeun!!
Exhibition…. You are on!
We will wear our best blue outfits and we may even be able to twist your arm to join us for a 901 Blue Cocktail afterwards!
We are more than anything, looking forward to your own ‘Exhibition in Blue’. 🙏
We are so proud of you!!
We Love you eternally Ngeun!!!
Cynthia and Petunia (Blue).
💕💕💕🌈🌈🌈💕💕🌈
Ngeun
Thank you my darling Cynthia and Petunia Blue. You are very kind. Blue is pretty special and cool. Both of you are always an inspiration to me. The exhibition sounds great. No need for any arm twisting re. cocktails, especially a blue one. Yum! :) <3
David
I always wondered why *blue* is connected to sadness as, when I see it, it makes me happy. All blues… purply blues, green blues, teal blues, cerulean, and cobalt. A robin’s egg makes me happiest of all.
I am so happy to learn about the bowerbirds – I had never heard of them before!
Ngeun
Hi David! Thank you for your comment. Blue is truly a special and wonderful colour – I love it! I agree, blue makes me happy too. I just googled and looked up robin’s egg blue and it’s gorgeous! We used to have an Ikea vase in similar colour that’s in a painting that I’m working on. Looking forward to finishing and sharing it soon. Bowerbirds are endemic to Oz and New Guinea – elusive and unusual birds indeed. Best wishes! :)