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SPOTLIGHT ON ... COLOR BY MARGIE DEEB
January 2010
Subtle Color Changes Make Significant Design Improvement
by Margie Deeb
Study the two versions of the Aqua/Silver Mini-Radiant Sun Earrings. Before you read further, decide which you think works best and why. Read further and I'll tell you my thoughts.
The one on the right is the final version that I sell as a kit. Here's why it is a much better design than the one on the left.
Focal Point
I constantly stress in my teachings and writings that as an artist, its our job to visually guide the viewers' eye and tell them where to look first, where to focus. We do this by consciously creating a focal point. Or several focal points in a hierarchal manner.
Lightest or darkest areas often create focal points, as do areas of greatest contrast (lightest against darkest).
Where is the focal point within the earring on the left?
Finding it is a bit confusing, isn't it? My eye is drawn immediately to the visual horizontal band created by the lightest beads, the silver beads. That horizontal band not an aesthetically pleasing focal point. And it competes with the upper medallion section of the earring, which seems a natural focal point because of the circular shape.
In the earring on the right, the upper medallion section features four silver beads. My eye is drawn right into that upper center, where those lightest beads are. Here the composition and the color are in agreement that this is the focal point of the earring.
After enjoying the medallion focal point my eye immediately shifts straight down the middle of the earring, drawn to the light of the 6 largest silver beads that create a triangle shape. A second focal point! It is the lightest area of the bottom of the earring. And the traingle shape intrigues the eye, beckoning more of my attention.
Turning back to the earring on the left, look again at the visual horizontal band created by the lightest silver beads. This horizontal shape disturbs me. It cuts the earring horizontally and fights with the vertical draping of the 3 loops. The elegance of the whole composition is wiped out, and it cheapens the effect.
Now look back to the right earring.The silver triangle shape augments the length and drape, making an elegant composition.
Great design lies in paying attention
to the tiniest of details, where subtle changes effect significant impact.
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Artist and color expert Margie Deeb is the author of The Beader's Color Palette, The Beader's Guide to Color and numerous beading and color publications. She teaches color and beading across the country and her free monthly color column, "Margie’s Muse," is available on her website. She writes regularly for Beadwork, Bead & Button, and Step-by-Step Beads magazines. Sign up for her newsletter chock-full of valuable color and beading information... FREE! |
Visit Margie's website for her books, kits, patterns, jewelry, inspiration, and more: www.MargieDeeb.com |
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