April 12, 2012

Cindy's Color Chat: Pastels for Spring





"Signs of Spring" quilted wall hanging Cindy Grisdela
If it's spring, it must be time for pastels! Think the colors of new green shoots, daffodils, cherry blossoms, azaleas, and water waking up from the icy winter--not that we saw much of that where I am this winter. Some artists shy away from pastels because they can be too pale and sweet--like cotton candy. But it's all about the choices you make in value and hue--pale and light or strong and saturated. What are you trying to say with your work?

"Signs of Spring," above, came about almost by accident last winter. As I recall it was a rather dreary, cold day, but no snow. I had been in a creative slump and wanted to work with some cheerful colors. So I pulled these fabrics out of my baskets because they made me think of spring coming and started cutting and sewing. I like to use strong, saturated colors in my work, and while these fabrics qualify as pastel, they are anything but pale. Happy Spring!

Let's take a look at how other TAFA members on Etsy handle pastels:

Handwoven scarf in bamboo and cotton, LoomOnTheLake

Yellow and Pink Yo-Yo Button Flowers, SallyManke

Mod Mondrian Tunic Dress, pastels and stripes, Brendaabdullah



1 comment:

  1. Nice post, Cindy! I have to admit that pastels are my least favorite color range, or at least what I see in my head as pastel....

    I love that piece you made. It says crossroads and a sunrise to me. A new beginning? Spring!

    ReplyDelete

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