What is fugitive color? Some pigments, especially violet reds like rose, carmine, magenta or maroon, hues that rarely occur in inorganic pigments, when exposed to strong sunlight, humidity, temperature, pollution are impermanent. They will lighten, darken or change completely and should be considered temporary. Modern chemistry has made some remarkable advances within this hue group. My father, (remember, he was a chemist) worked for Dupont and spent part of his early career working to come up with a less transient red dye). So devious these spectrum standouts, a feast for the eyes and the soul, yet they should be avoided or at least only used for fun, never in a professional watercolor painting that you intend to sell. You may find conducting your own experiment to test this enlightening: Paint opera pink (or any of the others named above) in a solid swatch or row of swatches if using several colors, and then a second identical row. Cover one row up with a solid piece of watercolor p:aper or cardboard paperclipped to it. Set the test sample in a window with strong light for a few weeks or months and then take a peek at the row that has been covered up. You may be surprised at what has happened to that beautiful pink that glowed its way into your heart.
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SOUL“I am a contemplative artist who has trouble accessing verbal skills. Finding the right words to talk about the amazing things I observe around me can be frustrating. It is much more natural for me to pick up a paintbrush, some embroidery floss or my camera when I wish to share some new discovery. The artwork I create is meant to be enjoyed on whatever level the viewer experiences it and not layered with complex meaning. Feathers, fur, flowers and the incredible variation I find in wildlife not only inspire me, but compel me to share every nuance with you. Archives
June 2023
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