Experiment Two: Exploring Colour Further

Following my first experiment, I wished to continue exploring colour further as I have learned it is an incredibly significant component to consider when creating an image.

The work of John Bauer is incredibly interesting as his use of colour is quite limited, however it struck me that in terms of colour it is important to explore the effects of using colour and the effects of choosing not to. Fig. 11 conveys how effective a limited palette can be in drawing attention to the figure and also creating an immersive setting, all through the use of varying earthy and darkening tones.

Fig. 11 John Bauer, Still tuvstarr sit and gazes down into the water (1913)

Bauer also uses a mixture of browns with blacks in contrast to pale peaches and ivory hues seen in Fig 12. which again emphasises the earthiness of the surrounding to create an immediate focus on the figure in the centre of the composition. I feel his use of browns, blacks and pale tones is very interesting and related to his subject matter of trolls and fairy tales, as it is effective in creating a natural yet magical quality.

Fig. 12 John Bauer, Look at them, mother Troll said. Look at my sons! You won't find more beautiful trolls on this side of the moon (1915)

In response to Bauer's use of colour, I re-created the image of the Pangolin using a limited colour palette of earthy browns, blacks and light hues to try and create a similar natural feel. I find this works well as a piece on it's own, however I feel I would struggle to use such a limited palette for a whole piece in the way that Bauer does. Overall I feel the earthy tones do work well with the subject matter, as they are in keeping with the natural subject matter and is effective in educating the form and shape of the Pangolin.

Further Colour Experiment 1

I then looked at the work of the artist Jung-Yeon Min, who uses an extremely limited colour palette which could be viewed as grayscale yet with the slightest hint of colour throughout.

Fig. 13 Jung-Yeon Min, The Memories of Space (2002)

I find the limited palette choice extremely effective and emotive, as it draws you in to the abstract forms and shapes that are created. The blacks and greys really helps convey a sense of depth and hints of colour add an interesting, yet subtle contrast to the pieces.

Fig. 14 Jung-Yeon Min, La Fete (2009)

In response, I explored using a limited colour palette using the image of a Okapi to explore using blacks, greys and a hue of slight colour. I found this technique very effective in transforming the image of the Okapi, whilst still retaining it's natural shape and characteristics. I feel that it works well for a stand lone image and the hint of red helps create a sense of life and contrast to the black and grey tones.

Further Colour Experiment 2