SEARCHING FOR INDIAN YELLOW

I wondered what subject to paint. Frustration moved my brush sprawling colors across a canvas. Imagination filled my mind; the colors took me to a new place. I have learned a painter should consider color first, with the subject being only a second thought. Color changes our emotions before detail. No two people see or are impacted by colors the same way. Yellow, Red, and blue are the primary colors. An infinite number of other colors result by mixing these colors. There are differences even in primary colors resulting from pigment, location of manufacture, and technique. Some are difficult to find. One such color is Indian Yellow, first made in India near Calcutta. A florescence, muddy earthiness and vividness all exist in this color. I have searched long hours for Indian Yellow Paint, often to find empty slots under its name on the rack. Indian Yellow and a brush will certainly create a great painting you think. However, in real life, you almost never see Indian Yellow in its pure form. When fortunate enough to find this paint, most artists end up mixing it with other colors to create the desired effect. Seldom does one color make an artful result. I will continue to mix the colors of the world to make the life I want and imagine.

Paintings: David Young www.studiofour.com © 2013
Music: “Jasmine Flower” by Worldly Underscores www.JewelBeat.com
 

 

Facts and quotes about the primary colors

Yellow – the oldest pigment discovered by humans is yellow ochre, drawn from an earthen substance. Emotions and thoughts created by Yellow are knowledge, sunshine, maturity and health. Yellow is a favorite color of advertising. Only the comic book character Green Lantern is afraid of Yellow.

“I like it but it’s yellow, and I’m like, I didn’t want yellow for my engagement ring!!” Paris Hilton

Red – when patients come out of a coma, Red is the first color they recognize. Red is a giant of a color full of passion and symbolism. It will dominate a painting even when not a main color. Sin, guilt, passion, blood, courage and anger are all emotions symbolized by Red. It is derived from iron oxide, which the planet Mars has in abundance, thus the Red Planet.

“When in doubt, wear Red.” Bill Blass

Blue – having a wandering and restless soul, at times have made me feel Blue but also served up wonderful life experiences. Sadness, fidelity and sincerity are all linked with the color Blue. English ships of the 1800s flew a blue flag when their captain died. Egyptians revered Blue water as purity of a female and the Blue sky as male passion. Blue is derived from Azurite, a natural mineral.

“I sure lost my musical direction in Hollywood. My songs were the same conveyor belt mass production, just as most of my movies were. Tonight I am going to wear something not quite correct for evening wear, My Blue suede shoes.” Elvis