The Perfect Color

…more artistic musings

I remember vividly the very first time I was asked what color palette did I use.

I had just completed my first oil masterpiece (at least I thought so) and thought it deserved a “proper” frame, perhaps something gilded? Stuffed the boys in the Ford 500 and off I went to a high-end gallery.

Much to my delight I found the perfect frame (within the budget) and before there was time to reconsider the purchase the oil painting was assembled.

The framer helped me to my car, as I had my hands full navigating 3 small curious boys through this very exclusive showroom filled to the brim with art treasures. And, thats when the question was asked, what palette did I use (now realize it was OLD WORLD). Little did I know then that a simple inquiry as to what color palette did I prefer to use would begin a fifty plus year journey.

OLD MASTER PALETTE

The diligence studying color and trying to understand relationships of the individual pigments when placed side by side or when they are mixed together really paid off when working with my clients.

PAINT COLOR SAMPLES USED BY CLASSICAL DECORATIVE ARTS

Below is an article that was written explaining my very first introduction working as a professional FAUX FINISHER.

THE PERFECT COLOR

The call came when she needed it the most. It would mean that her newly launched business was being acknowledged. She hoped that she didn’t sound too unprofessional or inexperienced as details were being discussed. The client had suggested a visit to the studio but she hesitated at the idea. Everything wasn’t in its place and didn’t she often enter rooms expecting to see a familiar family member. But, how could she? See them that is…she now lived alone.

She had obviously had been inattentive to the callers needs. Perhaps making a response at an inappropriate time. Everything that had stayed the same in that boring mode for the last eight years had not changed. Once “out”, she had to think of more effective ways to survive. She had elected to use her brains and become part of the living. I had better get with the program and join the human race or I’ll surely not make it. Her responses to the callers request must have been incorrect because she was jolted back into the conversation about colors, fabrics, measurement, time constraints by the caller asking “are you blond”…”No” she replied. “I’m brunette…Why?” Information was exchanged as to the date and time of meeting. This is it she thought. I am on my way.

Upon arrival at the initial appointed date and hour, an extremely attractive blond greeted her at the door. With attitude. Perfect hair, nails, make-up. Been there done that she thought. “Who are YOU the attractive one asked. Even though the greeter was small in stature, she somehow got the feeling she was being looked down upon. Or, perhaps it was the greeters’ way of sizing her up. “Barbara, we had an appointment”. It was more of a question than a statement of fact. Stepping aside, while still holding the doorknob, the ATTRACTIVE ONE said “No. I’m S u s a nnnnnn”. “Oh” she replied hoping that her sigh of relief wasn’t too obvious.

After surveying the situation, room colors that needed to ehanged, exact measurements etc, it was decided that the three ladies would go to a local coffee shop to discuss ideas for the new domain. That seemed simple enough., the coffee face off. Two extremely attractive blonds, obviously city savvy, best of friends sitting directly across from her. Checking her out to see if she knew her stuff. But, she did…or was she simply faking it? Fighting to survive in a new competitive world that she was just learning from first hand experiences that takes no prisoners.

Barbara didn’t seem to care that she had only 2 2″ slides that were respresentative of her work. Or that she had to hold up the little squares up to direct light to get a good viewing. What mattered is what was on the slides themselves. The strength of the work would be judged by the quality of the content on the slide itself. But, for now she was fighting off her fears created in the past, while holding back her terror of the future. Or, was she running for her life? But, for now, there were notes to be taken, ideas to be discussed.

Barbara let Susan do most of the talking. So much so that the following week every sample was created was influenced by Susan. To the extreme of having Susan’s name on the order and not Barbara’s. Finally managed to get the new clients name right. “”Something should be fixed though…this green is not quite right…I don’t want it to look too Army”. “Hmmm” she said, hoping that everything would go well enough to get a deposit. This had to fixed fast to appease the client. Her mind went blank. “Wait a minute”…Barbara said, “I see the perfect green!’…Where? she replied, putting her left hand to her chest as she felt a sense of relief. The client used her index finger to point directly to a spot on her nose, forcing her eyes to cross as she followed its direction. “There..now please don’t wash your face until that perfect color is on my walls.”

It became obvious to her that she failed hygiene 101 that day as she diligently had made the samples. Now, in a normal situation anyone else would have felt embarrassed. After all these two women were a hard act to follow. But, she was not living in a normal situation nor would she ever be again.

As she drove out of the parking lot she had a smile on her face, a deposit in her hand and the PERFECT COLOR that would complete the project, feeling totally independent and studio savvy.