Swimming in a Sea of Summer Blues
Here we are in late summer and many of us are heading out to enjoy time by the water. You might be drawn to a beach, lake, or pool for relaxation or adventure to enjoy quiet time or adventures.
At times, shades of green dominate the summertime color palette. But it is the exciting range of blue hues that gets my full attention these days. The color swatch posted below includes marks with my favorite summer blues. Working with the pure pastel pigments in shades of blue while painting outdoors or in the studio is good for the soul!
In creating the two paintings posted here, I used a wide range of blue shades to convey the spirit of a summer day along the shore. For the painting “Sea of Summer Blues” (posted above) I explored the warm shades of turquoise and blue green to depict the subtle changes in color and value as the water moved from shallow to deep. The range of turquoise colors available with pastels is vast and helped the painting to convey the energy and atmosphere of the warm day.
My color strategy for “Meandering Currents, Early Light” (posted below) includes a mix of blue hues with lots of marks leaning toward blue violet. For the composition, I wanted to have a visual front row seat view of a tide pool with layers of color revealed as the tide recedes at the water’s edge. I also weaved in a few warm blue green colors where the water was most shallow. These vibrant blue tones enhance the rocks and reflections without overpowering them.
May your summer days be filled with colorful moments and plenty of time to soak up nature's palette.
Diana Rogers, Meandering Currents, Early Light, pastel
Strokes of pastel with warm and cool blue hues
