Color Values- All relative.

We judge values by their context- how dark or light they look when placed next to each other. Artists use this knowledge to create images that demand attention. Here we look at the dark and light values of some of the works from last month, and of other artists’ works- by changing them to Black and White.

For easy reference, here are the time Markers within the video:

Illusion of Depth by using gradations of values: Picasso (1:06 min)

Graphic Values- A. Calder (2:40 min)

Midtone Values – P.P. Rubens (3:07 min)

Using Color Value

We can use our knowledge of color values and what grabs attention the most to create interest in our art.

Transforming Pain to Art

Frida Kahlo, (July 6, 1907 – July 13, 1954) was a Mexican artist who relied heavily on symbols in her paintings and  her self-portraits. She sustained severe and debilitating injuries in her youth but turned her pain into art. (Click on image on right to enlarge). 

I decided to use her vision of this person as a tree, rooted into the Earth. I feel it illustrates Shadow Work well–how acknowledging our pain can transform it into fertile soil–and how we can become grounded by doing what we love. Kahlo made this portrait in 1931 of the botanist, Luther Burbank (1849-1926). Using intuition, grafting, hybridization, and cross-pollination, Burbank created over 800 varieties; some are still used today (elephant garlic, the Idaho potato, non-prickly pear, and the Shasta daisy). A Labor of Love.

Kahlo celebrates Burbank’s wisdom, spirit, and connectivity to the Earth as she depicted him in his beloved California. His house is now a museum in Santa Rosa, CA, and he is buried near the greenhouse there. Kahlo shows Burbank beside his grafted fruits and trees. The philodendron he is holding grows into the earth where other roots show as well. Burbank’s roots are getting nourishment from the body below. I know that the corpse may make some uncomfortable, but consider that Kahlo grew up with a strong sense of ancestral connection through her heritage.To me, this portrait feels like a reminder that we are all part of The Circle of Life and that doing Shadow work is grounding.

P.S. Years ago we were in Santa Rosa, CA on vacation. I saw a beautiful place–there was such a glow of joy and growth over it I couldn’t resist- I had to make my family go look with me. It was Luther Burbank’s museum we had stumbled upon. In his study, I noticed a small photo far over on an opposite wall showing Luther Burbank and Yogananda Paramahansa together. Suddenly, I realized why I was pulled in. Not only do I love plants but as a teenager, I read “Auto-biography of a Yogi.” And sure enough, he described Luther Burbank. If you feel like reading that description click here: https://www.crystalclarity.com/yogananda/chap38.php

Short Movie- “Dia de Los Muertos” (Day of the Dead- November 1st)

Since I mentioned the ancestral heritage when talking of Frida Kahlo above, I am adding this beautiful animated movie.

A little girl has lost her mother. She is sitting by the grave with candles and photos for the Dia de los Muertos celebration. She is overwhelmed by her loss, but then unexpectedly journeys to the Lower World (this may not be your experience of the Lower World but it is consistent with South American traditions). At first, she is scared of the Spirits but then a wonderful thing happens…

Dia de Los Muertos is not like Halloween; there is nothing ‘ghoulish’ or ‘creepy’ about the holiday. The skeletons dressed up in happy outfits may seem odd when you are not used to them but that is how it is celebrated- happy skeleton decorations everywhere!

Instagram Prompt

Take a photograph illustrating Duality (this should be easy!) and post it with hash tag #Duality #Paintingonheartsideofbrain