Experimentation

Using a palette of Turquoise, Yellow, Titan Buff and Flesh tone, I created these quick abstractions of Ionic columns that could be seen at the Acropolis in Athens -- visited many years ago. I used Florescent Pink and a darker pink as pops of additional color. Also, the colors used vary in type from acrylic paint to water soluble crayon, Posca Pen and Tempura Paint Stick.

After completing the piece, it was clear the subdividing didn't work. But that absence presents the viewer an opportunity to construct the 'look' of the connection in his/her mind's eye.

There are actually things from each one that I like. From left to right (1 through 4):

1. The subtlety of the pop of color on the columns, the capital shape, and the plumper blobs under the capital.

2. The intensity of the pop of color on the right side of the column and the yellow behind the capital that makes it stand out.

3. The plant-like ornamentation falling from the capital, and the interesting translucency of the column.

4. The lightness of the column and the pink dots falling from the capital.

This was a fun exploration of creating something from memory, using unusual colors to represent it, and trying different ways of emphasizing different elements. What would happen if I tried to combine all the elements I liked to create a new version? Stay tuned!

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Cay Denise

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