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When people admire my work, 99% of the time they say they love my use of color. The vivid colors of the California hills and coasts are what first drew me to landscapes – capturing that golden moment before sunset when the light makes the waves of grass blaze in orange fire, or a serene scene of blue ocean waves lapping pale yellow cliffs. Yes, I love color as much as you do. But did you know just how much thought goes into choosing which colors go into a painting?

It's Not About What You See, but How You Feel

Many non-painters assume that a plein air landscape artist paints what she sees. That’s partially true, but you’ll notice that my paintings are very different from a photograph of the same place. Yet, hopefully, my paintings capture the feel of the place even better than that photo. The reason lies in the color scheme I choose for each work, because each color scheme evokes a different visceral response.

Let’s look at two of my California landscape paintings – both of hillsides.

"Golden Moment" Oil on Canvas, ©Laurel Sherrie

"Invitation to Wander" Oil on Canvas, ©Laurel Sherrie

Analogous Color Scheme  (means colors next to each other on the color wheel)

In Golden Moment, I wanted to recreate the warmth of a nearly spent summer day, when the evening breeze carries the scent of dry grass and oak trees, and the sun brushes the top of a far-away hill. To achieve that feeling of lingering warmth, I used an analogous color scheme of oranges, yellows and reds. Analogous means that on a color wheel, the colors I choose touch each other. Analogous color schemes are excellent for establishing a mood, or even a feeling of temperature. They just seem to tug at your emotions.

Complementary Color Scheme (means colors opposite each other on the color wheel)

In Invitation to Wander, my goal was to capture the marvelous lights and shadows of a California afternoon in the country. Now, shadows aren't actually purple, but using the complementary colors of yellow and purple bring this California landscape painting to life. Complementary colors (those that are opposite each other on the color wheel) come across as balanced and soothing – in fact, scientists have proven that complementary colors are easier to look at because they stimulate different parts of the eye.  And when you put complementary colors next to each other, each color appears more brilliant; they kind of vibrate.

Which do you prefer? Complementary or Analogous? I love them both!

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