Welcome to my "old-school, basic look" slideshow style videos! But yes, there are so many inspirational possibilities. To go "more tech" or stay "less tech?" Or a combination of the various styles? Another learning curve is coming, I can see it now...

Many artists do videos and I have to admit there is a lot to it that appeals to me. But wanting to 'keep it simple' for now, I tried a few versions --two of which you can see on this web site. "Underpainting 101...tinting gesso..." was inspired by the series of four paintings I called "From the Windows." I painted this series a few years ago, at the very beginning of our "covid 19 lockdown" when looking out windows had an appeal. What can I see when I look at very few variations on the theme? That was, for me, a different way to approach a series. This particular video was actually a composite of an older video I had made in "imovie," with some stock music included, combined with other images and captions.

The other video currently on this site is actually one I had done earlier, just a very simple "imovie" collection of images made into a slide show. Short and silent. Personally I don't mind this type at all even though I know people now have larger expectations, and there are so many more creative and dramatic art videos that are available.

Still, the purpose for this one was simply to show a quick view in to the process of creating a monoprint using oil sticks. It's a fun and actually inspiring process, and I will get back to it again.  "A Short, Silent Demonstration of Making an Oil-Stick Monoprint" is exactly that. 

More recently I was introduced to another way to do videos and, while it's also short and silent, the newest one is followup to the first one, so I called it "Underpainting 201-More About Underpainting" and features the process in painting another 4-part series "Traveling Through Time."

What's next? I am planing to do a video that is actually more "live action," or at least where I am speaking in it and not just using the captions. One idea I'm working on is a continuation of the 'underpainting' process theme, actually it will be the process starting with deciding what colors to use in underpainting, depending on the outcome desired. It's a subject that, as you can tell by now, fascinates me for many reasons. I will be sure to post info about it on upcoming newsletters, when it's "live," and I hope you will be sure to sign up for the e-newsletter so you can be notified.  You can also get updates for new artwork posted on this site, without even going through the newsletter!

Over the years in my art-and-design life, I've been fortunate to have done a lot of teaching of various subjects, from using color in our homes to actually using surface design techniques of indigenous peoples. Writing articles is another form of communication I've enjoyed, and you can see a few examples on this site, also.

Creating future art-tutorials through video and maybe at some point live-stream will be fun, and another way to create communication with you moving forward.

As always, I do look forward to your comments and suggestions for topics you'd like to see me address!

If you peruse the sections throughout this site and also www.bjacobsolordesign.com (my website for architectural color consulting),  you may come up with some questions and ideas.

Until next time,

It's a great question since we are all inspired by similar—yet varied—items.

Nature, contents of our closets, other people's homes, magazine articles...and more.

I wanted to share this brief video of just a few of my own color palette inspirations. These are from photos I've taken in various locations. Mostly flowers and other plants, for this video. I hope you enjoy it and are inspired to create your own color groups.

Don't miss more blog posts here, at Barbara Jacobs Color and Design's Integral ColorViews!

Processes are so fascinating. For me, that aspect of creating is one of the prime movers. It's most often that I am driven to replicate or communicate an experience, location, or something I've seen that is at least inspired by process, rather than by "concept." It's a type of simultaneous experience, actually. And, because I enjoy working in many media, there will be a wide variety of 'styles' that emerge. 

One process I travel through in various ways is using digital media. Sometimes it's as an additional element to a physical work, as in the bottom image below (Katazome Series: Kaboom Sand), but often it's just "strictly digital." Some of these digital paintings really have the 'look and feel' (not literally 'feel,' obviously, in a tactile sense!) of a watercolor or an oil painting. (Worlds Beyond, below) Something with many layers and visual texture. Others will be more "design-oriented" as in the various recent Mandala Series  pieces, as well as some others also.

The process, however, is still a fast-moving, yet "mesmerizing," intuitive experience for me since the digital elements often pop up in new ways that lead me on a path to colors and designs I'd not have been able to create intentionally from the outset. Starting at one point, and discovering hours later what has come about!

Digital painting: Worlds Beyond

Digital painting: Mandala Fractal Series: Southwestern Sunset

In the Mandala Series works, I hope you will enjoy looking Into the image, finding the layers, details, and color shifts that might not be so obvious at a quick glance. 

Katazome Series: Kaboom Sand

Starting with an original hand-cut stencil I did in the Japanese "Katazome" Method, on mulberry paper! Digital color added.  Check out the various versions.

Another enjoyable aspect of any of my processes is that I know they will provide additional enjoyment as museum-quality prints either on paper, canvas, metal, acrylic, and more. Even as a mural on an entire wall!  I now have quite a few ways to offer those so please explore all the possibilities.

Find out all about it here: BarbaraPrints.com

Til next time...

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Why Silverpoint?

I do love this medium...like a pencil drawing, but you can only change it by adding to it, not erasing. It's historic, which is enjoyable to consider when working this way. Become connected with the old masters. This ancient drawing technique creates fine, delicate, silvery-grey lines as the metal is deposited onto the ground, and the drawings are permanent and can age over time to develop a unique patina. 

It's Slow, just stroke by stroke. Very contemplative and meditative. As with my other work, I often do not plan the subject, but just start and see where it leads! It's portable, just need the prepared substrate and the single drawing implement...the Silver Point. Literally.

Please check out the other silverpoint drawings I have on this site. 

Ten Helpful Hints for Choosing House Colors 

1. WHERE TO START?
   Dream in color, starting in a smaller space such as a Bathroom, Hallway, or Accent Wall.
   Begin where you are most comfortable.Select a favorite color, drawn from artwork, rug, china, accessory or furniture, as a main color or accent.
   
   
2. THINK MOOD--LISTEN TO THE SPACE
   Choose your color according to the purpose of the space, for example:

• Bedroom:       restful, soothing, dramatic or intimate
• Dining area:   sociable, stimulating
• Library/study:quiet, peaceful concentration
  
  
  3. HOW ABOUT A COMPLEMENT?
  Check out a color wheel, and enhance your main color choice with contrast
  
  
  Consider these:  Complementary, Split, or Triad...
  
  4. MONOCHROMATIC, MAYBE? EMPHASIZE the ARCHITECTURE

• Achieve bold or subtle variations within one color group
• Contrast use of paint finishes. to make an elegant statement.
• For example: use closely related colors, or even a single color in different finishes, for walls and trim—and maybe even the ceiling
  
  
  5.MAKE WHITE the ACCENT COLOR
• Create variety with elegant neutrals as the main color.
  
  
  6. LOOKING UP, TINT YOUR CEILING!
• Add drama with a stronger color, or make the ceiling the same color as the walls, for the feeling of a more expansive space.
  
  7. TESTING, 1...2...3...TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT, including new ways !
• Consider strong colors or soft, deep earthy hues like chocolate brown or olive green as main or accent colors
• Be sure to test colors on primed poster board or large areas of actual wall.
• NEW! Check out the beautiful collections of paint colors shown here, and order your own 9"x14" actual painted sample cards that will stick on walls and are reposition-able! 
  
  
  8. What’s MISSING? ADD DEPTH OF COLOR

• Flat, dull walls become interesting and personal with subtle or dramatic  "Visual Texture" and "Broken Color."
• Burnished mineral/metal finishes and colored glazes add depth and interest.
• For example: Mica, Copper, Pewter, Bronze, and of course Silver and Gold
  
  
  9.  STILL WONDERING?
• Review your comfort zone and expand it, taking note of your response to your favorite colors.
  
  
  10. TO AVOID CONFUSION
• Try to keep others' opinions to a minimum. REMEMBER, It's YOUR home!

Most important:  TEST, TEST, and Test! There are great ways to do this.
You can read my article on traditional “best practices for testing paint colors”

And you can also try this new offering
Order actual painted color sheets, in a generous 9”x 14” size, that stick to your walls.

These are easily removable also.
Try them here in these curated collections, or just about any Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, or Farrow and Ball paint colors.

AND If you're Really Stuck...Call a professional!
I'm happy to help, local or long distance.

You love art. You might also be an artist.
See this short article on HAVEN, about my color design services and a bit about what I call "environmental color," to transform the aesthetics in your own home.

Ideas about color abound, and new ones come up all the time.
If your walls could talk, they would tell an interesting and maybe even surprising story! But who are you? The powerful message includes minimalist, brave, shy, bold, extravagant, frugal, cautious, athletic, social…? the list can go on and you can add your own ideas in the comments!

What is “Applied Color Psychology?”
For now, I’ll offer a few ideas according to theories of “applied color psychology.” I’ll even offer a little “quiz” right here, for you to have fun with. When you think about your answers and how you match up the color blocks with the various descriptions, remember it’s not for selecting a house color or a room color. That’s a more detailed set of questions and personal considerations. And, it’s a topic for another time!

If this quiz image inspires you to share it–and I hope it does–please remember and respect that, as with all copyrighted materials, this requires permission to reproduce or share directly. Just share the post instead! I look forward to hearing about your ‘answers’ and your ideas, in the comments to this post.

Where do our personal preferences come from?
It’s a complex and multi-leveled process…So from the bottom up, please consider these levels of influence:

• Biology-Physiology: the lightwaves that make up all colors do have an effect on us, we’re just not usually aware of it.
• Colors in Nature and materials: From plants and rocks, water, animals and more, we are surrounded by colors of nature
• Colors as archetypes: Consider how a bee, if black-and-yellow, carries it’s own warning signs. We use these colors intentionally i our world also.
• Social and cultural constructs: Different cultures assign a variety of important characteristics to various colors. Red, and white, being two of them. Opposite in one culture from another!
• Fashion, politics, trends: I call it “planned preferences” when color trends take center stage. It’s about marketing and sales. But on the bigger and more fundamental level, these ‘color trends’ have a deeper beginning.
• Personal life experiences: Do you have a color you Love or Hate, that was present in your youth or in a relationship or other experience? That carries onward as we get older.

A personal example about personal color preferences...

“Yellow” is not a color that I’d use in clothing for myself.
Why? It doesn’t do anything positive for my appearance (!) BUT, I can use a chartreuse, a very strong green-yellow, in some cases. Then also, however, in a home there could be many wonderful places where a strong yellow color could be beautiful. Accessories, for example, are a great way to include a more “extreme” color to great advantage, depending on what else is in the room. Of course, a warm, pale type of yellow is often a beautiful color to be surrounded with.

Adapting to client requests…Collaboration is the Key!

I am often asked by clients to state my favorite color. My answer is typically something a question, like…For what purposes? or In what situation? or even more often, just stating that I don’t really have one single favorite color. Take yellow, for example…a color that is often difficult to use for interiors because it can easily become dominant–not connecting–and loud, too bright, and creating discomfort. (Clue to the above ‘quiz.’)

In this work as an architectural color consultant, I always enjoy helping clients define and refine their own personal color preferences.

A client “case study” story…for an example
For Exterior color for a Victorian style home in the Boston area, the client very strongly stated they wanted PINK. Ok it’s an unusual request. In that case, as with in other similar situations where a client felt attached to a particular color, I always try to be collaborative. I believe it’s important to always consider client wishes. I can be definite in my recommendations and am always happy to state the reasons for my choices that I consider to be in the best interest of the client’s stated needs. But I have no interest in being a designer-dictator, making it only my own way.

What happened in “The Case of the Pink House” was that I created a few different color schemes with “pink” as the focus. While it would not have been my own, personal first choice, the goal was to find the Right “pink” that would satisfy the client while being in alignment with my professional concerns. So, in collaboration with this enthusiastic and happy client, the outcome was what you see in image #13 here, in the slideshow gallery, about The Pink House.

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A good friend was asking me about using gray for interiors, and it gave me a great reason to do a blog post about it!

According to a Zillow survey: "...dark gray may attract more prospective buyers — and higher offers — when you're getting ready to sell."

True, there seems to be a big flutter about the color called "Gray" for interiors. But actually, as with many "trendy sound/news bytes" about color, it's not as simplistic as it's made to be. It's more than one color, that's for sure. And, what if you're not selling? Creating and updating your nest at home will be the focus and goal.

But questions arise to me. Like: Whats the appeal, beyond "Trends?" Where does that interest come from: social, emotional, and/or other things in the marketplace? What are benefits of using those colors in living spaces? In work spaces? What are negatives? This post will address those issues, for interiors. Exterior colors post will be forthcoming.

Artwork can be enhanced by using a deep color behind it.
(print available, artwork by Barbara Jacobs)

And more, like: Where to apply it? What paint finishes are best for maximum quality effects? And from a deeper, more specific design perspective...what actual color gray are you going to use, to create your new environment? That's where creative color -- and what I like to call "color discernment" -- comes in!

Is "gray" considered "Cheerful?"

Not usually, and in fact that is not a word I would ever associate with a gray-toned color. However, here's another way to look at it. It's about the language of describing color and the psychology and emotions that come with various colors. For example, a more high-vibration color like "yellow," for example, is typically considered Happy or Cheerful. That's understandable, when you look at where we usually see that kind of color...flowers, nature, sunlight associations, greeting cards, etc. Then on the other hand, do you want a really bright yellow color in your surroundings? Depending on the actual color formulation, and lighting in the space, the color can be desirable or could also be uncomfortable, making one agitated. That's just quick example of the kind of things we need to consider in selecting colors.

Many colors can be up-beat and still comfortable and homey. That will be a great topic for a future post. In interiors, the more low-keyed versions of these colors are the way to go for this kind of result. So, it could be a blue, a red, a green, a purple...even an orange or a yellow!

But in the realm of "Gray," I'll consider various tones in that field, so a gray can be warm, cool, light and soft, dark and deep...you get the picture.

Here are a few examples of colors I'd not call "Gray," per se (as in black + white = gray), but toned-down colors that are beautiful, comfortable, and great options when you look for something in the wide world of beautiful grays for walls, ceilings and even cabinets--which can offer a beautiful color field as important as walls or entire rooms. Just one thing to consider is to not be swept away by "the latest trends,' especially if you have more long-range plans. But one way to use this kind of social and product-influenced color is that even typically smaller areas like trim can offer distinguished and sophisticated options. Some are examples of the same room shown with various color options.

Two versions as examples of deeper gray - top: more "blue," lower: towards more "purple."

See the difference?

Deeper gray, more "blue" than "green."

Very light, soft gray takes the edge off white.

A more green-based "gray."

Warm, earthy gray type color in a bedroom can help create a cozy nest.
(print available, artwork by Barbara Jacobs)

Below:4 views of the same room, same color except...what is different?

Two forms of warm gray are a good complement to the style and furnishings of this historic home.

Warm gray on the wood trim in this Arts and Crafts home are a good fit for this space in particular and the house in general.

I look forward to hearing your thoughts and comments, and to see your own pictures of how you have used Gray, in any form.
In fact, I welcome your suggestions for future posts on topics of interest to you.

Practical Professional Advice You can Apply Right Now

Q: Are you about to make decisions about interior or exterior paint colors?

Q: Painters and designers: Are you about to recommend paint colors for a client?

Q: How can you make high quality color test samples to help your clients make their best color decisions?

Q: Perhaps you are a design or painting professional who has just been asked for the thousandth time, “How will it look?” Of course, you may have even seen the specified color in many other settings over the years—or, perhaps you’ve never seen it yourself in “real life.” Do you have time to test a lot of color swatches for your clients?

Whether you are doing this yourself or perhaps even suggesting that the client do it—and let you know what they want to use (and some people will actually want to do this) —I’d like to share a few tips that you can recommend, or even use yourself if they are new to you.

It’s not rocket science; we all know that. This post providing some tips for testing will attempt to help you out.

Be sure to do the test for each color with the same finish (i.e., flat, semi-gloss, eggshell, high gloss) you’ll be using on the actual surface.

Here we go!

Keep it Simple but Consider the Details Below
I recommend starting with the premise that color looks different in all types of lighting and throughout the day—and evening—on different surfaces. Color changes in corners, also, as it intensifies where two walls of the same color meet, and it changes in other ways when two walls or surfaces (i.e., wall and ceiling) of differing colors meet. Different product finishes of the same color will look different.

It’s the angle that does it—whether the typical 90 degrees or something else, as in a vaulted ceiling, and the reflection of light causes the colors to affect each other.

Therefore, the following details apply:

1. Make the paint test on a moveable and reposition-able surface. Use something that can be affixed temporarily to any wall, ceiling, or even floor (when you are painting a floor). Note: do not use your blue tape on the edges of this! Tape the back side only.

1. Make the colored surfaces in proportion to each other. For example, trim colors will usually be narrower than the wall color surfaces.
2. Be sure the surface you paint the test on is primed, or at least under-painted with a color similar to what you’re testing. For example, you can use poster board but since it’s paper, it must be oil-primed so it does not warp. Personally I like the rolled-on, flat-finish, fast drying low odor products for this. If you are doing a lot for yourself or for clients, this is practical. Foam core board is good also but more expensive for large amounts, and takes up more room if you have limited storage space.

Note: I’ve typically prepared up to 20 or so poster boards with this type of oil primer, to have ready to go in advance–and easy to use at a moment’s notice–when preparing color tests for clients.

1. DO NOT use foam brushes. Just use a foam or low-texture 6" roller, to roll on two coats of your finish (test) color, making the application as close to what you intend to do on the final surface. Use a roller with similar pile to what you plan to use on the job.
2. Use a stable surface with a texture similar to the wall or surface to be painted. IF the target surface is textured, it’s worth it to make a replica since color reacts so differently with the light falling on textured or smooth surfaces.
3. Be sure to do the test with the same finish (i.e., flat, semi-gloss, eggshell, high gloss) you’ll be using on the actual surface.
4. Be sure to do 2 coats, just as your finish color will be done.  Using a single coat even for testing does not get accurate results of color coverage.
5. Label your sample cards and cut a nice, smooth-edged sample, about 8 inches by 8 inches to leave with the client for their own “shopping” purposes. I find that people appreciate this especially when they are looking at window treatments and furnishings.

Materials for Sampling
OK, so what about materials for the sample surface? You can use wood, (smooth and primed, of course), poster board and foam core (oil prime first), and you can use other substrates like gator board, or drywall (also prime).

One that I personally really like to use and always recommend to my clients who want to do the testing themselves is Small Wall. It’s a great surface, prepared for paint (in other words, no priming needed). It is 1-foot square (two in a pack), has a re-positionable adhesive strip on the back. You can also order larger sample boards 18" x 24" prepared for painting, from another favorite professional product Mighty Boards.

Both can be reused and re-painted. You can even cut them with a solid paper cutter or utility knife, to make smaller pieces, and hole-punch if that’s how you keep color records.

Below example: author's image 4 showing 2 painted swatch colors directly on the wall (not advised)

Below example: Author's image 4-a: Mask the wall with white, make a large, rolled paint sample. Doing this on a separate card or large poster board will give you an idea of the actual color. Can you tell which one this is, from picture 4?

Below example: author's image 4-b: Same process as 4-a. Which of the two “tested” colors is this one?

Digital Color Views!
For any interior and exterior projects, there is one more thing you can offer, that some painters have even used as their palette application guidelines: You can order a digital rendition of what the house will look like (exterior) with the various colors on the different parts of the house. That’s a great way to show a couple of color options in an overall visual. The output you receive is in .jpg or .pdf format.  We can even show up to 50 different color areas on each image we prepare for you, if needed! Any detail can be included in the views.
Just ask me about this service.

Exterior Suggestion
Whether your project is interior or exterior, the same process applies. However, for exterior work you might want to have some siding pieces available that are at least very similar to the client’s house if not the exact same thing.

Doing more than just one strip (minimum four to six strips high, of clapboard style) will give a more accurate view of what the shadows will do at various times of day. Remember to make trim samples also, in the same widths as the actual trim and casings or other details.

So, you might ask, why go to all this trouble, anyway?
The main reason is: Minimize confusion, make the color choices easy, and be professional. Stripes and color patches on the walls look messy and are visually confusing.

You can’t see the specified colors next to each other on a large enough surface because there is just too much going on and the existing colors will inform the appearance of the tested colors, and vice-versa.

• Further Guidance, Illustrations
  Patches are confusing—use one color at a time. This is a useless waste of time, money and emotion. Let’s hope it’s just done for the sake of this picture and not to actually suggest testing colors like this!
• See example Image 4a, above: Block the other colors by hanging a white sheet, using white paper, or painting a white primer background.

Note: Using a roller is best to get the most solid coverage (yes, apply two coats) and no streaks. The point is to replicate the actual color appearance of the final surface.

Far from what people call "decorating," architectural color design encompasses many nuances of art and science. What do I mean? Considering who is using a space and their lifestyle and needs; the neighborhood; the size and style of the home; surrounding landscape and hardscapes...that's just the beginning. Some people are interested in "trends" but for me, that is not the priority at all.  I see 'trends' as a way to know or view the various product colors that will be coming up for sale in the next few years. Color forecasting is a different ball of wax all together. Trends are passing. I find it interesting but, for my work and approach to color as a way to create the most effective, healthy environments, "trends" are not essential.

For now, I just want to share some examples of what a large brick home in the woods will look like as if painted with three different color palettes.  With my unique design visualization service (for exterior and also interiors) I enjoy sharing these views of clients' homes with them. 

Here's one example! The music on the video is--not artificially sped up--from the album James Booker, Piano: Spider on the Keys.

I look forward to hearing about your own experiences choosing colors for your home. Share your tips, also, in the comments!

'Til next time...

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Find out about the pleasure of work as a color consultant!