Understanding Colour

The artists represented at Kate Owen Gallery have a magnificent sense of colour. They instinctively use original and vital colour in a balanced and harmonious way on the canvas. Most of us, however, are not so lucky. Sometimes we feel that we have a colour scheme for the home or office, but often, however hard we try, it just doesn’t come off or doesn’t feel ‘complete’. We can also get stuck in a rut and not know how to stop repeating much the same colour scheme every time.

Being able to understand the terms and processes with colour will help you knowledgeably communicate your vision. So in this article, we’re going to give you a crash course on colour! Hopefully it will help you use colour more adventurously and with confidence. You may well disagree with some of my ideas and conclusions. Please blame this on the fact that colour appreciation is personal and subjective; so much a matter of personal taste and feeling, and I can only state what I myself feel to be true. 

The whole of this blog article is concerned with colour, but there can be art without it. The lack of colour does not make a master drawing less a work of art. Picasso’s ‘Guernica’, possibly the most profound painting of the last century, is in black and white. View our range of black and white artworks here.

The Basics:

Colour is perception. Our eyes see something, and data sent from our eyes to our brains tells us its a certain colour. Objects reflect light in different combinations and translate them into the phenomenon we call colour.

Colour theory is both the science and art of colour. It explains how humans perceive colour; how colours mix, match or claw; the subliminal (and often cultural) messages colours communicate; and the methods used to replicate colour. 

Physically, unless we are colour blind, we all see the same things in the same way and in the identical colours. The human eye may be similar to a photographic camera, but our brains are not dark-rooms. What we make up there of visual impressions is personal and has only subjective meaning.

The Colour Wheel:

The colour wheel consists of three primary colours (red, yellow, blue), three secondary colours (colours created when primary colours are mixed: green, orange, purple) and six tertiary colours (colours made from primary and secondary colours, such as blue-green or red-violet)

 

Draw a line through the centre of the wheel, and you’ll separate the warm colours (reds, oranges, yellows) from the cool colours (blues, green, purples).

Warm Colours are generally associated with energy, brightness and action, whereas cool colours are often identified with calm, peace and serenity.

When you recognise that colour has a temperature, you can understand how choosing all warm or cool colours in your home or office can impact the mood or ‘feel’ of the space. Take for example these two artworks by Ronnie Tjampitjinpa:

  

While the artwork to the left beautifully compliments the feature wall in the background, I would say the overall ‘feel’ of the space is cooler, as opposed to the piece on the right which adds warmth to the space.

Simply put, tints, tones and shadows are variations of colours on the colour wheel (used by adding white, black or grey to the colour). Colours mixed with white change tone and intensity. As the digital hang below of Freddy Purla’s artwork ‘Grandmothers Country’ reveals, a lack of brilliant colour does not mean a lack of varied colour.


Just because you have a neutral décor, doesn’t mean you can’t add a splash of [subtle] colour!

Using the colour wheel, designers develop colour schemes. Some of the most common terms you may have heard are:

Complimentary Colours - complementary colours are opposites on the colour wheel. Here’s an example of an artwork by Patricia Baker where she has used the complimentary colours red and green:

Because there’s a sharp contrast between the two colours, this piece really pops!

Analogus Colours - analogue colour sit next to each other on the colour wheel - red, orange and yellow for example. When creating an analogous colour scheme: one colour will dominate, one will support and another will accent.

Triadic Colours - triadic colours are evenly spaced around the colour wheel and tend to be bright and dynamic. There is a lovely visual contrast whilst simultaneously being harmonious.


Helen McCarthy Tyalmuty using tridadic colours of orange, green and purple.

 Messages Colours Communicate:

Most of us have a favourite colour or prefer some colours over others. This is because it can affect our moods so we surround ourselves in the colours that have a positive impact on our mood.

Wassily Kandinsky, a renowned Russian painter and art theorist, was one of the first pioneers of colour theory and believed the following colours communicate the following qualities:

  • Yellow – warm, exciting, happy
  • Blue – deep, peaceful, supernatural
  • Green – peace, stillness, nature
  • White – harmony, silence, cleanliness
  • Black – grief, dark, unknown
  • Red – glowing, confidence, alive
  • Orange – radiant, healthy, serious

What do you think? Don’t forget, colour also has cultural significance, political associations, and religious links.

 Colour inspired by surroundings:

We live in a colourful world, a world that acts as the perfect inspirational trigger for design. The rugged beauty of the Australian landscape can be re-created in even the most urban surroundings. Draw inspiration from the unique shades of native elements, such as the flame-orange hues of the desert, olive greens of the eucalyptus trees, or dusty pinks that pop up at the sky at twilight. Combine these punchy shades with complimentary earth tones to bring warmth and richness to even the simplest interiors.

Blues and greens are an intrinsic part of Australia’s diverse bush environment, so why not replicate this palette in an urban residence? Here, the soothing olive greens of melaleucas, and grey-blue of gum trees bring a little of the bush into the city. 

 Dulcie Long Pula’s Bush Yam Leaves sits beautifully in this loft apartment.

Composition Considerations:

It is impossible to speak about colour and completely ignore composition, drawing and design. For instance, Rembrandt and Braque used similar colours - Rembrandt to give a sense of light and depth, Braque for flat, decorative effects. Black in a Rembrandt is used in shadow and mysterious distance, quite different from the heavy black outlines and flat areas in a highly stylised Braque still life.

One example from the KOG stockroom are these two brilliant artworks by the highly talented and versatile artist, Helen McCarthy Tyalmuty.

 

She has used the same two predominant colours in both artworks (red and white), but her composition and painting technique have completely transformed how I perceive the colours. In ‘Marrawuk (The Dry Season) - HMCG0086’ I perceive the red colour as trees in the foreground, whereas in ‘Ngete (Ant Hills) - HMCG0104A’  I see the white accents in the foreground with the red colour receding as if it were the background. Personally, I also think the artworks have very different moods - Marrawuk really does capture that feeling of a still, hot afternoon, whereas in Ngete I feel energised - like the energy of a hundred worker ants are about to burst off the canvas!

Feeling Inspired ? Or even more confused? Either way, not to worry – here at Kate Owen Gallery we have a wonderful team of friendly, informative art consultants who can help you find the perfect artwork to finish off that home or office project. Get in touch with us today – we love hearing from you! We also have a great range of gallery services which you can explore here.


Gift Guide for Christmas

Say sayonara scented candle! It’s time to think outside the gift box and give the unique gift of art this festive season!

Here at the gallery we all too often see visitors who want to give the gift of art for their loved ones, but get themselves into a state of exasperation trying to decide which artwork would be right. So, to help you out this festive season, we’ve created a ‘gift guide’ where we’ve listed some fabulous Aboriginal artists, and the personality types we see going gaga for their work.

Of course this is just a suggestion; nobody knows your friends and family better than you do, so be brave and confident in your decisions!  And don’t forget – here at Kate Owen Gallery we are very understanding if an artwork was purchased as a gift and may not be quite right. Our Art Consultants are always here to help so please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Ready to start your Xmas shopping? Let’s go!

 


The Logical Sort

A good way to tell if someone would fit in to this category would be to ask yourself:

How would they respond to the blobs of paint in this artwork:

 

  • a)            Argh! Fix it!
  • b)            No- that’s just the quality of the work

If they would respond with something along the lines of A) then it is best to go for an aritist that has precise dot work or a systematic composition. Artists that instantly come to mind are Walala and Thomas Tjapaltjarri. These are highly regarded artists that we featured this year in our ‘Three Brothers’ exhibition. Geometric shapes and a carefully applied dot work give these artworks a powerful ‘Shimmering’ quality synonymous with depictions of the Tingari Cycle. These artworks are a great ‘go-to’ if you are purchasing for a man, as these artworks depict secret sacred men’s business, so there’s a great connection and story to share as you gift the artwork. 

Two other trailblazing artists who are soaring to dizzying heights are the King Sisters. Back in 2009, Kate Owen Gallery was proud to present the 3 Kings exhibition, where Sarrita and Tarisse King paid homage to their father, the highly respected artist and elder, William King Jungala (1966 – 2007). Back then, the sisters wove their own styles with that of their father and produced fascinating interplays of colour, design, heritage and spirit.  While still at the early stages of their careers, we could tell that Sarrita and Tarisse were set to become big names in the Aboriginal Art world.

Flash forward nine years, and the King Sisters have cemented themselves as the exciting next generation of Aboriginal artists. Still honouring their father’s stories, the sisters have matured and developed their own unique style which has seen them displayed in galleries throughout Australia and around the world. Their works are vibrant, striking and contemporary. The sisters employ a diversity of styles and colour palettes which make them perfect artists to explore as gift options.

View Sarrita Kings artworks

View Tarisse Kings artworks

Whilst these “giftees” will simply not appreciate the loose, wild, and gestural nature of a Polly Ngale Bush Plum or a Gloria Petyarre Bush Medicine piece, but a good alternative is a Jeannie Petyarre Bush Medicine piece. It may come as a surprise, but we find the focal point in Jeannie’s art makes all the difference for these logical folks – it provides an opportunity to enter the artwork and be taken on a journey through the flowing bush work.

We would also recommend heading to our Art Search Page. On the bar to the left try searching for ‘Style: Dots – Fine’ or ‘Style: Dots – Medium’ as we do find these types of art lovers appreciate the time and effort to create such a piece.


Loose, Wild, Gestural

Have you heard your friend ever mention that they love Monet’s water lilies? Or do you notice they lean towards more organic shapes? Then we’d recommend exploring the beautiful bush plum and bush medicine leaf paintings made famous by the artists of Utopia. These artworks are produced using acrylic paints loaded onto a single brush and then applied or ‘pushed’ vigorously into the canvas, linen or board in such a way that the paint is mixed in the resultant mark on the canvas. These artworks may appear more abstract, but they are deeply grounded in Awelye.

Another artist who depicts Awelye is Charmaine Pwerle. Charmaine’s lines are bold and sure, echoing those of her grandmother Minnie Pwerle, but with the assurance of a much more practised artist than her years or experience would suggest. The brushwork in her body designs, Awelye, has all the characteristics of this family dreaming, but Charmaine lends her own distinct creative flair, pattern and movement to the canvas. We held an exhibition earlier this year showcasing her incredible talent titled Charmaine Pwerle – New Traditions.


Naïve Art

I have to look inwards to describe this personality – as I absolutely LOVE this style of art !

I think it’s fair to say we are a quirky bunch – if you were drawn to Courtney’s styling on the recent TV series of Channel Nine’s The Block (the more lamas the better!) then I think it’s safe to say this is your squad. Perhaps you’ve admired the Tjanpi Desert weavers  or the soft sculptures of Yarrenyty Arltere Artists? To you – figurative art that’s a little off beat is fine, because it’s bursting with personality.

There may be simplicity of form in Karen Napaltjarri Barns and Trevor ‘Turbo’ Brown's art, but there is an incredible energy in the dynamic composition, colour and line.

What makes naïve Indigenous Australia art so fascinating is that certain artists, such as Linda Syddick and Jack Dale, have used this style to depict the changes in Aboriginal life, their interface with the 'whitefella' ways, and their experience through this period of seismic change.  If you have an interest in history, these artworks represent a fascinating first-hand account of important moments in our nation’s history.


Kudditji

When it comes to this artist, it’s quite clear – you either love his work, or you don’t. And that’s fine. All we say is – we’ve had visitors to our gallery who never considered his work and left the gallery converted. What amazes us about Kudditji Kngwarreye’s artworks is that we never tire of them, as they are always revealing themselves. The light at different times of the day emphasise certain colours in his work which is just magical. Each artwork also has quite a unique ‘feel’ and can completely change the atmosphere of a room. Take for example the images below. It’s the same space, the artworks are the same size, but the artwork selection has completely changed the feel of the room.

 

This artwork brings a beautiful warmth to the room and is very grounding.

 

Whereas this artwork is very uplifting and keep as cooler tone to the room.

Both look fabulous, but it is really a personal preference what mood you want your home to have. When it comes to giving the gift of a Kudditji, make sure you have a clear understanding of your loved ones home décor, so you can select the right piece that will match the mood.

Check Out our 'See Art on Wall' feature!


Family and Friends visiting from overseas 

Why not give them a piece of Australia to take home with them? We find that most international clients love a conversation piece – something that they can proudly hang on their wall and share their stories of their time in Australia, and impart some interesting information about the world’s oldest living culture.

Kathleen Buzzacott and Selma Coulthard are brilliant choices. Their work depicts the features of the land and the native fauna in incredible detail. Peter Overs is also a popular choice due to its universal appeal and neutral colour palette.

The artists of Yuendumu are also an excellent choice as they come with a certificate of authenticity from Warlukurlangu Art Centre which explains the artwork story in great detail. Head over to our Art Search Page and in region select ‘Yuendumu’ – you will be spoilt for choice!

If your international family and friends have to catch a plane home, you may have to consider size as well – we have a huge range of artworks that can safely be rolled in a tube and taken as hand luggage.

 


 

If all of this information has just made you even more confused – well, why not give your loved ones a gift voucher, or create a gift registry page where multiple people can make a contribution. Then your loved ones can use all of our gallery services to help pick the perfect piece for their home.

As we mentioned at the beginning of this blog post – these are all just our suggestions and nobody knows your friends and family better than you do, so be brave. Your loved ones will probably be very touched you thought of such a unique gift for them that truly will last the test of time.     


Gems from the Stockroom | 26 august - 17 september

Our Art Consultants have really outdone themselves with these hand-picked ‘gems’ from our stockroom. With 2,0+ artworks to choose from, plus some gorgeous new arrivals that just had to be included, it isn't surprising. You will be dazzled by the exquisite selection on offer, and amazed at how the vast array of different styles sit extremely well in the one space. A visual feast that shouldn't leave you wanting more but will almost certainly leave you wanting a piece of your very own.

It is interesting to know that it isn't the same artist, similar style or even region that bring these pieces together for exhibition. What does bring these art works together for display are that they are all personal favourites that simply make our Art Consultant's say "wow, I just love that piece!" While they are contrasting, they simply look absolutely beautiful together.

Some new and exclusive pieces by Helen McCarthy Tyalmuty are quite likely to catch your eye. To be honest, you certainly would not want to miss them on display. Helen is an award winning indigenous artist. To add to the spectacular colour and intricacy of her work, Helen often provides a beautiful meaning and story that goes with her pieces. Her most recent additions to the gallery and this exhibition are no different. These stories include ancient wisdom and customs through to her own personal life stories and that of her close family. Read some more of Helen's stories.

This piece is particularly impressive and is called 'Wadjigan People'. Recently, when shared on social media, fellow artist Tarisse King reached out to say of this piece; "Helen u can do no wrong!"... Quite the compliment!

Helen's story for this art work:

"Wadjigan People. Our country is Bulgul. Our language is Batjamal.

This painting depicts our ancestors and billabongs and waterways where they hunted for survival.

The old people looked after our country. They still say don't be greedy. Only get enough for family and always share.

Ochre stones are for ceremony - body painting. Also found are small stones used to sing someone to love you.

This story is depicted in green because food and freshwater is always plentiful. Small black and red circles are the different Wadjigan tribes that walked before us.

White circles up top are the white stones used to sing someone to you"

Other artist featured in this exhibition include:

Gloria Petyarre

"Bush Medicine" by Gloria Petyarre H200 x W120 (GPEG0544)
 
Tommy Watson

'Wati Kutjara' by Tommy Watson H182 x W243 (AGTW0303121984)

Minnie Pwerle

'Awelye Atnwengerrp' by Minnie Pwerle (MPWG0009)

To see these pieces, and many more, we strongly suggest you do not miss the 'Gems of the Stockroom' exhibition at Kate Owen Gallery. If you can't make it in to the gallery thankfully you can also view the exhibition online.


Australia's Queen of the Desert

We have just received an exciting new body of work by Australia's most significant female Aboriginal artist living & working today - Gloria Petyarre! 

Gloria Petyarre burst onto the Australian art scene in 1999 when she won the prestigious Wynne Prize for Landscape. She was the first Indigenous Australian to win a major non-Indigenous art prize, cementing her name in art history. Since then, Gloria has become a worldwide success with her unique subject matter and remarkable ability to depict her ancient dreaming stories in a highly contemporary and expressive manner. Gloria did not commence painting until 1988, and her talents were immediately apparent. Her depiction of the Kurrajong bush medicine leaves – with her layered, free flowing swirling brush strokes that scatter across the canvas – has since become her iconic motif. Gloria Petyarre is represented in state, national and international galleries and museums. She has travelled with her art to many countries and exhibited in France, Germany, United Kingdom, Belgium, Netherlands, Italy, USA, Japan, and in regional and commercial galleries throughout Australia.

As Gloria enters her 70’s, this ‘Queen of the Desert’ has an unwavering commitment to her profession, and has shown great determination to turn her undeniable talent into results equalled by only a handful of Australian artists.

Click here to view Gloria's works