Lisa Vogt Art Adventure Blog: 7 Tips for Working with Color

Excerpt from Fused Art Design Video

Color plays an important role in the visual impact of your artwork. By applying a few basic rules, you can dramatically improve the overall appeal of your fused glass art. All it takes is a little pre-planning with these guidelines in mind. Immediately, you’ll see a huge improvement in the strength of your work. You’ll love the results.

1 Pick a color palate and stick with it.

When selecting my glass, I choose specific color families to work with. I then repeat those colors in the art in varying shades. Showing restraint, by not using the entire spectrum of colors, shows you’re confident and your commitment to a plan.

2 Use three colors; one primary, one secondary and one accent.

Using three colors in varying amounts ensures that the artwork is balanced. The variations also encourage the viewer to move their eyes around the art which results in a longer engagement with your work.

3 Use multiple shades of the same color to create shadows and add depth.

Creating highlights and contrast by using multiple shades of the same color, will make your work fuller and more painterly. It’s features like these that elevate your pieces from craft to fine art.

4 Repeat the same color at least three times.

Repeating colors gives the artwork greater continuity. It encourages the viewer to linger longer as they wander around your art seeking more eye candy.

5 White

White draws the viewer’s eyes first. It pops out and can visually overpower your subject matter. Therefore, I try to avoid white. When I do choose to use white, it’s sparingly and to create specific dramatic effects.

To see the powerful effect of white, squint your eyes while looking at this picture. This allows you to focus on the most dominant color. Notice how the white pops out of the image.

6 Black

Black creates a void or hole in the artwork. I avoid using black unless it’s the absolute best choice for the project. When I want black design elements, I’ll often substitute super dark colors to create the high contrast and deep shadows I’m looking for.

To see the powerful effect of black, squint your eyes while looking at this picture. This allows you to focus on the most dominant color. Notice how the black recedes and creates a hole in the image.

7 Represent a familiar subject in an unexpected way.

One of the best ways to get your work noticed is to give us something fresh. Put your own spin on a recognizable subject by rendering it in a surprising way and you’ll have the viewers hooked. Plus, it’s fun to set your imagination free and play around with new color combinations.

Which sea turtle do you find more interesting? Notice how much more time you spend looking at the one rendered in unusual colors.

8 Throw in a zinger.

A zinger is an unexpected color that contrasts the selected color palate. It breaks up the monotony of an otherwise neutral or monotone color combination. Done well, a zinger gives the viewer a reason to stick around, to seek out the other little treasures hidden in plain sight.

Here I added green stringers to the red, orange and yellow mix. Green and red are complimentary colors. Like other complimentary colors, they’re opposite each other on the color wheel. Complimentary pairs vibrate when placed beside each other which makes the artwork richer.

Being selective about color choices gives artwork a new and refreshing elegance. It’s a commitment that will resonant with viewers and echo the artist’s mastery of the medium.