How to See Hidden Color

For those who have followed my art, it's no secret that I have a deep love for color. Many people often ask me if I actually see that much color in my subjects. The answer is that I can perceive colors leaning in that direction and then enhance them. It takes practice to train your eye to do this. By paying close attention and looking for reflective color in shadows and other elements when you're out and about, you'll gradually start to notice them.

If you're looking for a quicker way to see these colors, here's a helpful hint:

TIP:

Completely saturate your photo to the highest level in your phone. It will really enhance those "hidden" colors!

Of course, you don't want to keep it that saturated to paint from, but this will help "reveal" colors you might not have seen in the original photo.

Example: Original Photo

Example: Saturated Photo

You can see in the painting below, I took hints of the saturated colors and incorporated just a few of them:

If you aren't sure how to saturate a photo, here are some steps to use in your phone: (I have an apple iPhone, so it may be a little different on another phone).

Whether you're an artist or art lover,

I’m curious to hear if you noticed any changes in how you observe your surroundings going forward.

Do you found yourself being more aware of the little details? It’s fascinating to think about how our perceptions can shift over time.

And what about color? Are you starting to see more vibrant shades in your world? It’s amazing how a simple change in perspective can enhance the beauty we often overlook. I’d love to hear your thoughts!

If you're interested in diving deeper into the world of painting, I invite you to join me for my upcoming online painting membership called "Dancing Brushes".

The membership will provide you with a wealth of tips, inspiration, and instruction on painting. It opens for enrollment a couple times a year. Learn more by clicking Dancing Brushes