Upon first hearing the word "pastel" our minds often jump toward the familiar Easter egg hues. Lucky for us, the pastels in Renjeau Gallery's new group show refer to what is actually one of the oldest painting mediums; pastels have been used by artists as far back as the 16th century. Consisting of pure, powdered pigments that are combined with a binder and rolled into a stick, they usually resemble a piece of chalk or crayon. Pastel paintings, if properly framed and cared for, can be one of the most permanent of media because they never darken, yellow or crack.

Pastel paintings have great variations in tone and texture depending upon the binder used as well as the “ground” or the surface on which the pastel is applied. Dry pastels that are mixed with gypsum or other substances can have a soft, powdery texture that blends beautifully to produce stunning landscapes with soft gradations of tone. Wet pastels are usually mixed with oil and can produce intense color.
 
The current exhibition at Renjeau Galleries features several pastel artists, each with their own style and technique. They include Will Klemm, Aleah Koury, Karen Jones, Pierre Jacquelin, Nicora Gangi, Francoise Julien, and Nicole Clement. Renjeau has been showing the work of these artists for many years, but for the first time, they are displaying their newest paintings all together during the month of March in their Natick Exhibition Annex.
 
Click here to see a preview of the show – there are more pieces available by each of these artists, so please stop by the gallery to see the outstanding pieces if you have the chance.

Your paint project: 10 Tips from Barbara Jacobs for choosing colors

See part 1 and part 2

Finally, it’s time to choose the colors. Well, maybe it’s not “Finally”—maybe that was actually your first thought!

It often happens that I’m called to help with a color palette when “the painters are coming next week!”
While crisis-mode color selection is not optimal, it’s certainly possible to do. But your color choices deserve your best attention since it’s color that sets the tone for your entire space.

If you have time to give your color selections adequate consideration, it will be to your advantage. Even if you intend to use the services of a color consultant it will be helpful to your final decision-making to really be aware of your space in some ways you might not have considered before.

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 main color or accent.
  In the image to the left (color design and photo by Barbara Jacobs) the wall color relates to the bright green design lines in LOOPY/Soft Tide: Silk Road Weaves – Tibetan Rugs

2.  Think mood, listen to the space
Choose your color according to the purpose of the space, for example:

4.  Monochromatic, maybe?  Emphasize the architecture

• Achieve bold or subtle variations within one color group.
• Use low-contrast color variations in any room.
• 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.  HUE consulting has some interesting trend notes about this.
   
  5.  Make white the accent color
  Even in a guest bathroom  you can create variety with elegant neutrals as the main color. (Color design and photo below by Barbara Jacobs)
  
  
  6.  Looking up, tint your ceiling!
• Add drama with a stronger color, a similar-tone color in a different hue, 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

• Consider strong colors or soft, deep earthy hues like chocolate brown or olive green as main or accent colors.

• Be sure to test colors by rolling 2 coats on primed poster board or large areas of actual wall.
  
  
  8.  What’s missing? Add interest and depth of color
• Flat, dull walls become interesting and personal with subtle or dramatic  ”Visual Texture” and “Broken Color.”
• “DEPTH” does not have to mean “DARK!”
• Burnished mineral/metal finishes and colored glazes add depth and interest.
• For example: Mica, Copper, Pewter, Bronze, and of course Silver and Gold
• Accent areas are the perfect place for a special finish to create focus in a space. 
  
  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!

  11. Bonus Tip
  Check out this recent New York Times article on test results for Low V.O.C. Paints!
  Thanks to Ellen Kennon for providing images for my use.

  There’s more…you can read this Color Tips article in its entirety on HGTV.com