Nature: The Original Artist

(27 March 2014, Wax oil pastel on cardboard)

I recalled the first time I laid eyes on a Mandarin duck.

I was completely besotted and transfixed not so much for the physical shape of the drake but by its perfectly striking and complimentary colours. He was the perfect balance of black, white, red, purple, brown, orange and grey. All too much in the one animal.

I later saw a female duck and she was equally striking with her more subtle combination of grey, pink, blue and brown. Although the drake brutishly grabs my attention, I found the hen's colours more practical and because she holds the sole responsibility for the guidance and safety of her newly hatched ducklings, her brown hued body camouflages with the earthy tones of her surroundings. It is easy to pass her off as boring but when you look at her closely, you will be able to appreciate her in all her coloured glory.

Mother Nature is truly the original master painter and colourist. 

She is my only source of inspiration and knowledge for all shapes, colours and shading. More importantly, she guides me in the mixing and pairing of colours. Look at the ducks; their multicoloured-multihued feathers seem just right. For me, it is curious to wonder why certain parts of the duck is coloured in a certain way but as a whole, each coloured part contributes to a perfect collage.

If one was to trawl through the various sources of art theory and public response to the subject of "Why certain colours go well together?", personal taste appears to be a frequent reply. On a daily basis, consumers are bombarded with suggestions on what coloured items go well together. There are hundreds of fashion blogs and videos hosted by professional and amateur stylists and designers providing advice and ideas on this subject matter, based on colour, structure and textures. Some choose to go with more conservative combinations while others opt for bolder contrasts. However, the common thread to their choices is that they are all based on personal taste. When the suggested tips are consistently liked and followed, they are heralded for their taste. Their views are set as a standard for the masses and this drives consumer preference and ideals.

It is inevitable that our personal taste is influenced by many factors including our cultural background, aspirations and environment. We relate to certain advice because of it resonates with our aesthetic sensibilities. However, we as consumers can choose to ignore the popular advice and find our own individual sense of colour creativity.

Sketch of 'Boh Munyong'

(1 January 2014, ballpoint pen on paper)

To view a completed painting of this water buffalo, please refer to my blog article dated 16 March 2014.