Why do two colours, put one next to the other, sing? Can one really explain this? No.
–Pablo Picasso
This quote sent me off on an adventure the other day. One of the few print books I still own is Making Color Sing by Jeanne Dobie. (The link is to the latest printing. The first was in 1986, 36 years ago.). Picasso’s quote is outdated, Dobie studied the question and learned to explain it.
Jeanne Dobie, Artistsnetwork
All rights reserved.
I bought the book eight years ago. I have no desire to paint watercolors, and I haven’t even read the book from cover to cover, but it makes me happy to look at it once in a while.
Picasso’s quote got me curious about Dobie — when she was learning her art she was also raising five children. Where did she find the time?
Finding time is impossible, you simply “steal” it here and there! Being homebound with five children, I painted out the windows, including the house across the street in all climates and times of day, a great way to study the changing effects of light. My friends had studios, while my easel was in the children’s playroom with balls bouncing, doll clotheslines tied to my easel, but I could settle arguments and didn’t worry about where they were. As the children grew older, I packed their red wagon with food for a small army and could paint outdoors. The children had caterpillar races, invented games, and developed a love of nature. I placed my trophies and ribbons on a shelf in the basement over the washing machine to remind me late at night that in the future I would have time to be a real artist.
—Interview with Jeanne Dobie
Impressive lady! It was well worth exploring the internet to learn more about her.
July 9, 2022
YES! everything about this post. life affirming! xoxo
Yes. 🙂
Her creativity extended beyond the canvas. She found clever ways to make time for her art while still keeping an eye on children.
I’m impressed!
I am truly impressed with you sharing this. Now I must go read more. Thanks Jean.
I’m glad you love it too. 🙂
wow, interesting, I shall look her up!
I’ve plenty of time to make art – but that’s because I’m home alone and no longer in the workforce.
What I have to “make time” is household chores especially since my laundry room is also my paint room!
(apologies for not reading etc – had an issue that caused me to run for my paintbrushes, plus get some advice from AM and H who agreed I shouldn’t get re-in-tangled, and get back to being me and grounded…)
You have to be creative too. 🙂
she is a gifted artist. I love the VIP Cottage on her website. the quote is so true, some colors do sing when placed next to others.
I love the way God made our natural world with all the colors singing together. nothing makes me happier than the colors in the sun that is rising out side my window as I type and the greens and browns of trees
That’s neat. 🙂
I love how she made time to indulge her passion without having to sacrifice the attention her family deserved. Win-win!
That impresses me so much.