What color is a sigh?

Michelle and I are enjoying a few weeks off this summer for travel and studio work before we begin plans for our Fall Enso Circle term. We love to take a break to play and refresh our creative batteries.

One of my favorite mind-stretching games is thinking of color names. My personal palette in the work that I do is very limited, as you may know, and I have always enjoyed the fascinating nuances between neutral colors, natural pigments, and shades of pale fiber and paper. (Sometimes we have these kinds of conversations in The Enso Circle - it's fun)

Giving these “non-colors” their own names is almost like writing poetry because it sharpens the verbal/visualization process. Imagine the difference between the color “ivory” and the color “eggshell.” Can you see those in your mind?

Here are some names for variations of white.
Imagine what each one looks like --
1. Snow White
2. Pearl
3. Ivory
4. Frost
5. Alabaster
6. Chalk
7. Milk
8. Cloud
9. Porcelain
10. Linen
11. Cream
12. Eggshell

13. Bone
14. Ghost
15. Moonlight
16. Arctic
17. Glacier
18. Marshmallow
19. Coconut
20. Salt
21. Lace
22. Cotton
23. Winter
24. Dove
25. Swan

What about shades of green? How would you compare "Jade" and "Moss" in your mind or on your canvas or watercolor paper? Visualize these names, from vibrant and bright to deep and earthy:

1. Emerald
2. Mint
3. Olive
4. Forest
5. Lime
6. Moss
7. Sage
8. Fern
9. Jade
10. Seafoam
11. Pine
12. Pistachio

 

13. Chartreuse
14. Shamrock
15. Basil
16. Hunter
17. Beryl
18. Laurel
19. Clover
20. Willow
21. Teal
22. Avocado
23. Viridian
24. Kelly
25. Grass

How many names for the color orange can you see in this photograph?

Michelle and I are always saying that once you are in The Enso Circle, you can't help but think like an artist - and while some of what we talk about might be serious stuff, there is a lot of play and out-of-the-box conversation. What color is the smell of peppermint? How many names for purple can you think of?

Have some summer fun - we will be back soon to talk about the new fall term at The Enso Circle. If you are already thinking about applying, here's a LINK that will tell you all about it.