I have often been asked how I know where to put each color when I paint. My sometimes unexpected color combinations can seem mysterious and unintuitive, yet to me it feels as natural as breathing.

Even from the start when I look at my subjects I tune in differently. Especially on shadows and the shapes they play across our skin that seem to change tone so quickly. I actually begin to see non-traditional color and hue. Always purples and deep greens for the shadows which plays perfectly with Naples Yellow or a muted pink. I create contrast by combining secondary colors of the color wheel.

When I start a painting, I intuitively choose three colors to work with depending on my symbolism and emotion I would like to portray. After so much study in Art History and practice on my own I think I often intuitively choose triadic colors (three colors equidistant from each other on the color wheel). Bright blue is one of my favorites to throw in here and there as a mid tone to add interest and depth. I want to create visual poetry filled with moods and magic. 

I have done a lot of color theory study on how colors interact. This can be a good place to start if you are new to experimenting with color. I also love to get inspiration from other artists, photography, graphic design, sunsets, and even how wildflowers complement each other. Each color plays on the other, bringing out a whole new vibrance that that color could never achieve on its own.

Honestly when it comes down to it, I love to play with color, throw it on the canvas, and just feel it in my soul when "it's right".

Here's what I'm thinking for my next piece..orange, hot pink, and dark green. Let me know what you think on Instagram @michelleschultzart.