Folk Art Diary: Reading My Art Through A Squinty Eye

There are a few points I try to accomplish when working on a painting or assemblage. When I've nailed them (figuratively speaking), I'm done. Here's the first in yet another series of how to read my art:

'Sainted Mother' assemblage w/shadowbox ©robinrkent

After I get a rough drawing in place, I analyze my light to dark palette. Not only for color, but for tones and shades as well. This is done using squinty eyes. There is something to be said for bad glasses (or eyesight). It takes out all the details (good riddance in my opinion) and leaves the foundation exposed.
Everyone should buy a pair of glasses with the wrong prescription if you're not lucky enough to have bad eyes of your own.
Anyway...
As much as I like bright colors, toned down versions are the best. I don't use a true 'red' in my palette. I like a rust-red better.  This might be due to my nod to folk art.
I try to keep my colors well rounded to include a balance so the image doesn't read all warm, or cool, or dark or light...
Stay tuned for part 2 next week. I'm on a 'Robin's Elements of (Art) Style' roll now, or to paraphrase a favorite musician, Leo Kottke, I'm going to take a lovely simple (painting technique) and drive it into the ground...