I've only been doing this for three days, but it's been so gratifying. I discovered that Jude Hill has made certain workshops available for free through her website, and I began to explore Whispering Color.
The first day I listened and pulled out fabrics, and ended up with a very quiet, neutral arrangement. The phrase that stuck with me was "a reflection of the day." The day had been gray, and dull, inside my head as well as outside, and this exploration of neutral barely-colors was a good reflection.
The second day, I worked more with the spectrum of color, and seeing it against different grounds, finally pleased with one that seemed like light in the forest, making the colors sing clearly their different tones, the way they would if you saw them in nature.
I've made a point of actually sewing the sample each day, which takes it to a level of commitment. It makes me exercise my stitching skills, and the pieces look different when sewn. I'm also thinking about the color of the thread, since it shows just a bit.
Thinking about color in the form of cloth has allowed me to reacquaint myself with my fabric stash, which is now gathered together in a new space. The timing is perfect for exploring the options. Digging through the stash, I came up with a palette to match one that I recently painted in watercolor: the colors of Beckett Point, with its driftwood, grasses, evergreens, lichens, and weathered boats and houses.
Moving between paint and fabric could be very fun.... thinking about that, and meanwhile just enjoying this page of color swatches.
The third day was about colors in between, making for an even more dynamic rummaging and choosing. The colors jumped at me, playing and shifting and urging me to follow along. Jude talks about personalizing the color wheel, using what you like, and paying attention to your whims. It's a color journal, really, and such a valuable experience.
I have to go away from this for a few weeks, but I know I'll be back for more. I'm leaving everything as is, and already there are more ideas brewing.
The workshops are offered for free, but there is the option to donate, which I've done - such a generous offering from a great mentor! It's wonderful to hear her voice, and the way she opens up her own process is just that: an opening, a door one can walk through. Very grateful!