What exactly is a Deep Autumn? I often get letters from people who really don't understand what their color is supposed to be about. Autumn is always Deep, always Warm and always Soft (Muted). 'Different' methods of Color Analysis pop up of course but I never pay them much attention - each to his own! Both the Tonal and Seasonal methods work perfectly and complement each other. After all the hype, every method comes down to the same straight-forward idea of connecting or matching color characteristics with your own natural characteristics. |
When you surround yourself with colors that echo your own natural coloring then you create balance. Simple!
But some methods of Color Analysis do nothing but create confusion. Let me explain...
AUTUMN, for example, is made up of 3 color characteristics - DEEP, WARM and MUTED (Soft).
So if you are AUTUMN you are always DEEP, always WARM and always MUTED - these 3 characteristics have to be present to actually determine you as an Autumn.
Your natural coloring is soft and elegant, rich and classicly blended.
As a Deep Autumn you are directed and limited to the deepest colors within the AUTUMN color palette.
With a restricted range of colors the shades become so specific that it's extremely difficult to recognize them and almost impossible to shop because your choice is so limited.
You're not a TRUE AUTUMN - so you've got to be something else.
As you've been determined Deep Autumn then your DEEP coloring is probably the first thing we would notice.
Although of course we recognize light or deep shades, when we're talking about the Intensity of a color it means how much pigment is present. Light colors have a light or small amount of pigment and DEEP colors have a heavy or intense amount of pigment.
If DEEP is the most important element in your natural coloring, then it probably means that DEEP is your primary characteristic.
Rather than having a limited array of colors you could probably be enjoying the whole spectrum of the DEEP color family.
Your Deep coloring doesn't mean that you should be limited to dark or heavy colors, just that you need colors with an intense pigment to balance your own strong coloring. Any colors with a light pigment will look lightweight and ineffectual against your natural coloring.
If you have a Deep intensity you will probably have elements of both Warm and Cool just like the shades in the DEEP Color Family.
This
beautiful color palette has plenty of lighter and brighter shades, just that
they all have a intense or Deep pigment - you will have a wide mix of the very
best shades to experiment, play with and enjoy!
Why are some people still nervous about
Color Analysis? Probably because they think their color choice is going
to be severely limited. And breaking up the Seasons does just that.
When I was first introduced to Color Analysis I felt very 'put out' when I was given a small swatch and told what I 'could' and 'couldn't' wear by a very dogmatic consultant. Probably like you, I don't like being 'told' what to do. Only you know what makes you feel good and what you need is choice.
Color Analysis should give
you the widest possible choice of shades that
will harmonize with and enhance your natural coloring. Your best colors
should be pointed out but if some colors are new you should be
encouraged to experiment. Our choice is usually influenced by mood and
occasion anyway.
If your color direction is correct you will see many familiar and favorite shades and your own instincts are reinforced. Color is a fabulous medium, it's here to be enjoyed and it's FUN!
A True Autumn color swatch should include shades of every color - reds, blues, greens, yellows, purples, greys, beige, browns.
Each one has elements of the Deep, Warm and Muted characteristics that complement your natural coloring. You'll
have your favorites, some will look better than others. Season to
season you'll be influenced by fashion and your tastes will develop and
change.
You'll choose your softer or stronger colors according to mood and occasion; professional, conservative, holiday time etc. but as long as you're within your color direction you really can't go wrong. However, once this color mix is diluted you're severely restricted.
WARM AUTUMN or SOFT AUTUMN - like to check your colors too?
Confused by any of this? Feel free to ask a question ...
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