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COLOR CLASSES IN FLORAL DESIGN Juanita Wilkins, Design Study Chair The impact of color in floral design is tremendously compelling and is used by skilled designers very effectively in interpreting class titles. Color classes utilized by schedule writers can increase interest in a club’s flower shows. Color harmonies often used are monochromatic and analogous. A flower show schedule writer can call for a monochromatic scheme, which is just one color (hue) on the color wheel and its tints (varying amounts of white added to this one hue), its shades (black added), and tones (gray added.) If the schedule calls for a green monochromatic scheme, then only green and its tints, tones, and shades can be used properly. A judge would have to ignore designs with blue-greens and yellow-greens when awarding ribbons. But, if the schedule writer wants blue-greens and yellow-greens to be included with green in the color scheme, then the schedule should designate the “green family” is to be used. This would be an analogous color scheme. An analogous scheme includes 2 – 4 adjacent hues on the color wheel, but never more than one primary hue should be included. Any tint, tone, or shade can be used of any hue included in the color scheme called for in the schedule. Always remember the neutral colors of white, gray, and black can be used in any color scheme, but should not predominate. It should, also, be remembered that backgrounds, containers, accessories and bases should be one of the hues included in the color scheme. To further clarify these concepts, a red monochromatic scheme would include red, pink (white added to red), and maroon (black added), and the neutral colors. No green foliage would be properly included, but the green that is incidental on the stems, calyxes, etc. are OK and cannot be avoided unless one uses dried material that can be painted in creative designs. If the schedule writer wants orange-reds and violet-reds included along with red, then the schedule should call for the “red family” in the color scheme. This would, again, be an analogous color scheme. There are other schemes not covered in this discussion and many other aspects to the discussion of color in floral design. One can review pages 311-320 in our OAGC Exhibitors' & Judges' Handbook for a more comprehensive discussion of color. Clubs are encouraged to write a color class in their show’s schedule in order to add interest and variety. These classes can be fun and challenging to the designer. And, any designer can interpret any class with a color scheme of their choice if the schedule does not prohibit doing so. Think color! |