The histogram is a seldom-used tool but the more deeply you understand it the better you can revamp your illustration process and make better work. The histogram can be made visible by clicking “histogram” underneath the WINDOW option at the top of photoshop. This tool can be life-changing, to get better results when trying to create mood and contrasts.

Histograms are graphs that represent all the values in your picture. Selecting a certain part of your picture with the lasso tool will also show you the value range within that specific area you select.

Histograms that mound up on the left side of the image are considered low-key. These pieces may have a dramatic, dark mood. In the example below I show a low key piece at the histogram that represents all the values.

If the histogram mounds up on the right side, like in the image below, it is a high key piece. These pieces may have a happy or even ethereal mood.

Most pieces can be spilt between high and low key and create an array of moods. Paying attention to the histogram can help us nail the mood we are going for. If our values get muddy, the histogram will tell us.

Looking for more ways to keep your eyes fresh while painting? Check out this video where I outline ways to spot mistakes in your work: How to Spot Mistakes in your work

Pastels make my heart melt. When I found this rainbow jelly roll at my local fabric store, I had to have it. I had no idea for WHAT but I bought it anyways.

I was so inspired, I painted my nails to match. That’s what LIVING CANVAS is all about, letting my art spread to all areas of my life, in whatever way it feels good.

So I quilted. And I can’t really tell you what a silly delight it was to sew with matching nails, I was giggling out loud! Listen, my machine had some severe issues as you can see below, is there any project that doesn’t have some DRAMA along the way!? If you’ve managed any creative project that went smooth start to finish, please write me.

I ended up removing one of the kelly green colors from the pack, I wanted a softer rainbow. This roll also did not include red, for this look that kept the intensity of the colors duller. Because this is one of the first quilts I’d done, I decided to do a combination of hand stitching and machine work to baste the fabrics. Hand stitching was the MOST enjoyable experience, it reminds me of the control you need to draw. I got lost in meditation making one stitch at a time. Had to go with rounded corners as I can’t get enough of that look.

The binding. I picked something cheerful for the edges. These tiny stitches are to die for. There’s something special about this kind of detailed work. While the stitches are small, it provides strength to the edges that will be tugged on. While I have recently learned how to do this on my machine, the look of this is so nice it’s worth the time and after working each stitching myself, I’m confident it will last.

Another look at that binding. Going with a neutral pattern on the edges tones down the wildness of the rainbow.

Below shows you the finish after the “great wash” that produces all the yummy quilt-y wrinkles. Evan had to hold this one up to be able to capture its length. It’s a great size quilt for one or for two who love to be close. <3 A few bits of dirty laundry on the floor for ya to keep me humble.

I leave you with words from Dolly, “The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.”

Ain’t that the truth.

-Kirbi