I once heard a “proper” gardening guru state that the color red does not belong in a garden. Huh? I understand that there are natural color relationships that would make a tomato red look out of place next to pale pink and lavender for example, but to rule it out all together?
If you know my artwork you will know that I do love the color red with its long wave-length excitement. The color was a natural choice to paint our studio workshop-barn and as a result, the gardens in front of it have mirrored its tone. I love how the garden has developed into its redness. Humph proper gardener.

a study in reds
We tend to think of Red as a color all its own but from a painters point of view, it is a singular hue that many other colors can be born from making a family of related “reds”; think papa reds, mama reds and baby reds. Below are some color gradation charts showing how I used the varying shades from a family reds for my garden. Perhaps you can use the charts too for your next project; a garden, a room, a quilt or use them to perhaps just help yourself observe the world around you with new eyes.
Redly yours,
Jane

I see Tobey! Meow. Gorgeous reds, all of them.
Yes indeed! Thanks for commenting!
You have such a great eye, Jane! 💕
Thank you very much!
Great info and beautiful images! I especially like the one “stealthy” Toby.
Thank you and yes something about seeing our pets in a setting makes it personal!
Love that the kitty blends in well too!
Yes we plan to match everything around here. LOL!
BEAUTIFUL!
Thank you Valerie! ox