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the magic of vitalis
Brian Landisman
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the magic of vitalis By: Brian Landisman Color Studio, Fall 2014 Professor: Michelle Hinebrook
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red violet
r 130, g 47, b 119 c 56, m 96, y 21, k 5 l 34, a 43, b -23
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vitalis
enchanting the world Vitalis has always been a very powerful energy in the world, and has reveled in our admiration of her magic from the beginning. Throughout history, she has appeared to us in the forms of “alchemy,” “witchcraft,” and even “miracles.” Recently, however, Vitalis began to notice a disturbing change: her magic was fading, and people were begining to pay less attention to her. Searching for a cause to this sudden shift, she discovered that she is currently the least recognizable color on the light spectrum. “This will not do,” said Vitalis. “I can prove that people are still able to recognize and enjoy my beauty in every place I can be found.” Determined to revive her magic, Vitalis began her journey, confident that she would no longer go unnoticed in the eyes of all who look upon her.
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table of contents color wheel/color aid study. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 vitalis in proportion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 texture study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 garden: complementary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 confection: split complementary. . . . . . . . . . 17 seduce: analogus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 crystalize: neutrals & metallics. . . . . . . . . . . . 21 mentality: monochromatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 celestial: triadic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 divine: double complementary. . . . . . . . . . . 27 pattern study. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
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“
the world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper. •William Butler Yeates
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vnderstanding vitalis
color wheel study
Color is one of those mysterious and powerful forces in our world, though that is not how most of us think about it. Colors can evoke emotions, memories, and responses that live within all of us. And if simple perceptions of light can affect us so strongly, isn’t that a kind of natural magic at work? Red is aggressively demanding of our attention, while Violet takes on a more “laid-back� approach to get a hold of us. If the color wheel were only made up of primary and secondary colors, these opposing energies would lie next to each other, giving us an uncomfortable jump from loud to soft. But Vitalis lies between them. She makes herself known like Red, but does so not with force, but with grace. She enchants us in such a way that we want to give our attention, as if she has made our decision for us.
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tints, tones, & shades
color-aid study
rv
t1
t2
t3
t4
s1
p1-1
p1-2
p1-3
s2
p2-1
p2-2
p2-3
ds
lt
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vitalis in proportion botanicals
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vitalis in proportion window shopping
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it’s what you wear...
texture study
Vitalis first began to display her magic on every piece of clothing and textiles she could find. “I am the supreme choice in the fabrics people choose to wrap themselves up in, as I am the embodiment of nobility and richness.” This has been true since the Phoenician Empire, were Vitalis appeared before men in the form of a deep, natural dye dubbed “Tyrian Purple.” This color was extracted from sea snails and infused into garments and fabrics. She was held in such high regard, that only emperors and other members of royalty were permitted to wear her. And her presence is still prominent in today’s current fashions. It would be very difficult to walk outside and not encounter Vitalis draped over people, many of whom don’t realize her power.
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sinful
noble crest
vitalis
imperial robe
ocean spray
haze
tyrian
analogus
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nature’s blush
midnight rose
vitalis
gaia
garden
complementary Plants and flowers are extremely common, but the power they hold is anything but. Wether they’re bought for loved ones or only sitting in a meadow, they trigger the senses and memories of the people that come into contact with them. Vitalis had not overlooked her influence here. “Nature is enriched with my magic,” she cried. Calling upon the help of her color complement, she cast her spell upon nature’s most beautiful gifts.
woodland
ivy
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lemon zest
pie crust
vitalis
confection
split complementary The significance of food is more important than we realize. Eating is obviously an essential part of our lives, but what makes this act a pleasurable experience is our sense of taste.
candyland
When Vitalis imbedded her mystic properties into food, she gave it such a vibrancy that people began to consume her with much delight. She demonstrated that, with her help, food could be as sweet to the eyes as to the stomach.
thicket
mint breeze
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intoxic
dionysus
vitalis
revelry
seduce
analogus Vitalis can be particularly stimulating when she becomes fluid. In wine, she impregnates our senses with her magic and can cause a temporary displacement of our inhibitions, making her just as dangerous as she is beautiful. She has been associated with wine and spirits as far back as ancient Greece, as seen dominantly in depictions of Dionysus, the god of wine and ecstasy. And the same applies today in images and advertisements for the popular and romantic drink.
berry kiss
roman brick
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seastone
misty morning
vitalis
crystalize
neutrals & metallics Vitalis noticed how popular gemstones are in jewelry, so she turned her attention to them next.
twilight
Focusing her power, she infused her radiance with minerals of the earth, proving that she could make even the most ordinary materials a thing of beauty. “Look how I shimmer,� Vitalis exclaimed.
rune
rustic gold
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enlighten
chakra
vitalis
mentality
monochromatic “But I can do more than make rocks look nice,” she said. “My presence in them can awaken the mind and encourage a higher consciousness.”
lullaby
overcast
dark wish
Cultures all over the world have used the magic of crystals to assist in meditation, relaxation, and even healing the body of afflictions.
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halcyon sky
trident
vitalis
celestial triadic
In fact, it was the famous Leonardo da Vinci who stated that mediation is ten times as powerful when done under the violet light of stained glass windows.
chakra
The beautiful rays that emerge from them provide a rich beauty against the walls of churches and other holy places of worship, and they illuminate the image-depicted stories engraved upon them. In Christianity, for example, Vitalis is commonly associated with solemnity and spiritual reflection on the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
seraphim
sandstone
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foresight
fortune
vitalis
divine
double complementary “I can see into the past and predict the future!�
deep waters
forest nymph
hourglass
For centuries, people have turned to Vitalis in order to guide them in rituals of divination. Her mystical properties allow her to open the doorway to the supernatural and the unknown. She can be often found in magical items, such as tarot cards, where she acts as an essential element in answering the questions of the universe.
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modernize the magic pattern study
One of the last places you would expect to see Vitalis is in the world of industry and innovation. It would be quite a sight to look up in the city and see a red-violet skyscraper piercing the sky. But because she has been written off as merely a “pretty” color now, this is not the case. She is not used much in areas such as metalworking and light installation. So it became clear to Vitalis that the most formidable challenge she’d face on her journey was making herself known here. But she had one more trick up her sleeve. With all of her power, she changed herself into a swirl of energy. In this purest form, she spread her magic into the most uncommon of places, enhancing the allure of what was once dull.
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achromatic pattern designs
foresight
vitalis
sinful
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a red violet world conclusion
After a long and strenuous journey, Vitalis returned fully rejuvenated. Her magic was now radiating at full strength all over the world. From flowers to places of worship, and everywhere in between, people were experiencing red-violet with great joy. “I’ve done it,” she shouted with delight. “Now everyone will be able to recognize my beauty.” Vitalis could now rest comfortably. This book should be used as a guide to assist you in understanding this fascinating color and the power it holds. Vitalis will continue to enchant the world with her magic. And after reading this, there is no doubt that she has cast her spell on you too.
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cited source: Page 26: Ken Kaminesky, interior photograph of Sagrada Familia, Barcelona.