exploring Karel Appel’s masterpiece and a colour harmony DIY Project
In the world of art, colour is a powerful medium for conveying narratives. A striking example of this is the iconic 1948 painting The Cry of Freedom, created by the Dutch artist Karel Appel. This work represents one of the highlights of the Cobra movement (1948–1951) and showcases not only the raw energy of Appel’s brushwork, but also the profound ability of colour to translate emotion. Here, we delve deeper into the symbolism of colour within this painting before embarking on a practical DIY project in which we apply colour harmony to a subject close to your heart.
Karel Appel and The Cry of Freedom (1948)
Karel Appel, one of the founders of the Cobra movement, was renowned for his expressive and often forceful painting style. The Cry of Freedom is a masterpiece reflecting his fascination with the freedom of expression, particularly in the wake of the Second World War; a period that heralded profound artistic and personal liberation. The painting depicts a raw, emotional outburst rendered through vigorous, coarse brushstrokes and an exuberant palette of vibrant hues.
In The Cry of Freedom, Appel predominantly employs primary colours: bright red, yellow and blue. These hues carry not only significant visual impact, but also deep symbolic meaning. Red evokes feelings of passion, strength and anger; it is the colour of revolution and the breaking of (mental) shackles. Yellow can be interpreted as a symbol of hope and energy, serving as a beacon of light amidst the darkness of the post-war era. Blue signifies calm and depth, yet in Appel’s hands, it acquires an almost chaotic charge reminiscent of a turbulent ocean, mirroring the instability of the post-war years.
The contrasts between these pigments intensify the emotional weight of the painting. Appel’s vigorous, nearly aggressive brushstrokes accentuate the dramatic nature of his colour choices, resulting in a work that not only stands out visually, but also carries profound significance. The painting can be viewed as a visual translation of the artistic freedom that Appel wished to experience and champion in a world newly liberated from war.
DIY project: create your own colour palette
Inspired by Appel’s expressive use of colour, I invite you to undertake a DIY project that enables you to create a personal colour palette based on a subject dear to you. This project will help you understand the impact of colour and how to harness it to articulate emotion.
Step 1: choose your cherished subject
This can be anything with which you share a strong connection: your favourite animal, a special location, a distinct season or a cherished memory. For instance, let us choose the sea. The ocean frequently evokes feelings of serenity. It is a place where many people find inner peace, making it the ideal starting point for our project.
Step 2: build your colour palette
Now that we have selected our subject, it is time to choose the colours that capture its essence. For the sea, we select:
- Blue: The colour of the sea itself, symbolising depth and mystery.
- Green: A softer tint reflecting the calmness of the waves and the natural character of the ocean.
- White: Representing the foaming breakers, which emphasise the movement and power of the sea.
- Sand Beige: Evoking the beach, the junction between sea and land, symbolising transition.
Step 3: select your colour harmony
With our palette chosen, we move on to establishing a colour harmony. A colour harmony is a combination of hues that complement one another and evoke a specific atmosphere or feeling. Various types of harmony can be utilised; for our marine scene, we opt for a complementary harmony. Blue and orange are complementary, positioned opposite each other on the colour wheel, where they naturally intensify one another. In this instance, orange tones can be employed to represent sunlight reflecting on the water or the horizon. Meanwhile, blue and green form a pleasing harmony because they reinforce each other and enhance the soothing quality of the sea. This colour harmony establishes balance and vigour, much like The Cry of Freedom, where contrasting tones heighten the dramatic tension of the composition.
Step 4: bring your palette to life
Take your chosen colour palette and bring it to life through a painting, drawing or collage. Focus on establishing contrast, combining vibrant and subdued tones and capturing the emotional essence of your subject, precisely as Appel did. You can experiment with various techniques, such as blending, overlapping or layering textures, to enhance the depth of your palette.