The show was inspired by artist Paulina M. Johnson, who challenged herself to move beyond the neutral and monochromatic colors that have long defined her work. Paulina creates intricate three-dimensional images by gluing narrow strips of paper on edge, and for this exhibition, she explored new color relationships through a series of large, delicate feather sculptures.

"Working on ‘Color Studies’ has been a lot of fun," Paulina says. "My goal was to play with much brighter paper than I usually use. Color has always been the wild card in my work, and by stepping outside of my default neutral and monochromatic palettes, I feel like I'm discovering a whole new world of possibilities. I'm looking forward to seeing how all these vibrant colors interact in a variety of mediums. I think it's going to be a really lively collection."

Paulina’s colorful challenge inspired the three other featured artists to rethink their own approach to color.

Printmaker Jill Bergman, known for her linocuts of natural scenes and wildlife, stepped away from her familiar subjects to create “Beautiful Hands,” a series of colorful prints produced at Oehme Graphics and then hand-altered.

"When Paulina first told me she was challenging herself by working with brighter colors and unusual combinations, I wanted to try something different from my usual work, too," Jill says. “I've been making linocuts of natural scenes and wildlife for quite a while, so this time I picked a simple subject: hands and bright colors that definitely aren't skin tones."

For Jill, the series also became a statement about the value of handmade art in an era of artificial intelligence.

"These colorful, decorated hands stand for the fun, creativity, beauty and unique perspectives of handmade work that begins with human hearts and minds," she says. "There are potentially exciting uses for A.I., but giving away our human creativity and hard-won artistic skills to artificial intelligence is a terrible idea."

"Beautiful Hands," Jill Bergman.

Painter Ann Feldman also embraced the exhibition's theme by reaching for more saturated hues in her latest work.

"In the months leading up to our show, I challenged myself to reach for saturated colors in my paintings – especially scarlet red, which has always been a favorite of mine," Ann says. "We're hoping visitors to The Alley will pick up on the excitement that brilliant color brings to a room."

One result is “Cowgirl in Red,” a companion piece to her painting, “Cowgirl in Blue and Green.”

"I wanted to show how color can bring a new dimension to these Steamboat Rodeo heroines," she says.

Also featured in “Color Studies” are new ceramic works by Krystal Mackey, whose bold use of color complements the exhibition's vibrant theme.

Together, the four artists demonstrate how color can transform familiar materials, subjects and techniques into something fresh and unexpected. From sculptural paper feathers and expressive prints to vivid paintings and ceramics, “Color Studies” invites visitors to experience the energy and emotion that brilliant color brings to every medium.

“Color Studies” will open at The Alley Gallery on Friday, July 3 at First Friday ArtWalk, 5-8pm. For more information, visit https://www.alleygallerysteamboat.com/.