Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Some Thoughts on Color...Starting A New Life

Starting A New Life...
48" x 72" Oil on Gallery Wrap Canvas
NFS
I consider myself a colorist...the paintings that I create are full of color....today I am posting some thoughts on colorand what the colors mean or suggest...not just in art, but in everyday life. I am sure that you are familiar with some of this color info, or have heard that a specific color gives off a mood or impression. Here we go:
Black
Black is the color of authority and power. It is popular in fashion because it makes people appear thinner, it is stylish and timeless. Black also implies submission. Priests wear black to signify submission to God. Villains, (take Dracula for example) often wear black.
White
Brides wear white to symbolize innocence and purity. White reflects light and is considered a summer color. (remember the old rule: don't wear white after Labor Day or before Memorial Day?) White is popular in decorating light, neutral, and goes with everything.
Red
The most emotionally intense color, red stimulates a faster heartbeat and breathing. It is also the color of love. Red clothing gets noticed. Since it is an extreme color, red clothing might not help people in negotiations or confrontations. Red cars are popular targets for thieves and police chases. In decorating, red is usually used as an accent. Decorators say that red furniture should be perfect since it will attract attention. The most romantic color, pink, (add white to red) is more tranquilizing. Sports teams sometimes paint the locker rooms used by opposing teams bright pink so their opponents will lose energy. That is color some serious color psychology!!!
Blue
My favorite color. The color of the sky and the ocean, blue is one of the most popular colors, and causes the opposite reaction as red. Peaceful, tranquil blue causes the body to produce calming chemicals, so it is often used in bedrooms. Blue can also be cold and depressing. I am sure that you have heard that it is advised to wearing blue to job interviews because it symbolizes loyalty. People are more productive in blue rooms.
Green
My least favorite color of all....I have issues with green in my paintings. Right now it is a very popular decorating color. Green symbolizes nature. It is the easiest color on the eye and can improve vision. It is a calming, refreshing color. People waiting to appear on TV sit in "green rooms" to relax. Hospitals often use green because it relaxes patients. Dark green is masculine, conservative, and implies wealth. I was always told when I worked at a bank that men who wear green ties with suits think of money all the time. (I don't think that is true....I always heard it.)
Yellow
Cheerful sunny yellow is an attention getter. Naples Yellow is one of my favorite colors to paint with. While it is considered an optimistic color, people lose their tempers more often in yellow rooms, and babies will cry more. It is the most difficult color for the eye to take in, so it can be overpowering if overused. Yellow enhances concentration, hence its use for legal pads. It also speeds metabolism.
Purple
Purpose is the color of royalty. It connotes luxury, wealth, and sophistication. It is also feminine and romantic. Because it is rare in nature, purple can appear artificial.
Brown
Solid, reliable brown is the color of earth and is abundant in nature. Light brown implies genuineness, and dark brown is similar to wood or leather. Brown can also be sad and wistful. Men are more apt to say brown is one of their favorite colors.
Thanks for viewing my blog...it looks like we are iced in again...stay warm.
Kay at 214-532-0325 or kay@kwyne.com

No comments:

Post a Comment