Color is essentially a reflection of light. Did you also know that color is a silent, but effective means of communication? Just ask any artist, marketing professional or interior decorator.

 

“Colors, like features, follow the changes of the emotions.”

                                               —Pablo Picasso

 

The psychology of color

Color can affect our emotions.  It is not; however, as simple as choosing your favorite color. The psychology behind hind color can be very complex. There is a generalization of the effects color has on us, yet our response can also be subjective. Much like a piece of art work, our response can be influenced by our experiences and culture.

 

The color wheel explained in emotions

 

Purple is often used to represent royalty, spirituality and mystery. Yet, can also be creative or insensible.

Blue can symbolize confidence or security, but also coldness or conservativeness.

Green symbolizes growth and regeneration, and on the flip-side reflects jealousy or materialism.

Yellow is often considered to be cheerful, yet can also contribute to anxiety or cause us to be irritable.

Orange brims with warmth and energy, yet can influence feelings of insincerity or even hunger.

Red is a color of passion and love, and also anger or danger.

There is not an exact science to the psychology of color, but there is much evidence that proves colors can affect us in many ways, from feelings, personalities, even our purchases.

 

 

 

Purple is my passion

I have always identified strongly with the color purple, long before I knew I would become an artist. Purple creates the feeling of passion and creativity in me. I even chose my business color to be purple and even base my company branding on my affection for purple.

 

Messages sent and received by colors

I encourage you to take some time to learn about the colors that surround you, the colors that inspire you, and the influence they play on your emotions. Understanding your reaction to color can allow you to surround yourself with colors that support your emotional well-being. Understanding general reactions to color may also help you understand messages you may be sending to others in business or marketing. You may be very surprised by what you learn.

 

 

 

Jillian A. Michalske is a local artist who shares her creative spirit and artistic talent with the community.  She offers art healing classes to help people quiet their minds, process feelings and events. Ultimately, they create their own vision of joy, peace and success.

 

 

 

 

A colorful rainbow of color radiates from a white silhouette of a yogi.

The Center of Spirit by Jillian Michalske