What Do Colors Mean to You?

Choosing the right colors can be a daunting task!

Have you ever actually thought about what colors mean to you? Is there one or two colors in particular that stand out as a favorite? One that you despise? Not sure why?

In art, colors carry profound meanings and evoke various emotions. Each color holds its own significance and can communicate different messages to the viewer. For instance, red often symbolizes passion, energy, and strength, while blue can convey a sense of tranquility, calmness, and stability. Yellow is often associated with happiness, warmth, and optimism, while green represents nature, growth, and freshness. Artists strategically use colors to create mood, atmosphere, and visual impact in their artworks, allowing viewers to experience a wide range of emotions and interpretations. Understanding the meanings of colors enhances the appreciation and interpretation of art, enriching the connections between the artist and the audience.

Here’s a nice little chart that I found online that Louise Myers has on her blog that gives you colors and their potential meanings:

This chart is helpful when creating art, especially if you have a particular feeling that you want to evoke in your finished piece. Choosing the right color combination is key when it comes to painting and creating. I use my color wheel all the time when I need to find a combination that I know will work well together and give the piece the desired outcome. Afterall, you don’t want to convey happy and joyful with black and gray.

The first meeting of my newest in-studio class is happening this afternoon and we will be taking a deep dive into choosing colors and working with a color wheel to create a successful color story. I can’t wait!