Colour is a fundamental element of art, providing a visual language that artists use to communicate emotions, ideas, and information. It can be used to create mood, draw the eye, and emphasize certain elements of a piece.
The use of Colour in art dates back to ancient times, with early humans using natural pigments to create Colourful paintings on cave walls. Over time, artists have developed a wide range of techniques for using Colour, from the Impressionists' use of light and Colour to create a sense of movement, to the bold and vibrant hues of Fauvism and Expressionism.
One of the key principles of Colour in art is the Colour wheel, which arranges Colours in a circle according to their relationship to one another. Primary Colours (red, yellow, and blue) are at the top of the wheel, while secondary Colours (orange, green, and purple) are created by mixing two primary Colours. Tertiary Colours, which are created by mixing a primary and a secondary Colour, are located between the primary and secondary Colours on the Colour wheel.
Colour can be used in various ways in a piece of art. Complementary Colours, which are opposite each other on the Colour wheel, can create visual tension and contrast. Analogous Colours, which are next to each other on the Colour wheel, can create a sense of harmony and unity.
In addition to the traditional Colour wheel, artists also use the concept of Colour value, which refers to the lightness or darkness of a Colour. This can be used to create a sense of depth and dimension in a piece of art.
The use of Colour can also convey emotion in a piece of art. Warm Colours, such as red, orange, and yellow, can create a feeling of excitement and energy. Cool Colours, such as blue, green, and purple, can create a sense of calm and serenity.
Professionally trained artists will have studied the effect of various colours and the interplay between them. Others will have happened on the power of certain colours by accident. However discovered, an understanding of the psychology behind what we see in colour, makes understanding our reaction to certain artworks so much clearer.
Red stands for strength, romance, excitement, vitality, physical power, generosity, and impulsiveness. But it can also denote danger; blood, fire, stop signs. Either way it’s powerful colour.
Orange is a cheerful colour. It’s lively and represents youth and fearlessness. The colour stimulates the brain, but darker orange represents distrust.
Yellow is sunshine. It’s optimistic and fresh, yellow can lift a landscape painting to another level, but a darker yellow stands for decay, jealousy and cowardice.
Green is the colour of nature and harmony. It represents hope and growth. Pale greens are especially restful.
Blue is the colour of the sea and sky. It’s cool and reassuring. But it can also represent sadness or worse.
Purple is the colour of royalty. Artists use it sparingly to embody dignity.
Browns and Greys are the colours of earth. They are conservative. They don’t shout out. They combine well with Purple and Gold.
White is the colour of purity, youth and innocence.
Black can be dignified but is often associated with negative vibes. The most interesting blacks are mixed from all the other colours. Jet black is a dead colour. Black is best used to contrast the other colours in a work to enhance their brightness.
