Do you have a favorite color? Most people do. Mine has always been red, although it has expanded to a deep passion for magenta. I've always felt that I loved red because it gives me energy. So I was trying to dig into the "why" of my love for vibrant color. Everyone loves color, right?
I found this in an article on Psychology Today: "Color preferences are deeply rooted emotional responses that seem to lack any rational basis, yet the powerful influence of color rules our choices in everything from the food we eat and the clothes we wear to the cars we buy."
Vibrant color is certainly an important element of my art. But, why? Whilst trying to think about the why I thought about how vibrant color makes me feel. Well, it makes me happy. Vibrant color is luscious, rich, decadent, fun, exciting! It makes me feel rich, wealthy even. Vivid pigments make me feel special. I associate these colors with my childhood years in Bowling Green, Missouri. Not that we had the vivid hues we're used to today anywhere in my sphere in rural America. I link these beautiful colors to my youth because they lend a more magical, mystical, wondrous, whimsicalness to it.
When I was a kid we had to keep ourselves busy, and not with TV. We HAD to use our imaginations. We didn't have computers, cell phones or video games. We would make up games and adventures as part or our play. Climbing trees, exploring in the woods nearby, riding my bike all over town, were daily routines. Also, I would draw and color for hours on end. I loved making my own paper dolls and being creative. It was a wonderful childhood.
As children we're full of wonder with mysteries and possibilities around every corner. So I put these crazy voluptuous colors into my art because it brings a little bit of that wonder and magic back in the here and now. For me these vivid color selections are exhilarating and add a sense of the magical and mystical that surrounded my childhood years in rural America. And, it makes me happy. =)
According to BigThink.com this is what your favorite color may say about you.
Red
Red is a bold color choice that's been associated with excitement, passion, danger, thrill, energy, and action.
Personality traits of red:
Bold
Thrill-seeker
Adventure-lover
Can be a little impulsive
Can be perceived as intimidating
Orange
Orange is often representative of creativity, happiness, freedom, success, and the balance that brings it all together.
Personality traits of orange:
Fun and playful energy that people admire
Social, perhaps an extrovert
You nurture things
Enjoys deep conversation
Cheerful
Loves to play the host at parties or events
In regards to productivity, you like to dive right into work and get things done
Yellow
Happiness, positivity, and warm summer sun is what yellow reminds us of.
Personality traits of yellow:
A positive spirit
Optimistic
Cheerful
Adventurous
Calming for those around them
Infectious smiles and happiness that spreads to each person they encounter
Blue
Blue is stable, harmonious, peaceful, and trustworthy.
Personality traits of blue:
Dependable
Trustworthy
Gentle
Compassionate
Peaceful
Loyal
Strong
In regards to productivity, you like to strategize the best way to handle a task and can adapt when obstacles arise
Green
Two of the things that make the world go 'round are associated with the color green: nature and money. Green can signify growth, fertility, health, wealth, wellness, or generosity. Green can also be associated with negative connotations such as jealousy or envy.
Personality traits of green:
Practical
Down-to-earth
Loves to give advice
Loves to help others
Enjoys the outdoors and finds balance in life important
In regards to productivity, you like to analyze the situation before diving in, you're a problem solver and you can find inventive ways to think outside the box
Purple
Purple can be connected to royalty, power, privilege, wisdom, and spirituality. Purple can be something of a frustrating color as well, as it can cause feelings of frustration or be perceived as arrogant.
Personality traits of purple:
Quick-witted
Craves own identity
Loves unique things and wants to stand out from the pack
Dances to the music no one else can hear
You thrive on creativity and inspiration strikes you randomly, allowing you to tune out the world and focus on it
Pink
Pink is often associated with femininity, playfulness, and love, but pink can also be perceived as a somewhat immature color.
Personality traits of pink:
Fun
Playful
Maybe a little naive
You wear your heart on your sleeve and aren't afraid to express your emotions
Love and family are important to you
White
White is often associated with purity - in Western cultures, white is for weddings and hospitals, often signifying purity, cleanliness, and order.
Personality traits of white:
Calm
Peaceful
Innocent
Perhaps a bit naive
You like things clean and orderly
You like the thought of a "fresh start" or a blank canvas
Black
Black can mean so many different things: boldness, uniqueness, mystery, intrigue, and power. But it can also mean unhappiness, darkness, sadness, pain, or grief. Black is associated with death and mourning, but can also be associated with strength, luxury, and intensity.
Personality traits of black:
Bold
Risk-taker
Perhaps a little impulsive at times
Serious (maybe a little too serious)
You're strong and command a sense of respect from your peers
You're trustworthy
Perhaps a little intimidating
Whatever color speaks to you, it's an important part of us that has tremendous impact on our daily lives. Love your color choices, love yourselves and be happy!!