“Anything can be any colour at any time, depending on what colour everything else is at the time” (Keith Crown 1918)
Colour… it can either make or break a space, object, artwork, design, or even a person’s face (in terms of make-up choice that is.) Colour is a powerful thing; it is an ingredient that can evoke a certain emotion to whoever it comes into contact with. Theorists throughout history have attempted to explain and research how and why exactly a puzzling yet fascinating thing like colour, has had the power to evoke and express certain emotions in humans. A colour by itself can mean one thing, but two colours (even three or more) interacting with each other, is another. The most amazing thing about colour is that is it far from being limited, new colours; shades and tones are discovered everyday. Colours really are, what lights up the world.
The way we react to colours depend on with how we are, what we are interested in, how we express our emotions to certain things or plain and simply because it just ultimately, relies on our taste. Colour is also quite similar. Each colour has a certain meaning and effect, and this depends on who is examining it; different cultures and beliefs also have specific meanings on specific colours.
The basic colour wheel can be simply split into two categories, warm colours and cool colours. Red, orange and yellow are under the warm category, and each of these colours individually has different meanings. Although when used altogether, it creates a warm feeling; picture yourself witnessing a sunset, looking over the ocean and seeing the sky’s colour palette with mixes of yellow, oranges and reds. Or even walking home in an autumn afternoon, barely being able to see the concrete footpath because the ground is swarmed with apricot with a hint of burgundy-coloured autumn leaves. Warmer colours are mostly identified as colours that evoke the sense of passion and energy – no wonder it is commonly used in media and advertising, it not only alerts a consumer, but also can trigger attention like no other.
When you see the colour red- how do you feel? Red is commonly identified as a colour that evokes danger, no wonder traffic signs with the word ‘STOP’ slapped on it immediately commands us to halt. On the contrary, red can also be signified as a colour for love, passion and romance. What do we mainly see when it’s Valentine’s Day? Red. Everywhere. On everything.
Yellow – one of the most engaging and uplifting colours on the wheel, can straight away grab someone’s attention. If you’re feeling down, why not buy yourself a daffodil and go for a walk on a beautiful summer day? Why must you ask? Because yellow is a colour that exudes positivity, optimism, enlightenment, and happiness.
Cool colours… These are colours that when paired with warmer colours can tone it down and give a less-harsh effect. Blues, greens and purples represent nature, water and nighttime, often reflecting the emotion of peace, calmness, relaxation and ease. Activities and events held during nighttime that have a calmer atmosphere than say, a market event held during the day. In set design and concert events where a more intimate vibe is necessary, cooler tones are used.
Did you know that if you buy a blue car, or own one, that you confidence, credibility, calmness and faithfulness are your traits? Ultimately blue is a colour representing trust, dependence and commitment. How many people have you asked what their favourite colour is and their response was blue? It is one of the most appealing colours on the colour wheel, how can it not be? It is the epitome of ultimate ‘coolness’. On the opposing side though, blue can sometimes symbolize sadness, coldness and the vibe of being uncaring.
When you think of nature, what colour immediately pops into mind? Green of course. Recognized as a humble colour, green represents nature, new beginnings, growth abundance and balance. Not all-good things though- green can also symbolize jealousy or envy. Think Poison Ivy; she isn’t exactly Batman’s best friend…
Green however, is a common colour in design, especially in interiors, because we are so used to seeing it in everyday life. The human eye identifies green as pleasing to the eye.
Colours – they’re powerful elements aren’t they? Colour theory ultimately relies on each colour and what particular feeling they evoke. One person may see purple as a sign of sadness and loss, but another may see it as a sign of wealth and royalty. At the end of the day, it all depends on how they are used to compliment each other, and how they can harmonize peacefully, pleasing enough for a person to gladly interact with the colours.
