How Color and Art Help Improve Our Mood
≈ 17 Minute Reading Time
Psychological Associations to Color
Color is associated with nearly every decision we make; it happens so frequently that the mental operation that connects color to emotions and decisions has become entirely subconscious. So, it might be possible to modify our mood and behavior by harnessing and adapting our primal connection to color. However, to understand how color can potentially help improve our mood, we first need to understand our subconscious connection to color and our associations with each color (Chambers, 2018)(Elliot et.al., 2013).
Psychological Associations to Black
“Scientifically, the color black is the absence of light” (artdex, n.d.). As a result, it has more divergent color associations than most colors and is connected to sophistication, night, luxury, depth, and transcendence (artdex, n.d.)(Office for National Statistics, 2015). In art, black is the oldest pigment traced back to cave drawings in France and has since played a significant role in other creative mediums, including Greek pottery, religious associations to the devil, ink wash paintings popularized in Japan and China, monastic manuscripts, and into the modern era with Channel’s little black dress (Krueger. M. B., n.d.).
Psychological Associations to Blue
Blue is mostly associated with calmness. It is used widely in business applications for its connotation to trust, dependability, stability, and reliability. In nature, blue is surprisingly one of the most prominent colors — look up, and the sky is often blue. “The meaning we assign to the color blue can vary based on several factors, some of which include our culture, spirituality, symbolism, and more” (Color Psychology, n.d., Blue). (Cherry, 2022)
Psychological Associations to Brown
Brown is not the most attractive color to most people. Although, it has gained popularity over the past few years as neutral, monochromatic color palettes have become idealized in fashion, cosmetics, packaging, and interior design. In addition, people may look for an element of naturalism in their lives as the world around them becomes increasingly more polluted. “Brown is not about luxury and extravagant things, but values necessities in life” (Color Psychology, n.d.). (Cherry, 2020)
Psychological Associations to Grey
In the middle of every color, there is grey. It is neutral and balanced, bringing little to the table regarding visual interest. However, what grey lacks in visual interest can quickly be accounted for with emotion. “Grey is the color of conformism” (Color Psychology, n.d.), making us feel connected or included. It can be mysterious, mature, modern, and masculine. In interior spaces, combining tints and tones of grey can create an industrial look that feels comforting (The Design Shepherd, 2011).
Psychological Associations to Green
When we think of freshness, prosperity, tranquility, the natural world, and overall positivity, green stands out from all the other colors. Green is a primary color which makes it bright, cheerful, and bold. Green has been linked to enhanced creative thinking and overall calmness and is a perfect color to be used in office spaces and study halls to help improve productivity (Cherry, 2022)(Studente et al., 2016). In addition, green is one of the only colors that garner collective feelings of positivity across most cultures through the hue’s spectrum (Haworth, n.d.). (Color Psychology, n.d.)
Psychological Associations to Orange
Another color that will always keep us on the bright side is orange, which is adventurous, enthusiastic, and rejuvenating. Think about orange as citrus — orange juice is mainly consumed in the morning and helps wake us up, brighten our day, and freshen our palette. It pairs nicely with many other colors and quickly grabs attention. (Cherry, 2021)(Color Psychology, n.d.)
Psychological Associations to Pink
Sticking with warm colors, pink in the United States is a complex color widely associated with femininity, romance, and affection. It is often seen as a calming and soothing color used to create a sense of comfort and security. Pink is also associated with youth and innocence and is used to evoke feelings of nostalgia. People describe a few different emotions when they think of pink, including joy and creativity. (Cherry, 2022)(Color Psychology, n.d.)
Psychological Associations to Purple
We often associate purple with creativity, royalty, luxury, and mystery. Purple is a color of spirituality and imagination. Purple is rare in plants and animals in nature, making it a symbol of rarity and uniqueness. In art and literature, purple represents creativity, spirituality, and mystery. The dye used to make purple in ancient times was very expensive, making it a symbol of wealth and status. The phrase “born to the purple” refers to someone of royal or noble birth. (Phillips, 2022)(Ferreira, 2019)(Cherry, 2022)
Psychological Associations to Red
Red is a powerful, attention-grabbing color associated with various emotions and psychological associations. Some of the most common associations with red include passion, excitement, confidence, power, and appetite. In art, red is often used to create a sense of drama and emotion. It can be used to draw attention to a specific area of a painting or photograph and can be used to create a sense of movement or energy. In traditional Chinese art, red can represent luck, prosperity, and happiness (Stuart, 2016). However, in other cultures, red is considered the color of life and vitality, symbolizing warmth, love, and a wide range of other emotions. Overall, red is a versatile color that can spawn many complex emotive connections. (Color Psychology, n.d.)(Cherry, 2020)
Psychological Associations to Tan
Often used to create a sense of warmth and naturalness, tan reminds us of skin tones and grounds us in the natural world. In photography, tan can create nostalgia, evoking memories of simpler times and a more natural way of life. Tan can also create a sense of harmony and balance in our lives while conveying time through aging, wear, and history. (Brown, 2023)
Psychological Associations to White
In art, purity, innocence, and simplicity have been conveyed through the color white for centuries. It can also create a sense of space through minimalism, but if taken too far, it can have the opposite effect of feeling empty. White is a blank canvas for interpretation and helps clean the viewer’s palette. (Color Psychology, n.d.)(Treefrog, n.d.)
Psychological Associations to Yellow
Lastly, yellow is associated with a variety of emotions and meanings. Some of the most common associations with yellow include happiness, positivity, intelligence, and youth. In art, yellow creates a sense of warmth, light, and energy. Yellow is a versatile color option due to its abundance in the natural world. (Color Psychology, n.d.)(Cherry, 2022)
Improve Mood by Implementing Color in Interior Spaces
There are a few ways to improve mood by using color and art in the workplace or at home:
Incorporate colorful decor: Add colorful accents to a space like artwork, plants, or a colorful rug. Adding colorful decor creates a more vibrant and positive atmosphere (Lynch, 2020).
Use cool colors to calm the mind: Cool colors like blue and green can help to create a sense of calm and tranquility (Gremillion, 2020). Cool colors are often used to create a sense of serenity and can help to reduce stress (Pangin, 2017).
Use warm colors to boost energy: Warm colors like red, yellow, and orange can help to create a sense of energy and enthusiasm in the workplace. Warm colors are often used to create a sense of excitement and can help to boost motivation (Gutierrez, n.d.).
Personalize the space: Add personal touches like photographs of loved ones or artwork that everyone can enjoy. Personalization can create a sense of comfort and familiarity in the workplace (Pande, 2021).
Use natural light: Take advantage of natural light in the space. Natural light can help to create a sense of warmth and positivity while boosting overall mood. (UCLA Health, 2022)
Add plants: Adding plants can help to improve air quality, reduce stress, and increase productivity (The Sill, n.d.)(Wilson, 1984).
It is important to note that color preferences and associations may vary between people, and experimenting with different colors, lighting, and layout can help to find the right balance that works best for the space.
Accessibility of Responsibly Sourced Artwork
Responsibly sourced artwork refers to artwork that is obtained in a way that is socially and environmentally responsible. Responsibly sourced artwork can include artwork that is:
Ethically sourced: This means that the artwork has been obtained in a way that respects the rights and well-being of the people who made it, such as fair-trade practices and fair wages for the artists and artisans.
Environmentally friendly: This means that the artwork has been made using materials and methods that are environmentally friendly, such as using sustainable materials and minimizing waste.
Culturally sensitive: This means that the artwork has been obtained in a way that respects the cultural heritage and traditions of the people who made it and did not exploit or appropriate cultural symbols or motifs.
Traceable: This means that the artwork has a transparent and verifiable history of where it came from and how it was made, which allows for transparency and accountability in the supply chain and the actual value of that piece.
Supporting local communities: Responsibly sourced artwork can also support local communities and sustainable development by providing economic opportunities, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting education.
By choosing responsibly sourced artwork, one can ensure that the art they buy is not only beautiful but also ethically and sustainably produced. Ultimately, responsibly sourced artwork helps to promote social and environmental responsibility in the art world.
What is Artist-Direct Purchasing?
Artist-direct purchasing refers to buying artwork directly from the artist rather than through a gallery or other intermediary. Artist-direct purchasing can include buying art through the artist’s website, at an art fair or exhibition, or through an online marketplace that connects artists with buyers.
Some benefits of artist-direct purchasing include:
Lower prices: By buying directly from the artist, collectors can often purchase the artwork at a lower price than would be possible through a gallery or other intermediary; therefore, avoiding excessive fees, which are sometimes higher than the actual value of the work.
A more personal experience: Buying directly from the artist can provide a more personal and intimate experience. Collectors may be able to meet and interact with the artist in person and learn about their process and inspiration behind the artwork.
Supporting the artist: By buying directly from the artist, collectors support the artist and their work rather than an intermediary like a gallery, which often takes a large portion of the profit from the artist.
Unique and one-of-a-kind: Artist-direct purchasing often means that the artwork is unique and one-of-a-kind, as opposed to a mass-produced piece.
Traceability: Artist-direct purchasing offers an opportunity to know the history and origin of the artwork, which can be valuable in terms of authenticity, preservation, and historical context.
However, one should also consider the downside, which includes the potential need for the artwork to be professionally evaluated or authenticated. Therefore, it is essential to research the artist and their work before purchasing to ensure that collectors get a quality piece that can be enjoyed for years.
Gifting Artwork to Friends
When choosing colorful artwork as gifts for friends, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that the artwork is well-received and appreciated:
Account for style: Consider a friend’s style and taste in decor. If they have a minimalist aesthetic, opt for a more straightforward and abstract piece. However, if they prefer a more bohemian style, choose a piece with bold, bright colors.
Think about their interests: If a friend is passionate about a particular subject, look for artwork that reflects them. For example, if they love nature, choose a piece that features an outdoor landscape.
Choose something that will fit in their home: Think about the size and style of the friend’s home when choosing artwork. If they live in a small apartment, opt for a smaller piece that can easily hang on the wall with minimal retrofitting and permanent wall marks.
Go for quality: Quality is essential for artwork, so choose something well-made, hand-crafted, and preferably purchased directly from the artist.
Think about the message or emotion being conveyed: Some artworks have specific meanings, emotions, or cultural significance that may be relevant to the gifted person.
Support emerging artists or local artisans: Consider buying art from emerging artists or local artisans; this can be a unique and meaningful gift while providing much-needed support to local, up-and-coming talent.
Be thoughtful: Take the time to think about what a friend might like and choose something that will bring them joy and happiness.
