Color Theory and Emotional Effect

Color and it's effects on emotions:

1. Each individual perceives color different from the next person. Although we all perceive colors in our own way, what does not change is the effect that color has on our emotions. Certain colors and hues are often associated with a specific symbol such as a red stop sign. If it were all of a sudden to turn yellow or green, we would only see a yellow or green sign and not be likely to stop. That is a bit exaggerated, but the point is that the human eye processes color quicker. Each color has become a symbol for at least one emotion that we feel as humans. Red for example is often shown for love. Red is also a color that symbolizes anger, and many other emotions. Yellow is a bright color that is associated with sunshine and warmth. It is been studied that red also stimulates an appetite in us, which is typically why it is often seen in restaurants. Blue tends to be a symbolic color for sadness, but also the color of the sky and water at the beach. Each color can also vary in intensity, which can have a different effect on how we feel as well. Changing the value of a color can completely change the way it is seen. For example if too much black is added to the color yellow, it becomes green. Intensity, value, and hue are all factors in how a color is reflected or refracted for the human eye to see.

2. A theoretical aspect of color that fascinates me is the idea of the additive and subtractive color systems. The two color systems are two different ways of creating and mixing colors together. Subtractive is the mixing of dyes and pigments, while additive uses light, such as the mixing of two different light colors to create the right mood on stage for a play. These two ideas put together are newer to me than the other aspects of color.

3. In watching the color video, the segment showing Titan's Assumption of the Virgin and how it was painted using the various colors, specifically the variations of red had the biggest impact on me. The idea of having to layer each color in order to achieve the correct pigment for the shading and value is amazingly done in the painting. Painting on such a grand scale is so amazing to me as an individual who is interested in the composition of works of art.

4. While watching the feelings video, what made the biggest impact on me was with the Mona Lisa and the discussion of its importance. Being that the painting was done of a human being and not of a higher divine figure makes it important because of the time period it was painted. The smile also suggests happiness, as well as individuality in the painting. The fact that the Mona Lisa is the most famous painting in the world is also impacting.