According to Carl Jung, “Colours are the mother tongue of the subconscious mind”. Colour psychology explores how colours influence human behaviour, emotions and perception, making it a powerful tool for artists, as the strategic use of colour can significantly influence the viewer’s emotional response and perception.
As Pablo Picasso noted, “Colours, like features, follow the changes of emotion.” Warm colours such as red, yellow and orange trigger a variety of emotions that can range from comfort and warmth to hostility and anger, while cool colours such as green, blue and purple can spark feelings of sadness or serenity.
According to ancient Egyptian mythology, colour therapy was founded by the God Thoth. As the ancient Egyptians worshipped the sun, they believed that its rays would penetrate the body through coloured crystals in certain areas and heal illnesses. Since colour is just light with different wavelengths, each colour has its own frequency – so they were ahead of their time. Based on this knowledge, the Egyptians built temples dedicated entirely to healing through light, with different rooms dedicated to the healing powers of different colours. Esoteric philosophers attribute the essential reality of colour to a corresponding vibration on a higher spiritual level. This view is also held by Colour Therapists (or Chroma therapists) who claim that the different wavelengths of colours correspond to the inner vibrations of the body.
In another study in which colors were used in art therapy, it was observed that art therapy penetrated deep into the subconscious of the patients and helped them to let go of their feelings and thus fight with their emotions. In studies conducted with colours it was found that colours are influential and sometimes have a mysterious effect on thoughts, the human body and behaviours (Withrow, 2004, p. 39). Art therapists believe that the artistic process brings feelings and emotions to the surface in the same way as free association, combining the benefits of both talk therapy and dream analysis, but accomplishing more than either alone (Case & Dalley, 1992; Ganim, 1999).
The psychological impact of colour in art has evolved considerably over the course of various movements influenced by cultural, philosophical, and technical factors. From the symbolic use of colour in the Renaissance to the emotional intensity of Expressionism, artists have used the power of colour to evoke a wide range of emotional and psychological responses that reflect the changing contexts and priorities of their time.
Artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo during the Renaissance period, used earthy tones, red, blue and gold. Red symbolizes passion, vitality and divine love. It was often used in depictions of religious figures, such as in the robes of Christ or the Virgin Mary. Blue was associated with the divine and heaven. Ultramarine, which is made from lapis lazuli, was extremely expensive and was used to convey meaning and sacredness, especially in religious paintings. Gold symbolises wealth, divinity and the eternal. Gold leaf was used for backgrounds and halos to convey a sense of otherworldliness.
During the Rococo period, artists such as François Boucher and Jean-Honoré Fragonard used pastel colours such as pink, blue and green. Pinks and light blues created a playful, romantic and whimsical atmosphere reflecting the leisurely and dissolute lifestyle of the aristocracy. Soft tones evoked feelings of calm and elegance and matched the light and airy themes of Rococo art.
During the Romanticism period, the emphasis was on emotion, nature and individualism. Artists such as Caspar David Friedrich used cool, subdued colours to depict the mysterious and spiritual aspects of nature, and J.M.W. Turner used bold colours and dynamic compositions to convey the drama and majesty of natural phenomena. Dark greens and blues are used to convey the sublime power of nature and evoke feelings of awe and introspection. Vibrant reds and oranges symbolised passion, rebellion and the intensity of human emotion.
Impressionism focused on light, and everyday scenes. Claude Monet used a wide range of colours to capture the changing effects of light on landscapes and water. Pierre-Auguste Renoir is known for his vibrant use of colour to depict lively social scenes and intimate portraits. Bright blues and greens capture the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere, conveying a sense of freshness and immediacy. Pastel yellows and pinks conveyed the warmth and lightness of everyday life creating a sense of joy and spontaneity.
Expressionism emphasized on emotional experience over physical reality. The colours used were bold, unnatural colours, and often used symbolically. Intense reds and blacks expressed inner turmoil, fear and anger. Vivid Strong blues and greens conveyed feelings of alienation, anxiety, and spiritual searching. Artists like Edvard Munch used striking colours to express deep psychological and emotional states, as seen in “The Scream”
Abstract and modern art uses a wide range of colours from bold primary hues to subtle earth tones, conveying emotions and ideas without representational imagery. Bold primary colours are used to convey energy, movement and emotion in abstract compositions. Subtle neutrals create a sense of calm, balance and introspection. Pablo Picasso used a variety of palettes throughout his career, from the melancholy blues of his Blue Period to the vivid, fragmented colours of his Cubist works. Mark Rothko is known for his large areas of colour, which are intended to evoke deep emotional reactions through the subtle interplay of hues.
“Instead of trying to reproduce exactly what I see in front of me, I use colour more arbitrarily to express myself more strongly.” — Vincent Van Gogh. The psychology behind the colours used by artists reveals a deep and complicated relationship between colour, emotion and cultural context. From the earthy tones and symbolic hues of the Renaissance to the bold, expressive palettes of modern art, colours have been instrumental in shaping the viewer’s emotional and psychological experience of the viewer. By understanding the psychological impact of colour, we can better appreciate art and empathise more deeply with the visual stories and emotional landscapes that artists create. As we further explore and interpret these vibrant canvases, we gain insight into the universal language of colour and its enduring power to move and inspire.
Author – Lavanya Uniyal
Welham Girls School.
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