Skip to main content

Colors in Art

 Colors in art are what makes the art piece intriguing. 

Blues are cool colors representing a calming effect. While, red, yellow and orange are warm colors. Each color on the wheel depicts a different meaning. I often use orange, red, purple, brown and black in my paintings whether on canvas or digital.

"Orange is associated with meanings of joy, warmth, heat, sunshine, enthusiasm, creativity, success, encouragement, change, determination, health, stimulation, happiness, fun, enjoyment, balance, sexuality, freedom, expression, and fascination.

Orange is the color of joy and creativity. Orange promotes a sense of general wellness and emotional energy that should be shared, such as compassion, passion, and warmth. Orange will help a person recover from disappointments, a wounded heart, or a blow to one’s pride."

 "Red represents power and courage. 

The color red is an intense color that is packed with emotion ranging from passionate, intense love to anger and violence — representing both cupid and the devil. It is a hot, strong, stimulating color that represents excitement and energy. Studies show that the color red can create physical effects such as elevated blood pressure, enhanced libido, increased respiratory rates, enhanced metabolism, increased enthusiasm, higher levels of energy, and increased confidence."

"The color brown is a serious, down-to-earth color signifying stability, structure and support.

Relating to the protection and support of the family unit, with a keen sense of duty and responsibility, brown takes its obligations seriously. It encourages a strong need for security and a sense of belonging, with family and friends being of utmost importance."

"The color purple is a rare occurring color in nature and as a result is often seen as having sacred meaning. Lavender, orchid, lilac, and violet flowers are considered delicate and precious.

The color purple has a variety of effects on the mind and body, including uplifting spirits, calming the mind and nerves, enhancing the sacred, creating feelings of spirituality, increasing nurturing tendencies and sensitivity, and encouraging imagination and creativity.

Purple is associated spirituality, the sacred, higher self, passion, third eye, fulfillment, and vitality. Purple helps align oneself with the whole of the universe. Different shades, tints, and hues of purple have different meanings. Light purple hues represent feminine energy and delicacy, as well as romantic and nostalgic feelings. Dark purple hues evoke feelings of gloom, sadness, and frustration. Bright purple hues suggest riches and royalty."

"The color black represents power, individuality, simplicity, mystery and an intense spirituality." I am a black. In fact, black is one of my favorite colors. It represents who I am.

"Black isn't a primary, secondary, or tertiary color. In fact, black isn't on the color wheel because it isn't considered a color. It's all colors. Or rather, the absorption of all colors. Black absorbs all light in the color spectrum."

 


 Complementary Colors. Digital art piece created on canvas. Afrika Abney 

Complementary Colors 

Red - Green

Blue - Orange

Yellow - Purple

Quotes about Color

"Color and I are one. I am a painter." -Paul Klee, 1914

"Color helps to express light—not the physical phenomenon, but the only light that really exists, that in the artist's brain." -Henri Matisse, 1945

"They'll sell you thousands of greens. Veronese green and emerald green and cadmium green and any sort of green you like; but that particular green, never." -Pablo Picasso, 1966 

 

 

Popular posts from this blog

Compassionate Harmony Palette

Compassionate Harmony Palette. Digital art created on canvas. September 20, 2024. Afrika Abney “The colors hot pink, pink, red, and orange embody essential qualities of compassion and harmony. Each hue carries its own emotional resonance, contributing to a palette that evokes feelings of warmth and understanding. Shades of pink, often associated with compassion, fosters a sense of nurturing and care, while red symbolizes passion and energy, igniting a fervent connection among individuals. Orange, a blend of the two, radiates enthusiasm and creativity, further enhancing the atmosphere of unity and support.”

Radiant Traits

  Radiant Traits. Digital art created on canvas. August 26, 2024. Afrika Abney   The artwork titled Radiant Traits serves as a visual exploration of the duality between the exuberance of creativity and the intricate layers of personality. The bold yellow elements radiate warmth and energy, capturing the viewer's imagination and encouraging a sense of exploration and innovation. In contrast, the rich purple shades introduce a sense of depth and introspection, highlighting the nuanced aspects of human character. Together, these colors form a harmonious balance that not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the piece but also prompts a deeper understanding of how creativity and personality intertwine, ultimately enriching the viewer's experience and appreciation of the artwork.

Colorful Serenity

Colorful Serenity. Digital art created on canvas. September 22, 2024. Afrika Abney

Spectrum Inspire

Spectrum Inspire. Digital art created on canvas. September 16, 2024. Afrika Abney “The vivid spectrum of colors on my digital palette occupies my thoughts, drawing me into a dynamic realm of creativity. Each shade is more than a mere visual representation; it embodies a wealth of potential that inspires and drives my artistic endeavors. This colorful array serves as a constant reminder of the endless possibilities that await, igniting my imagination and pushing the boundaries of my creative expression. Throughout my artistic journey, I have been fortunate to encounter a multitude of opportunities that have enabled me to present my artwork to a wider audience. These experiences have not only allowed me to share my passion with others but have also facilitated the transformation of my creative pursuits into a rewarding profession. Each exhibition, service, and project has contributed to my growth as a professional visual artist and art consultant. My life has been significantly enhanced ...

Creative Catalyst

Creative Catalyst. Digital art created on canvas. August 22, 2024. Afrika Abney As a firm believer in the transformative power of art, I am passionate about integrating vibrant colors and artistic expression into every facet of my professional life. The fusion of red, blue, and yellow not only adds visual appeal but serves as a driving force for creativity “The presence of art in my professional environment serves as a “powerful catalyst for fostering human connections, encouraging the exchange of innovative ideas, diverse thoughts, and engaging conversations.”

Visual Art Process

"The artistic process is a complex multiplicity of processes. It is a consilience, literally a jumping together of beliefs, aesthetic sensibility, personal interactions and cooperation, access to and expenditure of a variety of resources—specific to each arts entity; all supporting the making and connecting of art." Two years ago, I created visual art process digital art pieces using a computerized application. 

Art Promotes Healthy Child Development

  During my childhood, I studied art at the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, Corcoran School of the Art and at Bell Multicultural High School.  When I was a student, I had the opportunity to participate in the Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton's Congressional Art Competition in 1992 and 1993, and exhibit my artwork at the New Harlem Gallery and Wisteria ArtSpace in 1993. Art promotes healthy child development because it allows the child to freely express themselves through creative play using various art materials such as fingerpaint, washable paint and non toxic materials on paper or canvas. raisedgood.com/art-promotes-healthy-child-development/?fbclid=IwAR0JJpgcxzMRL2IoEFYZa-3PUxBrlzcJ3HYXwFE9XgD9PnsQlQeeF6-6vYY    Sleepy Child is a painting that was donated many years ago by Afrika Abney. It was created when she was a student at Bell from 1991 - 1993.

Mellow Yellow

  The hue of light yellow captures the essence of positivity and happiness that is often linked to the warmth of sunlight. This particular shade evokes feelings of cheerfulness and a sense of hope, reminiscent of bright, sunny days that uplift the spirit and encourage a more optimistic outlook on life.  John Paul Caponigro: "How lovely yellow is! It stands for the sun". John Paul Caponigro expresses a profound appreciation for the color yellow, highlighting its intrinsic connection to the sun. He emphasizes the beauty and warmth that yellow embodies, suggesting that it evokes feelings of joy and positivity. This vibrant hue is often associated with brightness and energy, making it a symbol of optimism and cheerfulness in various contexts.

Vibrant Intentions

Vibrant Intentions. Digital art created on canvas. September 18, 2024. Afrika Abney “The concept of prayer is often intertwined with a rich tapestry of colors, each hue symbolizing different aspects of spirituality and devotion. These colors can evoke a range of emotions and signify various intentions behind the act of praying. For instance, the color white is frequently associated with purity and peace. Similarly, blue can represent tranquility and divine connection, while red may symbolize passion and sacrifice.Yellow, on the other hand, is seen as a color of enlightenment and joy, embodying the uplifting spirit that prayer can inspire. Each color serves as a visual representation of the deeper meanings and feelings that accompany prayer.”

The concept of form

  Quote found on the Internet  “In the field of painting, the concept of form is a crucial component that delineates the tangible attributes of the subjects represented on the canvas. It involves the strategic organization and interplay of various shapes, lines, and colors, which collectively contribute to the formation of a unified visual story. This intricate relationship between these elements not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also guides the viewer's understanding of the artwork's intended message.”