The Meaning of Color - Art as Therapy

Feeling blue. Seeing red. A silver lining. All of thesedecision making skills.
phrases came about because of the meanings thatGREEN Meanings:harmony, balance, growth, tradition,
can be attributed to colors. Maybe you've alwaysfocus, jealousy
wondered why certain colors appeal to you or oftenUses: calm nerves, increase compassion, restore
find their way into your artwork. As someone thatmental and emotional balance
creates mandalas for both art as well as therapy, IGreen falls basically in the middle of the color
have found that taking the time to analyze my colorspectrum making balance its chief interpretation. Feng
choices has provided me with great insight on whereshui experts taut the healing and restorative powers
I stand both mentally and spiritually.of the color green, often using different shades to
Below is a quick reference guide you can use tomaximize its healing effects.
gather more awareness from your own artwork orBLUE Meanings:truth, depth, loyalty, serenity,
mandala designs. Each color discussed has a list ofempathy
'meanings' that you can pull from when trying toUses: soothe, cleanse, induce calm and peaceful
interpret your work along with a list of 'uses' thatfeelings
may help you choose colors for healing or as a formArtists and poets (and other sensitive individuals) are
art therapy. While this list is far from exhaustive, itdrawn to this color. Interior designers use blue in
does tap into the core properties. If you want adesigning bedrooms because of its peaceful qualities.
more thorough explanation of color, I suggest youDark blue is often used in uniforms because of the
take a look at The Color Answer Book by Leatricequalities of truth and respect the color induces.
Eiesman.PURPLE Meanings:spirituality, royalty, originality,
RED Meanings:energy, passion, power, desire,imagination, mystery
intensity, angerUses: meditation, inspiration, psychic healing,
Uses: combat depression, increase appetite, attractconnection with higher power
attention, increase energy, achieve goalsPurple is associated with the crown chakra; the one
In terms of energy, a person with a red aura (likethat links us to the infinite consciousness, The
most teenagers) are often found to be impulsive,Universe, and/or God. Not surprisingly, purple has a
stimulating, freedom seeking individuals. Red is used inlong history of use in a variety of religious
fast food restaurants to make patrons eat quicklyceremonies from the Christianity to Hinduism.
and to increase their appetites.WHITE Meanings:reverence, purity, innocence,
ORANGE Meanings:creativity, confidence, increasedsimplicity, cleanliness
intuition, pleasure, adventureUses: purify the body and mind
Uses: increase creativity and inner dialogue, boostThe significance of white in a dream is believed to be
metabolism, elevate moodits representation of a hope fulfilled or the attainment
As another warm color, orange also has someof spiritual enlightenment. White is a yin or healing
intensity and energy in its meaning. Color therapistsacolor used in Estern cultures to induce calm.
use orange to open up a persons mind, allowingBLACK Meanings:elegance, power, strength,
creative ideas to flow freely.achievement
YELLOW Meanings:cheerful, bright, optimism, warm,Uses: internal strength, power in career, self control
open, innovativeIn the fashion industry, black equates to wealth and
Uses: increase mental clarity, release of problems,sophistication i.e. tuxedos, limousines, the little black
promote enjoymentdress, etc. The color is also used to portray
Not surprisingly, individuals with yellow auras areauthority, i.e. judge's robes, priest's attire, and a black
known for their sunny dispositions. Yellow crystalsbelt in martial arts, but too much black can be
are often used sharpen memory and increaseoppressive.