WHAT IS COLOR?

How do colors make us feel? What do colors mean? How can color be used to express imagination, or identity?

But first
What are the formal factors at work in the picture plane?

Line, Tone Value, Color

Line: MEASURE
Of these, line is the most limited, being solely a matter of simple Measure. Its properties are length (long or short),

angles (obtuse or acute),

length of radius and focal distance. All quantities are subject to measurement.

Tone value: WEIGHT

the blacks can be related to a white norm (on a white background)

and the whites to a black norm (on a blackboard).

Or both together can be referred to a medium grey norm.

Thirdly, color, which clearly has quite different characteristics. For it can neither be weighed nor measured.

Neither with scales nor with ruler can any difference be detected between two surfaces, one pure yellow and the other a pure red, of similar area and similar brilliance.

And yet, an essential difference remains, which we, in words, label yellow and red. In the same way, salt and sugar can be compared, in their saltiness and sweetness.

Color: QUALITY

it is also Weight, for it has not only color value but also brilliance. Thirdly, it is Measure, for besides Quality and Weight, it has its limits, its area, and its extent, all of which may be measured.

We now have three formal means at our disposalMeasure, Weight, and Quality, which in spite of fundamental differences, have a definite interrelationship.

How does color make you feel?

physical effect

psychological effect

What do colors mean?

Diana Vandel has created the Colors of Hue-man Traits

Which color are you?

NURTURER BLUE
Sensitive To Needs Of Others. Sincere. Expresses Appreciation. Cooperative. Collaborative. Creative. Caring. Team Builder And Player. People Person. Engages Others. Artistic. Inspirational. Spiritual. Inclusive. Mediator. Peacemaker. Idealistic. Intuitive. Romantic. Loyal. Seeks Unity And Harmony. Caretaker.

ADVENTUROUS ORANGE
"Just Do It" Action Oriented. Quick-witted, Charming, Spontaneous Playful. Injects fun into work. Lives In Here & Now. Risk taker. Creative. Enjoys Diversity, Variety, Competition. Multi-tasker, Cheerful, Energetic. Bold. Quick Thinking and Acting. Takes Charge. High Visibility Performer. Accepts Challenges. Enjoys Problem Solving. Negotiator. Performs Well Under Pressure. Resilient.

TRADITIONAL GOLD
Respects Authority Rules, Routines, Policies. Alligant, Faithful, Dependable, Prepared, Efficient. Remembers The Traditions That Work. Values Family. Work Comes Before Play. Practical. Systematic. Orderly. Identifies With Groups. Strives For A Sense Of Security. Thorough, Sensible, Convential, Proper. A Right Way To Do Everything. Stick-To-Itivness. Evaluates Actions As Right Or Wrong. Stable. Organized. Punctual. Helpful.

VISIONARY GREEN
Looks Forward And Sees Impact Of Actions Taken Now. Explores All Facets Before Deciding. Checks for Accuracy. Careful Planner. Enlivened By Work. Status Quo Buster. Designer Of Change. Inventive. Systematic. Logical. Theoretical. Self-Sufficient. Often Not In The Mainstream. Persistent. Thorough. Intellectual. Inquisitive. Impartial. Improvement Oriented.

BREAK!

What are some cultural associations with color?

Funeral in China

Buddhist Bodhisattva of Compassion, Avalokitesvara

Bride in India

Our Lady of Guadalupe

Representatives from the United States attended the state funeral of former Czech President Vaclav Havel on Friday, December 23, 2011

How can color be used to express imagination or identity?