Primary and Secondary Colors

Read Historical Facts and Healing Properties

The Boating Party (c. 1893–1894). Oil on canvas, 35½ × 46 in. National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. Photo: Public domain. — Mary Cassatt, The Boating Party (c. 1893–1894). Oil on canvas, 35½”× 46″. National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. Photo: Public domain. “If painting is no longer needed, it seems a pity that some of us are born into the world with such a passion for line and color.” ~ Mary Cassatt

The Color Blue

In color therapy, blue governs the throat and the thyroid, so has an important role to play both in speech and communication, and in the body’s metabolic functions. It is associated with feelings of trust and sense of security which is why you see it associated with banks and many businesses and some police uniforms. The word ‘Ultramarine’ comes from the Latin ‘ultra’ meaning ‘beyond’ and ‘mare’ meaning ‘sea’. It is one of the oldest blue pigments. The earliest evidence of this color’s use is in 6-7th c AD and can be found in the Temples of Bamiyan, Afghanistan.

Blue impacts our brain. It is known to be a creative color, as it opens neural pathways and elevates cognitive processes.

The Color Purple

Arthur Hugh, April Love, oil on canvas, 35" x 19.48". Created circa 1855. Photo: Public Domain. in the U.S. — Arthur Hughes, April Love, oil on canvas, 35″ x 19.48″. Created circa 1855. Photo: Public Domain. in the U.S.

Leonardo da Vinci preferred to meditate in a lavender or purple-colored light. Purple is associated with poetry, love, romance, and peace and is associated with all things related to the spiritual realm. The color is used in healing for its soothing properties and it stimulates the mind. The color purple also symbolizes the state of selflessness as it represents oneness with the universe.

The Color Red

Henri Matisse, Dessert, Harmony in Red, oil painting, 70″ x 86″. Public domain — Henri Matisse, Dessert, Harmony in Red, oil painting, 70″ x 86″. Photo: Public Domain.

Throughout time, the color red has held special significance for cultures around the world. In the Western culture, the warm color is most commonly associated with love. In many other parts of the world, red symbolizes joy and good fortune. In many Asian countries brides wear red as a symbol of fertility and luck. In Europe it has been linked to aristocrats and the clergy.

The Color Orange

Paul Cezanne, Still Life with a Curtain, oil on canvas, 21.6" x 29". Created in 1898. Photo: Public domain. — Paul Cezanne, Still Life with a Curtain, oil on canvas, 21.6″ x 29″. Created in 1898. Photo: Public Domain.

The color orange is considered by many to be a happy, energetic and eye-catching color. In some cultures, it’s considered to be a sacred hue, while in others it’s a symbol of royalty. Since ancient times this color has had a strong impact. Orange is known for stimulating creativity and also the appetite. Orange promotes a sense of general wellness and emotional energy that should be shared.

The Color Yellow

Piet Mondrian, Tableau I, oil on canvas, 40.5" x 39.3", 1921. Public domain. — Piet Mondrian, Tableau I, oil on canvas, 40.5″ x 39.3″, 1921. Photo: Public Domain.

Yellow is the color we associate with the sun. It is the brightest color of the visible spectrum, and it is the most noticeable of all colors by the human eye. Yellow strengthens the nerves, enhances mental clarity and encourages laughter, fun, joy and hope. The color induces feelings of vitality and renewal. In healthcare, it is used to accelerate the body’s natural healing process. Art with yellow is an excellent choice in medical facilities, especially after-surgery recovery rooms.

The Color Green

Georgia O'Keeffe, Blue and Green Music, 1919-1921 — Georgia O’Keeffe, Blue and Green Music, 1919-1921, oil on canvas, 23″ x 19″. Photo: Public Domain

The color green generally signifies growth, harmony, health, life, spring, wealth, and many other positive qualities. Color experts agree this color provides hope more than any other colors. It is a calming color. It is the easiest color for the eyes to process. When viewing O’Keeffe’s painting we observe how different shades of light and dark green can provide drama and contrast while they also create a vaporous and soothing effect.

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