Color Your World

My first memory is about color. Blue to be exact. When I was five, I begged my mother to let me decorate my room. She caved. I chose blue—everything was blue. I even painted my shoeboxes blue.

I joined Brownies when I was seven. That was fun—sort of. My leader kicked me out because I refused to color my trees green. In my world, trees were (and still are) red, orange, and yellow—even purple, pink, and papaya. My Brownie leader didn’t see it that way. Trees were green—or else. I chose or else.

My love of color trailed me through my life. As an artist, I describe myself as a “color junkie.” Along with chocolate and wine, I binge on color.

Do you know colors have serious superpowers?

They’re like mood magicians—evoking emotions and inspiring reactions. But it’s not one size fits all. The way we react to colors is influenced by personal preferences, experiences, and cultural backgrounds. And this is all based on the science of color psychology.

Common, positive interpretations of color include:

Red: We’re talking hot passion. Red can even increase your heart rate and energy levels.

Yellow: Like the sun, yellow evokes feelings of happiness, optimism, and joy. It can even lift your spirits.

Blue: Blue has your back when you need an instant chill pill. It can even promote relaxation and tranquility.

Orange: Prepare for energy and vibrancy. Orange can even spark enthusiasm, vitality, and creativity.

Green: When you feel out of balance green is your go to color. It can even help with renewed energy.

Purple: Known as the VIP of colors, purple is your link to all things lavish and luxurious. It can even spark imagination and encourage artistic thinking.

What color is YOUR world?

In the Weeds

Judith Kolva, Artist