The history of studying color

The phenomenon of color has been of interest to mankind since ancient times. People have tried to explain this phenomenon, to find out its impact on the brain and mind. Attempts to develop a theory of color date back to the times of Plato and Aristotle. Scientists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Isaac Newton, and Hegel were also concerned with color issues.

The first known theory of color is associated with the name of the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle. He believed that all colors come from white and black - light and darkness. Aristotle argued that all colors are formed by mixing white and black in different proportions. So he developed a linear system "from lighter to darker". Aristotle's linear sequence can be observed throughout the day: white turns yellow at noon, then changes to orange, then red. After sunset, red turns purple, and then night falls with its dark blue, almost black sky.

In the 1660s, the English physicist and mathematician Isaac Newton began a series of experiments with sunlight and prisms. He developed the first color wheel with seven colors and demonstrated that pure white light is composed of seven visible colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. These colors make up the visible spectrum, the part of the electromagnetic spectrum that the human eye can see. Having experimentally substantiated the existence of the colors of the rainbow, Newton paved the way for other scientists to experiment with color. His work has led to breakthroughs in optics, physics, chemistry, and the perception and study of color in nature. Since Newton created the color wheel, it has become one of the most powerful tools available to artists to explain the relationship between colors.

Green in the picture is associated with the natural meaning of green, which represents stability and progress, and symbolizes development, growth, and prosperity. It is also the color of harmony, balance, and security. It is calming and refined, with great healing power.

Blue is the color of the sea and the sky, it has the property of cool space and openness. It is a soft, calming, and caring color of safety, dreams, harmony, and trust. Sometimes it represents wisdom and steadfast character. But blue can also be associated with melancholy and the presence of distance, alienation, and reflection.

Purple is a color that characterizes spirituality, truth, and quality in a positive way. It is a royal and dignified color. However, on the other hand, purple is the color of fear, decadence, and the fading of life. It can evoke feelings of disappointment, depicting gloom and sadness.

The psychology of color theory

Each color has its own special meaning and influence on human life and behavior. Therefore, we can use psychological triggers to influence how we want the viewer to perceive the picture.

Red symbolizes passion and love, selfassertion and strength, excitement and impulsiveness. Red emphasizes an uncomplicated personality with a thirst for life. In a drawing, it can also signify emotional tension, danger, anger, and a desire for revenge. In the physiological sense, red is associated with blood.

Orange is a cheerful color and symbolizes inexhaustible energy, strength, freedom, and creativity; it encourages travel and self-discovery. This color always has a beneficial effect on human life, as it inspires optimism and shows the joyful aspects of life. It can be assertive, dynamic, and spontaneous, and it signifies youth and fearlessness.

Yellow is associated with the sun, warmth, joy, and positive emotions. It creates a sense of hope, happiness, and wisdom. This color characterizes originality, joy, cheerfulness, and freedom and evokes an optimistic sense of well-being and natural light.