As an artist, you possess the power to stir various feelings and emotions in those who view your artwork simply through your choice of colors. Have you ever pondered, “What do colors represent?” While colors have universal meanings, their interpretations can vary between cultures, such as between the Western and Eastern worlds, influenced by history, religion, or cultural backgrounds. Colors evoke emotions in a way that words cannot. Each color carries both positive and negative connotations, eliciting different reactions and emotions depending on the viewer's background.

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In this article, you will discover:

• A general overview of colors and their symbolism

• Interpretations of colors in the Western world

• Interpretations of colors in the Eastern world

  
  

• What Do Colors Symbolize?

  What are the basic colors and their meanings in art? Let's explore.

  • Red is a powerful color. It symbolizes power, passionate love, adventure, and energy, but can also represent anger, seduction, violence, and danger. 

  • Yellow generally symbolizes happiness, enlightenment, joy, positivity, and clarity. It can also signify being critical, judgmental, or cautious.

  • Orange often symbolizes enthusiasm, fascination, creativity, determination, success, and stimulation. Its negative aspects can be abrasiveness and crassness.

  • Green symbolizes life, renewal, nature, growth, balance, and harmony. It can also represent greed, jealousy, and possessiveness.

  • Blue typically symbolizes depth, stability, wisdom, faith, truth, and heaven. Its negative side can be associated with coldness, indifference, and sadness. 

  • Purple combines the stability of blue and the energy of red, symbolizing royalty, nobility, pride, luxury, and ambition. Its negative aspects include decadence, conceit, and pomposity. 

  
  

  Color Symbolism in the Western World

  Now that we have a basic understanding of color symbolism, let's examine it through different cultural perspectives. In the Western world, such as in the United States, colors like blue, green, and red are significant and frequently used in visual branding. Blue is often associated with trust, leading banks and financial institutions to incorporate it in their logos and buildings. Green symbolizes money or wealth, while red represents passion and valor. Australia's national colors, worn by their sports teams, are green and gold; gold symbolizes the golden wattle, the national flower, as well as beaches, grain harvest, and mineral wealth. Green represents Australia's landscape, including its forests and eucalyptus trees. Both Australia and the United States feature red, white, and blue in their national flags, with red signifying passion, white for purity and innocence, and blue for trust. 

  Throughout history, artists have used color in their work to evoke specific emotions. For instance, Picasso painted in shades of blue from 1901-1904 to depict somber scenes, while from 1904-1906, he used reds, pinks, and oranges during his “Rose period” to create more uplifting images. 

  Color Symbolism in the Eastern World

  What do colors signify in the Eastern world, and what are the key differences? In the Western world, white is worn by brides and signifies purity, while in the Eastern world, such as in China and India, white is associated with mourning and worn by widows. It is linked to funerals and death ceremonies. Widows wear white as it repels all light and color, symbolizing their disconnection from life's pleasures. In China and India, red is worn by brides and associated with weddings and festivals, although in southern India, red can imply violence and disruption. Saffron, a version of red, is the most sacred color in India, worn by monks to show purity and devotion. 

  In the Eastern world, color is intertwined with religion, politics, festivals, and celebrations, though color classifications vary. In India, the mythical lives of the gods have created story-like origins for many colors. Krishna, a favored god, was supposedly poisoned by a demon, turning his skin blue, making blue a symbol of immortality, love, and divinity. 

  China’s traditional color system is based on the rule of fives, linking five primary colors to natural elements: water, fire, wood, metal, and earth. These colors represent natural properties in landscape paintings and even influenced dynasties, similar to national flags today. Colors took on additional meanings, with red being a lucky color in Chinese culture, signifying joy and good wishes. Yellow has historical significance, corresponding to the earth and signifying royalty and the emperor. The first emperor of China was the “Yellow Emperor,” and China is known as “Yellow Earth.” 

  
  

  What You Can Do with Symbolism of Color

  Now that you understand more about color symbolism in art and how colors evoke emotions, think about how you can add depth to your own artwork. The influential painter Van Gogh once said, “Instead of trying to reproduce exactly what I see before me, I make more arbitrary use of color to express myself more forcefully.” This suggests letting colors convey emotions and highlighting the feelings of the scene rather than depicting it accurately. By feeling the colors you use, your viewers are more likely to experience greater depth in your work. 

  We’d love to see what you create with your newfound appreciation for colors, so tag us on social media. If you’re interested in learning more about color symbolism and classical painting techniques, consider taking our online course Click the link. https://milanart.samcart.com/referral/SnsmCxWa/5YI5tifAr3tgyK4g

  
  

  Speak Through Color

  Color is not just visual; it’s emotional, symbolic, and deeply human. Understanding its meaning gives you the power to create art that transcends cultures and connects on a profound level.

  Use this knowledge to add depth to your work and tell stories that resonate.

  Want to take your art even further? Explore the Milan Art Institute for more details. Click the link https://milanart.samcart.com/referral/SnsmCxWa/5YI5tifAr3tgyK4g at Milan Art Institute and unlock the full power of your creative voice.

  
  

• Milan Art Institute

  The Milan Art Institute has helped hundreds turn their passion into a profession. Beginners and pros alike come to master skills, learn new techniques, and join a growing community of artists. Just Like me.