Color Psychology – Blue

Strathmore

Color psychology suggests our mood can be impacted by different colors, each supposedly having a unique effect based on an individual’s personal experiences and culture.

Scroll down to enjoy a collection of beautiful work created by different artists on Strathmore papers; each featuring different shades of the color blue.

PSYCHOLOGY OF THE COLOR BLUE:

The color blue is universally favored by people everywhere. Each shade of blue can carry a different meaning and evoke a different type of reaction. Common associations with the color blue include:

Calmness and Serenity:
Blue is often found in nature such as a calm sea and clear sky, creating a sense of peace. It can help slow the heart rate and breathing, making it a great color to surround yourself with for meditation and relaxation. Some airports have even started incorporating blue lighting and imagery in their terminals to help promote a sense of calm prior to flying.^{Art by @doughtycreartive – Colored Pencil on Strathmore 300 Series Bristol Paper}
Dependability and Loyalty:
Businesses often incorporate the color blue into their branding and campaigns because of the sense of trust it makes people feel. Blue is also often used in the suits of Superhereos (along with red to portray power).^{Artwork by @teganleighdraws – Marker and colored pencil on Strathmore 300 Series Mixed Media paper}
Intelligence and Productivity:
Research shows people are more productive in blue rooms, and certain shades of blue can improve concentration, stimulate thinking and provide clarity.
Sadness:
Blue is commonly used to describe feelings of sadness. Elvis will be having a blue Christmas without you. A great example in art is Picasso’s Blue Period where he created very somber monochromatic paintings in shades of blue. During the Blue Period, which was supposedly influenced by a close friends suicide, he often depicted prostitutes, beggars, drunks.^{The Old Guitarist by Pablo Picasso}
Unappetizing
When it comes to food, the color blue is rarely found naturally. Human instinct tells us to avoid poisonous food, and blue coloring in food can be a sign of spoilage or poison. Some weight loss plans even go so far as to recommend eating meals off of blue plates to suppress the appetite.

How do you feel when you see the color blue?

Take a look at these beautiful pieces created by different artists on Strathmore papers; each featuring different shades of the color blue.

^{Artwork by @daragh.obrien.art – Colored Pencils on Strathmore 400 Series Toned Gray Paper}

^{Artwork by @gracelu.draws – Colored Pencil on Strathmore 400 Series Toned Tan Sketchpad}

^{Artwork by @angelastaehling – Gouache on Strathmore Hardbound Watercolor Art Journal, 8.5″x5.5″}

^{Artwork by @priscillageorgeart – Watercolor, gold leaf and metallic paint on Strathmore Watercolor paper.}

… read on

August 22nd, 2019 · Tags: Colours

Alexandre Wirth invites us to Open Our Eyes

Laurence de Valmy

The French painter Alexandre Wirth invites sighted people to open their eyes through his paintings using braille. I discovered his work on Instagram and was seduced by the poetry of his universe and his refined aesthetic. His black canvases play on reflections and invite us to look beyond the object.

He describes himself as self-taught and came to painting as a second career twenty years ago. His work matured into his series Open Your Eyes, which allowed him to break through.

He is represented by the Acid gallery based in Lille, France and has many projects to come. Thank you Alexander for sharing with me your universe!

What was your artistic path?

It started at birth I would say! My father organized contemporary art festivals with recognized artists and at home everything revolved around and for art … More seriously, the fact of evolving in such a context favors reflection. For some unexplained reason, I did not want to study art; according to my opinion it is necessary to bring a new concept, a unique and clean identity. Of course it is also the result of our influences, observations and current cultures inevitably. So I decided about thirty years to paint and expose myself to judgments. The next step is a long process where ideas are put in place.

How did you get the idea for your Open Your Eyes series?

I started working on topics incorporating faces and flowers but wanted to look for a theme more meaningful to me.

I had a flash or I saw the rounds and their message … I adapted braille. Initially I used colors. Then I kept on exchanging with others and working, the black color imposed itself, the black has even become the catalyst!

What is your goal with this series?

My paintings are questions. I like the idea that everyone can bring their response, their emotion and connect to their personal story. The goal is not only aesthetic but also to create an exchange. Is not art made for society to communicate and evolve?

Your canvases being black, how do you face the challenge of sharing your work?

It is the most complicated indeed. But it’s also a filter! I invite the curious to go beyond the black and the graphic to arrive at: “why? So I have no quick answer except to be available and engage with all those who want it.

Have you shared your work with visually impaired persons? Is it possible for them to read your paintings?

My work is for the sighted people. I even denounce the fact that society advances blindly without worrying about the future that seems complicated … I use the Braille graphics by provocation, doubled with black, to challenge, provoke, beg … so to answer, we can read only with the eyes and the only sharing is exchange and availability.

What are your projects ?

I have a lot ! I would like to work on sculptures to translate my work in 3D and to travel with my work … and what is positive today is that one can “travel virtually” and meet new people and their universe through networks , although of course this does not replace the experience in person. More than projects, they are ambitions, those of meeting, provoking and changing on my level certain mentalities that are too individualistic. To begin with myself …

To know more and follow

www.alexandrewirth.fr

facebook.com/alexandre.wirth

instagram.com/alexandrewirth_artistepeintre

Link to Laurence’s original article here.

… read on

Juni 20th, 2019 · Tags: Colours · Contemporary Art · Featured Artist · Interview

What is Goauche?

Strathmore

First, let’s start with the pronunciation. It sounds like “gwash” and rhymes with squash.

Gouache is often described as opaque watercolor. While these two mediums have many similarities, gouache differs from watercolor in its quick dry-time and matte finish.

Janice Sung – Gouache on Strathmore 500 Series Ready Cut Watercolor, Cold Press
Goauche has a higher pigment content that is ground into larger particles than watercolor. This prevents it from granulating, causing opacity and a matte finish versus the translucent finish of watercolor. The bold, flat, poster-like finish makes it a versatile medium that is excellent for illustration, fine art and lettering.Below is a side-by-side comparison of artwork completed by Minnie Small in gouache (left) and watercolor (right).