As an artist, I love working with colour. I also love exploring the different meanings and associations each colour holds. And, as part of my own mindfulness practice I work with the energy of colour in meditations. I hope you enjoy my colour series, which offers a deep dive into some of my favourite hue and tones.
“Color is the place where our brain and the universe meet.” – Paul Klee
The colour yellow is brought to you by my painting, Springtime at the Edge of the Universe Lots of playful yellow in this one!
I love the colour yellow. In particular, I love the tones of warm, early-morning summer rays. Soft, nourishing, clarifying and cleansing. I love the scent of antique, pale-yellow roses – which we grow in our garden. This is a yellow mixed with white, to soften it. My other favourite yellow is the colour of sandstone, another hue that feels very calming to me – like the quiet, peaceful inner walls of a cave. That colour speaks to me of sanctuary.
I wasn’t always a fan of yellow. In fact, its really only been in the last decade that I’ve found the tones that have resonance for me. My Springtime at the Edge of the Universe artwork is one of the rare pieces that carries yellow – and even then it’s an accent more than anything. In full strength, yellow can be quite powerful – even overwhelming. It can feel loud, buzzy and bossy when used in excess. But over time I’ve really come to appreciate yellow – in the right tones, in the right mounts, as a joyful, generous colour. Now, I find yellow life affirming, encouraging and optimistic.
Colourpsychology.com notes that ‘within the meaning of colors, yellow is the great communicator and loves to talk. Yellow is the color of the networker and the journalist, all working and communicating on a mental level. Yellow is the scientist, constantly analysing, looking at both sides before making a decision; methodical and decisive. Yellow is the entertainer, the comic, the clown.’ It also says that yellow is related to the expression and integration of new ideas and thoughts.
Coloursexplained.com share the physical effect of yellow:
- Energizes – It is perceived as a high-energy color and, therefore, often used in products intended to create a sense of excitement.
- Stimulates mental activity – The color highlights what’s important and increases the analytical processes.
- Sharpens memory and attention – People are more likely to remember an object in a warm color, such as yellow, than in a cool color.
- Encourages communication – Because it is an open, outgoing, and optimist color, yellow encourages communication. It is an excellent color for networking events.
Sensationalcolour.com also notes that ‘yellow is also the color of the Solar Plexus chakra, also known as Manipura. This chakra is located in the stomach area and is linked to organs and muscular system in that area. The Solar Plexus chakra is representative of vitality and will. When this chakra is open, it acts to empower a person and help them find their personal strength. It will help turn dreams and goals into reality. Gemstones that will aid the Solar Plexus chakra include amber, topaz, citrine, yellow calcite, yellow jasper.’
Take the next steps in exploring Yellow
Explore artists who have favoured the colour yellow: https://www.schirn.de/en/magazine/context/10_yellow_artist_artworks/
Explore my ‘Yellow’ Pinterest Board: https://www.pinterest.nz/jordaninthestudio/yellow/
Learn more about your Solar Plexus Chakra: https://www.rockymountainoils.com/blogs/energy/exploring-your-solar-plexus-chakra
Experiment with some yellow-infused, solar-plexus chara-focused affirmation to improve self-esteem: https://blog.gratefulness.me/solar-plexus-chakra-affirmations/
Enjoy!