LESSON 9
COLOUR SCHEMES FOR MOTIFS AND DESIGNS
STRUCTURE 9.0
OBJECTIVES
9.1
INTRODUCTION
9.2
PSYCHOLOGICAL PROPERTIES AND SIGNIFICANCE OF COLOUR
9.3
REACTIONS TOWARDS COLOUR 9.3.1 PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL RESPONSES TOWARDS COLOUR
9.4
ASSIGNMENTS 9.4.1 CLASS ASSIGNMENTS 9.4.2 HOME ASSIGNMENTS
9.5
SUMMING UP
9.6
POSSIBLE ANSWERS TO SELF-CHECK QUESTIONS
9.7
TERMINAL QUESTIONS
9.8
SUGGESTED FURTHER READING
9.9
GLOSSARY
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9. COLOUR SCHEMES FOR MOTIFS AND DESIGN In the first two lessons of this unit, you were introduced to different types of colour schemes and given tips on how to use them. in this third and final lesson ot this unit you will delve into the psychological properties and significance of colours. Finally the reactions towards colour and psychological responses towards colour will be briefly discussed.
9.0
Objectives After following this lesson you will be able to:
•
Explain the various ifs and buts of the colour harmony chosen by you with psychological reasons.
•
Read the reactions which the people experience towards colours.
9.1
Introduction
You have by now learnt the art of drawing borders and colouring them with different colour schemes. In the previous lesson you were given tips on the use of colours and colour schemes. Thus, you have a basic knowledge to appreciate the psychological effect of colours and the various moods that colours can generate on humans. In this lesson, this aspect will be considered in more detail.
9.2 The Psychological Properties and Significance of Colours Colours have a considerable effect on us. Research studies have proven that our response to colour is partly Physiological, based on the effect the colour has on our eyes and nervous system. It is also partly influenced by our environment and life experience. In addition to the proper combination of colours, a prime factor in creating a design is the psychological properties of the colours chosen. So the choice of a colour not only reflects your personality and taste but also creates an emotional feeling about your design.
9.3
Reactions that We Experience towards Colours
We shall now examine some common reactions that we experience towards certain colours. This should help you decide, to a certain extent, what kind of schemes you should use for your work. 2
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Colours at home have the ability to make you feel relaxed or give insomnia.
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We feel safer with a doctor wearing a blue tie rather than an orange one.
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Wear red to work if you want to be noticed by your boss.
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If we see a pink dress, we know it is for a girl. Similarly, if we see a blue dress, it is taken for granted that it is meant for a boy.
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Hot colours, such as red, yellow, orange, actually make you feel warm and send your pulse racing
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Cool colours, such as blues and greens, have a soothing effect and can make you feel sleepy on a warm day.
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A lavender wall in your house can make your guests yawn because lavender encourages day dreaming and dozing.
Since colours unconsciously influence people every day, there is a great advantage in understanding how and why these reactions occur. Now we will see the physical and psychological response we have to each colour. 9.3.1 Physical and psychological responses towards colour •
Red- It symbolizes energy, power, passion, splendour, and stimulation. It attracts immediate attention, and makes people feel warm. It is the most vibrant colour (Fig. 9.1).
Fig. 9.1 Red
Fig. 9.2 Yellow
Fig. 9.3 Blue
•
Yellow- It symbolizes joy, optimism, wisdom, intellect and imagination. It is the happiest colour and most noticeable. It adds vitality to other colours making hot hues appear even more brilliant and bringing cool colours to life (Fig 9.2).
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Orange- It is stimulating, energizing, friendly, outgoing cheerful and adventurous. Bright orange has very high visibility, ideal for warning signals.
•
Green- It is the colour of Mother Nature. It represents life and growth, tranquility and relaxation. The paler the green the more relaxing it is. The green room in theaters is actually to calm us before the performance. In its 3
negative character, it is the colour of jealousy. Vibrant greens remind people of spring, nature, life and youthful energy. Green is the worldwide symbol of safety. •
Blue- It is the best liked of all colours. It also commands respect when used as police and military uniforms. Dark blue symbolizes good breeding, high social status, stability and dignity. All associations with blue are positive (Fig.9.3).
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Purple- Royal purple exudes class, power, passion, sensuality and luxury. It is also mysterious and romantic (Fig. 9.3).
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Pink- It is a very passive colour and it calms and soothes our nerves. It discourages aggression. It is considered the most feminine colour. It symbolizes daintiness, gaiety and animation.
•
Brown- It is a warm comforting colour associated with earth, trees and home. It is a neutral colour and a favorite with men. Brown paper bags denote a natural product.
•
Grey- It is non-committal, formal and dignified. It lacks warmth and appears solemn and remote, gives us a feeling of power and wealth (Fig. 9.4).
Fig. 9.4 Grey
Fig. 9.5 White
Fig. 9.6 Black
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White- It symbolizes purity, innocence, goodness and truth. It is considered a cool colour since it is associated with ice and snow. It suggests simplicity, sterility, safety and peace (Fig. 9.5).
•
Black- It is the most authoritative, intimidating and aggressive colour. It is also considered conservative, serious, solemn and dignified . It is a symbol of grief (Fig. 9.6).
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Red Orange- Signifies heat, stimulation, activity, richness, splendor and dignity.
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Yellow Green- Signifies dryness, crispness, relaxation, warmth, light and cheer.
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Green-Blue- Signifies Coldness, spaciousness, passivity and tranquility.
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Violet- Signifies coolness, limpness, dullness, daintiness, femininity, and reservation.
Self-check Questions 1. In a few words, write the reaction that you get when you see the following colours: i) ii) iii) iv) v)
Red Grey Black Pink Green
2. Give the physical and psychological responses towards the following colours: i) ii) iii) iv) v)
Orange Purple Brown Yellow White
3. To what kind or age group of people, will the following colours suit? i) ii) iii) iv)
Blue Pink Hot Colours Lavenders
Activity 1. As you have now understood the psychology of different colours, implement them and design various rooms (keeping in mind that you have to choose a colour for each accessory present in that particular room) for: a) A Hospital
b) Children’s room
c)
A
Corporate
office
9.4
Assignments
9.4.1 Class assignments Make a 4” simple border design and colour it to produce the following moods: i) Romantic, using tints of pink, lavender or peach (Fig. 9.7).
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ii) Refreshing, using blues and greens with a touch of its complementary red-orange (Fig. 9.8). iii) Regal, using red with full blue (Fig. 9.9).
Fig. 9.7 Romantic
Fig. 9.8 Refreshing
Fig. 9.9 Regal
9.4.2 Home assignments Arrange different geometrical shapes on a quarter imperial size paper and paint it with: i) Achromatic colour scheme ii) Analogous colour scheme iii) Triad colour scheme iv) Polychromatic colour scheme
9.5
Summing Up
In this lesson you have explored and understood the various psychological effects and moods that colours create in a person, and to use them to your best advantage in many artistic, business and lifestyle applications. It can be said that the study of colours renders immense help to the students of Textile Designing and Printing course. It should enable you to choose and combine colours for designs in perfect colour schemes that give the exact hues and shades.
9.6 1.
Possible Answer to Self-check Questions Reactions • • • • •
Red Grey Black Pink Green
Immediate attention Feel as if some Formal event is related to it Aggressive and opposing Soothing ,calm Safe , (related to eatables)hungry 6
2. The physical and psychological responses towards the colours: • • • • •
Orange Purple Brown Yellow White
Stimulating, energizing Royal, sensuality Naturally Neutral colour related to earth Happiness, joy, wisdom cool, peace, wisdom
3. The following colours will suit: i) Blue, symbolizes power and enthusiasm so it suits on people of young age group, also used in uniforms of navy and air force. ii) Pink, it is a feminine colour specially suits babies and girls. iii) Hot Colours, suits athletes as they symbolize energy and power and heat. iv) Lavenders, suits adolescents as it make them feel in the air.
9.7
Terminal Questions
1. Discuss the psychology of various colours? 2. Why is the knowledge of significance, meanings and psychology of colours important for i) an Artist and ii) A Designer ?
9.8
References and Suggested Further Reading
1. Chijiiwa, H. 1987. Colour Harmony: A guide to creative colour combinations. Rockport Publishers, Rockport. 2. Stockton, J. 1984. Designer’s Guide to Colour-2. Chronicle Books, San Francisco. 3. Sutton, T. and Whelan, B.M. 2005. The Complete Colour Harmony. Rockport Publishers, Rockport.
9.9
Glossary
1. Psychological Effect
Mental or emotional as opposed to physical in nature
2. Soothing
Pacifying
3. Splendor
Brilliance
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