By, Denise Turner, ASID, ASID, CMG
“Some painters transform the sun into a yellow spot, others transform a yellow spot into the sun.” -Pablo Picasso
YELLOW is associated with: sunshine, joy, optimism, happiness, and energy. Yellow is luminous and reflective, and is the “happiest” of all colors.
When we see a field of yellow daisies, it makes us feel instantly optimistic. From the beginning of human history, many cultures have worshiped the sun. The association of yellow with the sun is universal. For many ancient cultures, yellow was also associated with gold, and considered to be sacred. Because of their proximity to the heavens, these colors signified divine love and enlightenment.
That still holds true today. Give any child a yellow crayon and a piece of paper and they’ll immediately draw an optimistic sun. Sunny yellow hues convey a feeling of good cheer, which is especially important in climates that get a lot of rain. We respond to yellow in the same way we respond to the sun: with a smile.
Downside: Although a happy color, a little bit of yellow can go a long way. Especially bright yellows, since too much exposure can be unsettling and can cause eye fatigue.
Yellow is an attention-grabber. It’s the most most luminous color in the spectrum, and is the first color that the human eye processes. This explains why it is used for caution signs and emergency rescue vehicles. Peripheral vision is 2.5 times higher for yellow than for red. Also, since yellow has a high light reflectance value it functions as a secondary light source. But don’t get carried away! Excessive use of bright yellow (such as on interior walls) can irritate the eyes and cause anxiety.
Combine yellow with black and you spell “CAUTION” in any language. From yellow jackets to bumble bees to dart frogs, many of the most poisonous creatures in the world wear this color scheme.
denise@Colorturners.com
www.colorturners.com
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