Colour my world

Art therapist Esther Ann, from National University Hospital’s department of rehabilitation, is no stranger to colours and its emotional effects. In the field of art therapy, colour is thought to be closely related to a person’s emotion.

“Colours may alter moods, influence behaviour and may even cause physical reactions such as raising one’s blood pressure or suppressing one’s appetite,” said Ms Ann.

Mr Jeremy Rowe, managing director of AzkoNobel Decorative Paints in South East Asia and Pacific, the manufacturer of Dulux, cited an example.

“For instance, studies have shown that looking at red can increase heart rate, prompt the release of adrenaline into the blood stream and raise blood pressure,” said Mr Rowe.

Here’s a colour-by-colour checklist by the experts, and their potential effects on one’s mood:

– Use green and blue, to achieve a serene, calming effect
– Use orange and yellow to achieve an invigorating effect, or to whet the appetite
– Use purple to get your creative juices flowing
– Use dark colours such as black, brown or grey to evoke a warmer and cosier feel.

The perception of different colours can vary from person to person, based on cultural and family influences, as well as one’s personal experience.

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