Function of Light

Properties of Color

Expressive Qualities

Optical Effects

Emotion

The complex emotional responses evoked by colors are not easily reduced to a set of rules or a series of formulas. Specific colors can have cultural or individual associations. They can be used symbolically or to set a mood. Colors often have contradictory cultural associations. Red can symbolize danger and anger, but it is also used to indicate joy or love. Yellow is the color of cowardice and ill health, but it is also the color of a warm summer day. Only context can provide clues to a color's meaning or emotional impact.
 

As you cycle through the images above, think about how important color is in helping us identify objects, communicate with each other in our daily lives, and express our thoughts and emotions.