Art Therapy

Did you know that creating art can reduce stress by 75% and by simply looking and appreciating art it can be reduced by 65%.  To understand the therapeutic power of art it’s important to know what happens in our brains . When we look at art or create it a feel good hormone called dopamine is released making art a therapeutic activity.  The ideal pick me up with no side effects so you can unwind and recharge at the same time.

Understanding the role of Colour

Let’s think about what colour means to you, I know I can feel the impact from it and I see it happen with Iris too, but what makes that happen?  Is it simply the impact of different colour tones or is it shapes, forms, the subject matter itself?  I suppose each experience will be unique.  We know that producing art activates the parts of the brain that controls emotions, it helps lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and it promotes relaxation.  It can build confidence, take you away from everyday worries and give opportunities for exploration.  

Healing with Art

Lately Iris has been working on a very personal piece of art for her bedroom that celebrates Luna’s life.  Luna was her special therapy rabbit and she left a huge hole in our lives when she past away and so we turned to Iris’s art to heal from this loss.  The painting ‘Luna’ is filled with soothing blues, purples, some green and silver and white tones.  Moon like landscapes and silhouette rabbits fill the massive sheet of paper. The painting can be viewed from all angles with rabbits hidden in the landscape. It means then when she looks up at it from a lying down position in bed it becomes a playful game of spotting Luna, adding a playful element into her art. The process of painting it gave Iris great comfort and channeled her focus into something positive.   

What do you feel when you look at different colours?

When we look at different colours, they can evoke a range of emotions and associations. Each one has its own unique meaning and can have a powerful impact on our mood and feelings. Let’s explore the meanings behind some of the most common colours we see in our everyday lives.

Red

Red is the first colour that humans mastered, fabricated, reproduced, and broke down into different shades. It is also one of the earliest colors used by artists during the prehistoric period.

The colour red is often associated with

• passion
• love
• energy
• danger
• power
• strength

Red is a bold and vibrant color that can evoke feelings of excitement and intensity. In Iris’s painting ‘Dance to the Oboe’ it demonstrates just this by the way it makes you feel, it grabs your attention right from the first moment. It is an abstract painting, the waves and intricate details are full of energy and the red tones in the top section provides impact. Iris painted this after she attended a music concert where she was extremely excited and needed to release that energy when she came home.

Blue

Blue is often seen as a calming and soothing color.

It is associated with

• peace
• tranquility
• stability
• trust
• loyalty
• wisdom.

Blue was first produced by the ancient Egyptians for the decorative arts and it is rated as the most popular colour around the world. Many people find blue to be a comforting and relaxing color and it’s perfect for a calm interior of your home.

Green

Green is the second most favourite colour and is often associated with

• nature
• growth
• harmony
• renewal
• freshness
• fertility

Green is a color that is often used to represent health, balance, and prosperity.

Yellow

Yellow is a bright and cheerful color that is often associated with

• happiness
• optimism
• creativity
• warmth
• energy
• positivity

Yellow is a color that can help lift our spirits and bring a sense of joy to our lives. It is present in some of the oldest paintings dating back to ancient Egypt and ancient Rome. Yellow can even be found as far back as prehistoric times featured in cave paintings. The yellow sun has been worshipped by countless religions with numerous sun gods wearing yellow as representations of it. Associations with sunlight has meant it is often seen as a warm colour, accounting for the connotations with happiness.

Purple

Purple is often seen as a colour of royalty, luxury, and sophistication. It can also symbolize

• spirituality
• creativity
• mystery

Purple is a colour that is often associated with creativity and imagination by awakening our senses and promoting the calmness needed for insightful and intuitive observations. Purple creates a harmonious balance of awareness and peace.

Orange

Orange is a vibrant and energetic colour that is often associated with

• enthusiasm
• warmth
• creativity

It can also symbolize excitement, joy, and adventure. Orange is a colour that can help inspire and motivate us to take action.

White

White is a colour that is often associated with

• purity
• innocence
• simplicity

It can also represent cleanliness, peace, and new beginnings. White is a colour that can help create a sense of calm and clarity.

These are just a few examples of the meanings behind different colours. The next time you see a certain colour, take a moment to think about how it makes you feel and what associations it brings to mind.

We are surrounded by colour all the time, but its significance in our lives goes far beyond simple aesthetic impressions. It has practical applications that help us navigate our environment and our emotions. I would like to encourage all of you to consider this while choosing your Iris Grace Print, it may help to factor in what impact you would like from the painting when it’s hanging in your home. Would you like it to inspire and invigorate? Or to soothe your senses and calm your mind? Take a look at some of her collection and see how you feel as you view each painting.