The positive effect of art & color on our psyche

For myself, I have long noticed that colors have a positive effect on my psyche. Whether it's our colorful painted walls at home, the artwork that we have hung, my colorful clothes or working with colors in my artistic process. While researching, I came to the conclusion that it's not just me and would like to share the scientific findings with you here:

Art can have a calming and inspiring effect on our psyche and help us to feel comfortable and secure in our living and working spaces. There are also several studies on this:

The effect of art on our psyche

The study "Neuroanatomical correlates of aesthetic preference for paintings" from 2004, for example, found that viewing works of art can lead to an increase in the happiness hormone dopamine in the brain (cf. Vartanian, O.; & Goel, V). The 2015 study "Visual perception for a sustainable world" concluded that viewing artwork can also help generate new ideas and perspectives that can lead to creative solutions (see Op de Beeck, H. P., Baker, C. I., DiCarlo, J. J., & Kanwisher, N. G.). The 2017 study "Effects of indoor plants on stress and anxiety" found that viewing images of nature can lead to a reduction in stress and anxiety (cf. Yang, Y., & Lee, J.)

Of course, it is important to choose artworks that appeal to us personally and trigger positive emotions in order to benefit from their positive effects on our psyche. In this regard, colors have a remarkable effect on our psyche and can influence our well-being and mood:

The effect of color on our psyche

Red is a color associated with energy and passion. It is known to increase heart rate and blood pressure, which can lead to increased physical activity. Studies have also shown that red clothing can increase self-confidence and self-awareness (see Elliot, A. J., & Niesta, D., 2008).

Blue, on the other hand, is often associated with calmness and serenity. It can help reduce stress and anxiety, making it a popular color for relaxation rooms and bedrooms. One study found that viewing blue can lower the heart rate and lead to a more relaxed mental and physical state (see Lichtenfeld, L. 1970)

Green is often perceived as calming and balancing and is popular in therapy rooms. It has also been shown to improve concentration and creativity (cf. Kwallek, N., Lewis, C. M., & Robbins, A. S., 1988).

Yellow is often perceived as cheerful and optimistic. It can help refresh the mind and lift the mood. One study found that viewing yellow colors improves cognitive performance and well-being (cf. Hurlbert, A., & Ling, Y., 2007).

Buy large colorful artwork online directly from artist from Vienna

Have you ever noticed positive effects of art and color on yourself? In my online store you will find my large original artworks in various color combinations. I ship my art worldwide and will be happy to create individual photo montages for you in advance, so you can better imagine my art on your wall.

 

 

What power do colors have?

I find this Arte documentary very exciting! It shows what colors do with us:

 

Sources:

Elliot, A. J., & Niesta, D. (2008). Romantic red: Red enhances men's attraction to women. Journal of personality and social psychology, 95(5), 1150-1164.)

Hurlbert, A., & Ling, Y. (2007). Biological components of sex differences in color preference. Current Biology, 17(16), R623-R625.).

Lichtenfeld, L. (1970). The effect of color on physiological response. Journal of General Psychology, 83(1), 125-129.).

Kwallek, N., Lewis, C. M., & Robbins, A. S. (1988). Effects of office interior color on workers' mood and productivity. Perceptual and motor skills, 66(1), 123-128.).

Op de Beeck, H. P., Baker, C. I., DiCarlo, J. J., & Kanwisher, N. G. (2015). Visual perception for a sustainable world. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 19(3), 133-141.).

Vartanian, O., & Goel, V. (2004). Neuroanatomical correlates of aesthetic preference for paintings. NeuroReport, 15(5), 893-897.

Yang, Y., & Lee, J. (2017). Effects of indoor plants on stress and anxiety in final-year nursing students: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing, 47(4), 525-535.