Color is an element of form which arouses our most universal appreciation as well as the one to which we are most sensitive. The quality of color immediately and directly affects our emotions. When viewing art, the viewer does not have to rationalize what he is supposed to feel about color, but has an immediate emotional response to it.

All color is derived from light, either natural or artificial. When there is little light, color is not as strong; more equals stronger, vibrant color. Every ray of light coming from the sun is comprised of different waves which vibrate at different speeds. The sense of color is how the brain responds to those waves.

Consider a ray of light as it enters a prism. The prism produces the rainbow of colors: Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. These colors are called the spectrum. Every color of the spectrum actually exists in numerous forms, although they may have the same simple spectrum name. For instance, there are many shades of red which differ in character from the pure red which we find in the spectrum. Every color that an artists uses is described in three physical properties: hue, value, and intensity.

Hue is the property of a color which refers to its position in the spectrum. It may also refer to the color name which sets it apart from different colors having different wavelengths of light. For example, yellow is one hue that differs from another hue, that of green. A color may change its hue only by mixing with another color in the spectrum, thereby changing its wavelength. Still with me?

The three primary colors of yellow, red and blue are spaced at equal distances on the color wheel with yellow at the top. The secondary colors are placed in between the primary colors; and the intermediate color is placed between each primary and secondary color. This results in a twelve-color circle, or the color wheel. As you move around the circle, there is a change in hue, because there is a change in the wavelength of the light rays that produce them.

Value is that property of color that distinguishes between the lightness and darkness of colors or the quantity of light which a color reflects. You can change the value of a color (making it lighter or darker) with the addition of black or white.

Intensity, the third property of color, is also referred to as saturation or chroma. It refers to the quality of light which a color reflects. There are four ways of changing the intensity of colors. Three can be accomplished by the addition of a neutral color to the pigment that is black, white or gray. As white is added to a hue, it becomes lighter in value, but also loses its intensity. Add black and the intensity diminishes as the value darkens. You cannot change value without changing intensity. The third method is to add a neutral gray of the same value of the same spectrum color. The result will be a variation in intensity without a change in value. The color will become less bright but will not get lighter or darker in tone. The fourth way to change color intensity of any hue is to add some of its complementary hue. Complementary colors are those found on the opposite side of the color wheel.

Yellow, the color at the apex of the color wheel is associated with sunshine and brightness. Yellow is associated with creativity, intellectual energy, clarity and awareness. People who are colorblind can usually see the color yellow. Yellow symbolizes wisdom, joy and happiness. People of high intellect are said to favor yellow. The flower yellow daffodil symbolizes unrequited love. If you wear or carry yellow gemstones, they are believed to help you express yourself and increase eloquence, particularly if you are a writer or public speaker.

If you have a dream that features this color and the dream is a pleasant one, then it is symbolic of intellect, energy, agility, happiness, harmony, and wisdom. However, if it is an unpleasant dream, then it could represent sickness or cowardice. You may have a fear or an inability to make a decision or take action.

Put some yellow in your life when you want:

• clarity for decision-making
• relief from 'burnout', panic, nervousness, exhaustion
• sharper memory and concentration skills
• protection from lethargy and depression during dull weather

Red is also a primary color and is located on the left-hand side of triangle which is the basis of the color wheel. Red is the warmest of all the colors. The term “red hot” conjures up heat, fire, passion, anger, energy, danger, as well as passion, desire, sex, lust, and love (but not necessarily in that order). Red is the color of fire and blood. It is associated with war, strength and power.

Red is an emotionally intense color. It enhances human metabolism, increases respiration rate, and raises blood pressure. It has very high visibility, which is why stop signs, stoplights, and fire equipment are usually painted red.

Seeing the color red in your dreams is an indication of aggression, intense passion, and courage.

Red is also the color most chosen by extroverts and one of the top picks by men. The Chinese consider red the color of prosperity and joy. Front doors are often painted red and Chinese brides wear red. Red roses symbolize passionate love. The gemstone ruby is red and some lore suggests that it should be worn on the left hand. Mars is called the “red planet.”

Put some red in your life when you want:

• increased enthusiasm and interest
• more energy
• action and confidence to go after your dreams
• protection from fears and anxieties

Blue is the color of the sky and sea. It is often associated with depth and stability. It symbolizes trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith, truth, and heaven.

Blue is considered beneficial to the mind and body. It slows human metabolism and produces a calming effect. A pure blue is the color of inspiration, sincerity and spirituality. Dark blue is the color of truth and moderation. Ancient Egyptians used the blue stone lapis lazuli to represent heaven. Blue is strongly associated with tranquility and calmness. In heraldry, blue is used to symbolize piety and sincerity.

A blue iris means your friendship is very important. Blue gemstones to wear to feel calm are blue sapphire and blue topaz. Lapis lazuli and azurite are said to heighten psychic power.

If you dream of the color blue, you may be expressing a desire to get away. Or it could symbolize your spiritual path and sense of optimism for the future. Lastly, depending on the context of your dream, it could reflect your feeling sad or " blue" about matters in your life.

Blue gives a feeling of distance and perspective in art. Blue allows us to look beyond ourselves. The color blue is believed to facilitate communication and peace.

Put some blue in your life when you want:

• calm and relaxation to counteract chaos or agitation
• to open the flow of communication
• to broaden your perspective in learning new information
• solitude and peace

As you can see, color is so much more than what you may have previously thought. Depending on your choice, it can reflect your mood, direction, energy and personality. You may want to give further thought to your color choice the next time you decide to paint the living room or pick out some new pillows for the couch. The more you learn about color and how it impacts your life, the more fun you can have with it!