The Effects of Color:
Based on the artist statements and color psychology that I've found online:
Red→strength, passion, anger, frustration
Orange→ confidence, bravery
Yellow→ creativity, happiness, cheer
Green→ nature, healing, freshness
Blue→ peace, sadness, trust
Pink→ love, sincerity
Purple→ royalty, luxury, ambition
Brown→ simple, dependable, rugged
Black→ drama, formality, security
White→ clean, simple, innocent, honest
After establishing these connections, I began to observe the artistic themes in emotional artwork.
Sad art
Usually involves women/children because it is easy to empathize with people who are societally viewed as innocent or fragile.
Cold colors (blues, grays, black)
Themes like death and breakups are common, as they are universally sad experiences.
Obvious expressions like crying or head in hands.
Happy Art
Bright colors create optimism (orange, pink, yellow)
Sometimes includes seascapes, as they are calming and beautiful.
Can include animals and nature because viewers cannot connect them to human negativity.
Angry Art
Chaotic strokes of dark colors, often red undertones
Fire and blood are common themes in angry art.
Usually includes unidentifiable figures to show how messy and confusing anger can be.