Art, Colour Theory, and the Vibrant Canvas of Life
by Stephen Lebovits
World-renowned abstract painter Wassily Kandinsky saw colours as much more than mere tools for depicting objects. For him, colours had their own voice—expressing emotions, ideas, and even musical-like sensations without being tied to specific things like trees or skies. He believed colour had an autonomous power, able to stir feelings and tell stories without needing to “belong” to any particular object.
In this way, colour became a language in itself, capable of moving the soul. And, when we reflect on life, it starts to resemble a painting—a constantly evolving canvas, splashed with vibrant colours, some carefully blended, others joyfully chaotic.
Life’s Primary Colours
Sir Isaac Newton taught us that all colours derive from three primary hues: red, blue, and yellow. These form an infinite spectrum, much like life’s core emotions—love, curiosity, and joy.
– Red represents love and passion, fueling us to move forward despite hardships. In art, red commands attention, igniting strong emotions. In life, it sparks the soul when chasing a dream or fighting for what matters most.
– Blue offers calm and introspection. It cools down the warm tones in a palette, bringing balance. In life, it’s the deep breath after a long day or the quiet reflection during moments of pause.
– Yellow shines with optimism and happiness. In art, it radiates energy and warmth; in life, it might be laughter with friends or the burst of sunshine after a storm.
These primary colours don’t exist in isolation. Just as mixing red and yellow creates orange, blending love, curiosity, and joy opens up a whole new spectrum of experiences and adventures.
Complementary Colours and Life’s Contrasts
In colour theory, complementary colours—like blue and orange or red and green—sit opposite each other on the colour wheel. When placed side by side, they create dynamic contrasts, each enhancing the other, just like the contrasts in life—work and play, excitement and peace, ambition and contentment.
Rather than opposites in competition, these contrasts are co-conspirators, searching for harmony. The right blend of these forces in life, much like complementary colours in art, brings everything into sharper focus, making both more vibrant and alive.
Shades, Tints, and Tones: The Depth of Experience
Life isn’t always about the boldness of primary colours or stark contrasts. Often, the subtleties matter.
In art, a tint is created by adding white to a colour, making it lighter; a shade is formed by mixing in black, making it darker; and a tone is made by adding gray, muting the colour. These variations add depth and complexity to a painting—and to life.
Some moments are light and carefree, like pastel tints; others are deep and intense, like the shadows of a winter night. Together, these experiences give life texture and meaning.
Creating Your Own Masterpiece
Just as artists layer paint on a canvas, we layer our lives with experiences, relationships, and emotions. Some brushstrokes are bold and daring, others soft and delicate. But together, they create the masterpiece of your life.
No matter your palette, it’s the interplay of colours—the highs and lows, lights and shadows—that make it all so fascinating.
So, like Kandinsky, embrace the colours of your world, and don’t be afraid to paint outside the lines. After all, life, like art, is never perfect. But, it is always beautiful.