Continuing a series of posts on the topic of shopping for art by color.

Photo from harcumvisualmerchandising.blogspot.com

These days, I find many shops and on-line retailers choose to display their merchandise by color. Whether it’s clothing on a rack or home accessories shown in a catalog, it seems helpful to shop with a specific color in mind. Harcum visual merchandising says, “Color is the biggest motivation for shopping. People buy color before they buy size, fit or price.”

Traditionally, shopping for art doesn’t happen this way since we’ve long been advised not to ‘match the art to the curtains.’ Therefore, this will be blasphemy to purists – but let’s consider shopping for art by color for just a moment. Think of it like accessorizing an outfit. Often we have a color scheme at home, or we know what color is dominant in a room, so shopping for art in a complimentary or contrasting color creates a strong argument from a design perspective.

Putting color first also speaks volumes from a color psychology perspective. To start, let’s look at the color blue:

Peace of Mind by Susan Ulrich $175

This color is one of trust, honesty and loyalty. It is sincere, reserved and quiet, and doesn’t like to make a fuss or draw attention. It hates confrontation, and likes to do things in its own way.

Blue Nebula by Michael Filonow $240

From a color psychology perspective, blue is reliable and responsible. Blue exhibits an inner security and confidence. You can rely on it to take control and do the right thing in difficult times. It has a need for order and direction in its life, including its living and work spaces.

Dinah by tracy burke $100

This is a color that seeks peace and tranquility above everything else, promoting both physical and mental relaxation. It reduces stress, creating a sense of calmness, relaxation and order – we certainly feel a sense of calm if we lie on our backs and look into a bright blue cloudless sky. It slows the metabolism. The paler the blue the more freedom we feel.

ICON #12 by Steve Alderton $1,075

In the meaning of colors, blue relates to one-to-one communication, especially communication using the voice – speaking the truth through verbal self-expression – it is the teacher, the public speaker.

Lost at Sea, near Nantucket by Gayle Fitzpatrick $865

The color blue is idealistic, enhancing self-expression and our ability to communicate our needs and wants. It inspires higher ideals.

So, what color is your room and will blue art make the right statement? If so, click here for more art with the color blue!