10 Fascinating Facts About Color You Probably Didn’t Know
Whether you’re a budding artist or just love a good trivia tidbit, here are ten fascinating (and surprising!) facts about color that might just change the way you look at your next painting...
1. Blue Used to Be One of the Rarest Colors
Before synthetic dyes, blue pigment was made from lapis lazuli, a semi-precious stone more valuable than gold. That’s why you see it reserved for royal robes and the Virgin Mary’s clothing in old paintings.
2. Red Can Actually Make You Hungry
It’s true! Studies show that red increases your heart rate and appetite—so it’s no surprise so many restaurant logos use it. (It might even explain why your favorite red wine pairs so well with dinner!)
3. There’s No “Real” Pink Light
Pink doesn’t exist in the visible light spectrum—it’s a combination of red and violet wavelengths, which don’t naturally meet. Our brains actually invent pink to fill in the gap!
4. The Human Eye Can See About 10 Million Colors
And yet, most of us only name a few dozen. Artists, however, learn to distinguish subtle shifts in hue, tone, and saturation—something you’ll start to notice when you paint with us!
5. Yellow Is the Most Attention-Grabbing Color
That’s why it’s used for road signs, taxis, and highlighters. A little goes a long way when using it in art—it’s bright, bold, and full of energy.
6. Black Isn’t Technically a Color
Scientifically speaking, black is the absence of color—it absorbs all wavelengths of light. But in art, it’s often one of the most powerful “colors” you can use for depth, contrast, and drama.
7. The World’s Most Popular Color? Blue.
Across all cultures, surveys consistently show that blue is the favorite. It’s calming, dependable, and reminds us of the sky and sea.
8. The Color Wheel Dates Back to the 1600s
Sir Isaac Newton created the first circular color diagram after splitting light with a prism. So when you’re mixing paints in the studio, you’re using principles that go all the way back to Newton himself!
9. Some Animals See More Colors Than We Do
Humans have three types of color receptors, but butterflies have five, and mantis shrimp have sixteen! Imagine how vivid the world must look through their eyes.
10. Colors Can Actually Affect Time Perception
Warm colors (like red and orange) make time feel faster, while cool colors (like blue and green) make it feel slower. So if your evening painting class flies by—it might just be the colors on your canvas!
Paint, Sip, & Enjoy All The Colors!
The next time you join us for a painting class, take a moment to notice how different shades make you feel. Whether it’s the calm of blue, the energy of red, or the warmth of gold, color has a way of transforming our mood, and our artwork.
Join us for a fun, colorful evening of painting, sipping, and discovering the magic of color for yourself...
After all, there’s no better way to learn about color than to play with it!