Emotional Qualities of Red in Art Therapy – Danielle Chapman Art Therapy and Counselling

Hi everyone, this live is following on from the Intro to Art Therapy video live I did yesterday, this is the second in the series. This is about the emotional qualities of the colour red,

Intro:

Red is the lowest and longest wavelength of the seven colours in the visible spectrum otherwise known as a rainbow and is known as a “warm” colour.

It is known as the colour of blood and fire and is regarded universally as representing life-force and energy.

In both Eastern and Western culture, the colour red has long been associated with heat, passion, and intensity.

It is therefore an invigorating colour that stimulates, rather than calms. It elicits our inner desires, instead of subduing them.

Red has long been associated with the emotions of anger and rage (“seeing red” is a statement we make when we are angry), but also relates to our sense of strength, desire, passion, and vitality.

When we use red, we are using a powerful colour that expresses these elements within us. It is very much a take action colour.

Positive and negative:

In its most positive sense, Red is the colour for courage, vitality, strength and pioneering spirit.

However, in it’s negative, it is the colour of anger, violence, aggressiveness, conquest, brutality and, interestingly, before world war two it was noted that a lot of red was being worn.

When the colour red is predominant in a client’s art work in art therapy, it is important to put it in context with the art work’s theme and other symbols, then we determine whether the use of this colour is to communicate a negative concept, or a positive one.

For example, the picture could be of a love heart and two happy people, or it could be of an angry red face. Because there are so many possible meanings, it is important to talk to a client and find out what is going on in their life.

If we find that the theme is positive, we can then explore the colour red from a positive viewpoint. In this case, based on universal philosophy and mythology, the colour red is said to symbolise for positive:

Harmony and expansiveness

Good fortune and blessing

Intensity and passion

Vast and irresistible strength

Spiritual virtues of love of God

Courage

Leadership qualities

Strong Willed

Confidence

Energetic

Determined

Spontaneous

If we find that the theme is negative, then we need to explore it from that. In this case, based on universal philosophy and mythology, the colour red is said to symbolise:

Powerful taboos, often of a sexual nature

Impurity – in need of cleansing

Lust for power

Hatred

Fury and Anger

Cruelty

Slaughter and Murder

Fearful

Fear of progress

Ruthless

Brutal/Aggressive

Domineering

Resentful

Self Pity

Obstinate

Quick Tempered

For example- If a client was to draw a picture of a parental figure, larger than life and in red, it may mean that they see this person as domineering, or full of big love. It would require further questioning to see if in is a positive or negative use of the colour, what shade of red may be able to give us a clue.

Shades:

Whether the red is a bright or dark provides us with additional insight into the meanings behind the colour as red does come in many shades.

Traditionally, the brighter the red the more likely it is to be associated with masculinity, stimulating activity, and dazzling strength. In contrast, when the red is darker then it is likely to be associated with femininity, secrecy, and the mystery of life.

Bright red is also known to symbolise generosity, ambition and affection. Dark red can indicate courage, deep passion, hatred and anger, a reddish brown shows sensuality, and a cloudy red can point towards greed and cruelty.

Healing Qualities:

As red brings warmth, energy and stimulation, it is good for energy, and to reverse fatigue, colds, chilly and passive people.

Red stimulates low blood pressure and boosts sluggish circulation. On the negative of that, Red should not be used on anyone as a treatment for hypertension or high blood pressure since this colour increases blood flow. A softer Pink may be used instead in such cases to get a gentler side of the red benefits.

It energizes all organs and the senses, increasing sexual desire and activity and stimulates ovulation and menstruation. Never treat cancer with red, because it is believed this colour will stimulate cell growth!

People who have a preference for red: May crave or have passionate love, sex, great energy, impulses, action and stimulation, assertiveness and aggression, courage, strength and power, adventure, and danger. They may be temperamental and ambitious people with a need for personal freedom.

People who have an Aversion to red: may be over-active, too impulsive, hot-tempered, aggressive and egocentric, or have difficulties with people with these characteristics. It can also symbolize deeply hidden fears and rejection of their own assertiveness.

How to use:

Using colours well in the home is a way of creating a balanced environment.

Red is energising and excites the emotions, and can stimulate the appetite, used well, red and its variations, can make a space feel warm and cosy.

You can wear red to feel more energised, confident and courageous. It has been said to wear red to a job interview to show leadership and confidence, but don’t overdo it as your interviewer may have an aversion to the colour red, so something subtle like a tie or scarf would be a good touch.

Once you know all the emotional qualities of each colour, you can use colours together to tone down the aggressiveness of red. For example with a healing green, which is complimentary to red on the colour wheel.

We are going to work our way across the rainbow at 10am each day, so we will be talking about Orange tomorrow. See you then.

Emotional Qualities of Red in Art Therapy