By Marybeth Lebo
Why Color Matters More Than We Think
We live in a world surrounded by color, but most of us move through it without truly noticing how it affects us. Yet color has the power to influence our mood, shift our energy, and even help us process emotions we can’t put into words. As someone who works closely with art and self-expression, I’ve seen firsthand how color becomes more than just something pretty—it can be a lifeline for emotional well-being.
In art therapy, color isn’t just decoration. It’s communication. It’s a way for our inner world to speak when words fail. Whether it’s the deep calm of blue, the bright optimism of yellow, or the grounding nature of earthy tones, each shade carries meaning and can be used intentionally to promote healing.
How Color Speaks the Language of Emotions
Color can bypass our logical thinking and tap directly into our feelings. That’s why we sometimes “feel” drawn to certain colors without knowing why. In art therapy sessions, I often see people gravitate toward specific shades based on what they’re experiencing in life.
- Blues and greens tend to bring a sense of calm, safety, and clarity.
- Reds and oranges often spark energy, motivation, or passion.
- Yellows can brighten the mood and inspire creativity.
- Neutrals and muted tones can create a sense of grounding and stability.
Sometimes the colors we choose surprise us. A client might arrive feeling anxious but find themselves using soft, peaceful colors they didn’t expect. This shift can be the first sign that their mind and body are seeking balance.
The Role of Art Therapy in Emotional Healing
Art therapy uses creative processes like painting, drawing, collage, and sculpture as tools for self-expression and reflection. The focus isn’t on making a “good” piece of art—it’s about using the process to explore feelings, release stress, and find new perspectives.
When color is part of that process, it acts as both a mirror and a guide. It mirrors our current emotional state and guides us toward emotional release or restoration. For example, layering bold reds over a canvas can help release frustration, while blending soft blues might help ease anxiety.
What makes this so powerful is that you don’t have to be an artist to benefit. The act of choosing, mixing, and applying color is accessible to everyone, and the results can be deeply therapeutic.
How to Use Color for Your Own Well-Being
You don’t need a formal art therapy session to experience the healing effects of color. Here are a few ways to bring it into your daily life:
1. Color Journaling
Set aside a few minutes each day to fill a page with colors that reflect how you feel in the moment. You can use markers, paints, or even colored pencils. Over time, you may notice patterns that reveal your emotional rhythms.
2. Mood Boards
Create a collage of colors and images that match the energy you want to bring into your life. Hang it somewhere visible so it serves as a visual reminder and mood booster.
3. Mindful Painting
Instead of painting something specific, focus on the act of putting color on paper or canvas. Let your hand move freely, without judgment. Notice how each color makes you feel as you work with it.
4. Surround Yourself with Intentional Colors
From your clothing to your home décor, choose colors that support the mood you want to cultivate. Soft greens in a bedroom can create calm, while vibrant yellows in a workspace can inspire energy.
Why Color Can Help Reduce Stress and Build Resilience
Color therapy works because it engages both the mind and body. The physical act of working with color—dipping a brush in paint, blending shades, layering textures—pulls us into the present moment. This mindfulness helps reduce the mental clutter that fuels stress.
Emotionally, color provides a safe channel for feelings we might be avoiding. Instead of bottling up anger, sadness, or anxiety, we can express it on the page through bold strokes or gentle washes. Over time, this practice builds resilience. We learn that our emotions can move through us instead of getting stuck.
Stories of Transformation Through Color
I’ve seen people who arrived in my studio burdened by grief find comfort in gentle layers of blue and lavender. I’ve seen others, worn down by burnout, revive their energy through bursts of sunny yellow and fiery orange.
One client told me, “I didn’t realize how much I needed to let this out until I saw it on the canvas.” That’s the beauty of color—it can reveal what we can’t yet say, and once we see it, we can begin to heal.
Let Color Be Your Ally
The next time you pick up a brush, walk into a room, or even choose what to wear, take a moment to notice the colors around you. Ask yourself how they make you feel. You might be surprised at the subtle ways color influences your mood, energy, and clarity.
Art therapy has shown me that color isn’t just visual—it’s emotional. It’s a gentle but powerful tool for self-discovery and healing. Whether you’re struggling with stress, navigating a difficult chapter, or simply wanting to feel more balanced, let color be part of your journey.
You don’t have to know the “rules” of art. You just have to show up, choose your colors, and let them speak for you. Because sometimes, healing begins not with words—but with a single shade.