the nature of COLOR
No one does color better than nature! Studies show that when we remove ourselves from nature or other living beings it impedes us. As human beings, we need to have access to natural beauty to be soothed and to feel a sense of expansion and connection.
But can images of nature also have the same effect?
There was a wonderful study conducted by scientific researchers in the Netherlands finding that photographic representations in nature can be effective in reducing stress. In the testing, the participants were shown a series of photographs, some urban scenes (streets and buildings) others a view of nature (including parks). The photographs were quite ordinary, not professional nor artistic in any way.
Stress levels were lowered when viewing the scenes in nature. The researchers stated, “Viewing green scenes may thus be particularly effective in supporting relaxation and recovery after experiencing a stressful period, and thereby could serve as an opportunity for micro-restorative experiences and a promising tool in preventing chronic stress and stress-related diseases.”
FIGURE 1
Examples of images used in the slideshows to depict scenes of nature environments (A and B) and scenes of built environments (C and D). Copyright Jules Pretty (Photographs A and C).
This was further validated in another similar study where researchers noted that “urban scenes caused increased activity in the amygdala compared to viewing nature scenes.” Just looking at green scenes is more relaxing, and research suggests that it is the greenness of a nature image that improves our mood. Our color perception reduces the impact on our visual system. The images of nature may lower the activity in the amygdala and the visual cortex.
It is hard to say exactly what singular colors stress people out because as we know color is contextual, but environments completely void of color are proven to be deeply stressful. Likewise, colors that are extremely bright heighten people’s awareness and can create a sense of stress over a duration of time. Using a palette from nature as inspiration or even images of nature can be soothing and healing.
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