Sound and Colour

Through Kandinsky I have become very interested in the concept that colour and harmony are linked. I have undoubtedly experienced this connection before, in particular when listening to music. For example when a I hear a slow, depressing song I instantly associate it with dark colours, especially black. Similarly when I hear a happier, light-hearted song I associate it with brighter, summery colours such as yellow and pink. It is a phenomenon most people are aware of.

Due to my interest in this topic, I did some research. One book which I found particularly enjoyable was 'Basic Design 05. Colour'.

It claimed ' Colour is the most immediate form of non-verbal communication used to represent thoughts and emotions'. According to this book, the following is the emotion associated with a colour;


Scarlet red: Exciting, Aggressive, Dynamic.
Brick red: Secure, Natural, Strong.
Warm red: Seductive, Arousing, Sultry.
Magenta: Passionate, Flamboyant, Attention grabbing.
Light pink: Sweet, Delicate, Feminine.
Dusty pink: Romantic, Luscious, Tender, Sentimental.
Mauve: Serene, subtle, mellow.
Burgundy: Opulent, Wealthy, Intense, Grand.
Fuchsia: Voluptuous, Energetic, Theatrical, Fun.
Terracotta: Spicy, Warm, Ethnic, Wholesome.
Orange: Fun, Glowing, vital (The warmest of the colours)
Peach: Healthy, Soft, Gentle, Tactile, Velvety.
Bright Yellow: Hopeful, Cheery, but also Cowardly and Deceitful.
Light yellow: Inspiring, Warm, Calming, Hazy, Summery.
Golden yellow: Sunny, Autumnal, Baked but also a Warning.
Green yellow: Citrus, Acidic, Fruity, Tangy, Sharp.
Cream: Dense, Rich, Clean, Classical, Simple.
Beige/Taupe: Dependable, Flexible, Bland and Timeless.
Brown: Wholesome, Earthy, Dependable, Friendly.
Coffee/Chocolate: Succulent, Durable, Delicious.
Fawn: Secure, Practical, organic, Rustic.
Lilac: Feminine, Refined, Elegant, Graceful.
Lavender: Floral, Scented, Nostalgic, Eccentric.
Purple: Sensual, Futuristic, Embracing.
Royal purple: Majestic, Expensive, Regal.
Plum: Full bodied, Plump, Sophisticated, Unique.
Violet: Mysterious, Fantasy, Spiritual, Floral.
Teal: Cool, Expensive, Confident, Trendy.
Electric blue: Dynamic, Engaging, Bold, Exhilarating.
Navy: Uniform, Reliable, Safe, Traditional, Constant.
Royal blue: Committed, Dramatic, Professional, Vibrant.
Sky blue: Relaxing, Happy, Trustworthy.
Turquoise: Healing, Spiritual, Mystical, Exotic.
Baby blue: Cute, Youthful, Serene, Quiet, Cosy, Subdued.
Aqua: Fluid, Refreshing, Cleansing, energising.
Dark green: Natural, Organic, Plentiful, Luscious.
Light green:Rejuvenation, Edible, but also Nauseous.
Olive green: Classic, Drab, Muddy, Durable.
Khaki: Uniform, Camouflage, Military, Resourceful.
Lime: Acidic, Tart, Refreshing, Juicy, Zestful.
White: Purity, Innocence, Goodness, Clinical.
Gold: Wealth, Extravagance, Excess, Luck, Tradition.
Silver: Prestigious, Grand, Cool, Metallic.
Bronze: Warm, Tradition, Durable, rustic.
Black: Magical, Dramatic, Elegant, Sinister, Bold.
Charcoal: Sophisticated, Sober, Professional.
Cool grey: Spartan, Reputable, Miserable.
Warm grey: Contemplative, Worldly, Sober.