| |
Decor & Furnishing
Return to 'Introduction'
Return to 'The Significance and Usage of Individual Colours'
The Green Array
To view a larger version of any of the following diagrams, simply click the image you wish to view.
|
|
To the left is the complete green array. The following breaks this array down for a closer look at different sections.
To the right is a selection of citrus greens:
Lime green • Charteuse green • Absinthe green • Unranium green
|
|
Description
These are the intense yellow greens, like the colour of a much unripe fruit.. They are mixed from and green yellow.
Psycho-factor
The piercing intesity of these colours ahs been compared with the taste of unripe fruit. On this account they have been called citric or even visceral colours, suggesting gastric reactions as well as palatal. While some have not the stomach for these colour others, especially many who suffer from gastric ulcers, like these colours very much.
Aesthetic Effects
These are peak stimulus colours from the top of the stimulus gradient. They are capable of stimulating intense excitement. Their effects have variously been described as like ‘butterflies in the tummy’ or they have also been called ‘sucking’ colours.
Their yellowness makes the shapes within which they are contained seem larger than they really are. The citrous greens can be enhanced and intensified by contrast with purple. They also induce purpleness into neutrals and colours of low intensity.
Examples
Interiors
It has been traditional to use greens in dining rooms, particularly a silightly bluer pastel ‘peppermint’ green (Adam’s pale and mid greens’, since the 18th century.
Products
Good colours for products that have to be seen clearly in all lights, also for kinetic products which have mobility; for vehicles and toys. Yellow-green toys, however, might need to be extra strong, as they are usually subjected to extra and more vigorous handling.
|
 |
Next follow the Mineral Biologic greens.
Emerald • Malachite • Chrysocolla green. |
Description
Pure green, a fully saturated green mid way between yellow and blue. The ‘biologic’ coloration of much vegetation at its greatest fulness in early summer. The most typical colour of the emerald, especially the oriental corundum mineral. Similarly the most typical colour of malachite. Chrysocolla green, however, is not the geologist's Chrysocolla, which is a silicate of copper.
Psycho-factor
For C.G. Jung, greenness was a vegetal archetype. In another sense it has been used to symbolise vegetal aspects of the human organism, for example, digestion and growth. Greenness also seems to be capable of suggesting biological potentiality and has been used to symbolize such conditions as, puberty, pregnancy, fertility, as well as the sense of fullness and amplitude, increase and continuity.
Aesthetic effects
Its special effect is that of a living continuity. In traffic lights, for example, inspite of the Highway Code it is a better instruction to ‘Continue’ rather than to ‘Go’. Greens are enhanced by red, and induce reddness into neutrals and subtle colours of low saturation.
Examples
Interiors
The ‘green’ room in a theatre is a rest room. Green, according to Max Lüscher, is an important colour where confidence and self-expression is involved, and the building up of psychic achievement.
Products
Sometimes popular in sportswear, beachwear, toys and sweet packages. |
 |
To the left are the Limpid and Astringent greens.
Watercress • cucumber • sea green • water green • mistletoe • sea crest • celadon green • Tang green • peppermint • beryl • larch green • Sèvres green • Gobelin green • Venetian green • Celtic green • Russian green • verdigris • nickel green • terre vert • prasinus • Lincoln green • forest green.
Viridian • Caledon jade (astringent greens) |
| Description Light watery greens and the darker ‘Aquarian’ greens, Viridian and Caledon jade.
Psycho factor
The astringent greens are a reflector of lively self-possession and defence mechanism. According to Lüscher the effect of astringent greens can be compared with forces of the psyche balancing against the forces of the environment. He draws an analogy with reflexive argument, echoing a logical dialectic, and ultimately defining its effect as that of specificity. He relates its effects to persistence, endurance, resilience and what he calls passive autonomy.
Aesthetic effects
According to Lüscher - acuity of focus, astringence, stability and equilibrium. Rationality, and the cognitive. Endorsement and establishment.
Examples
Interiors
Functional areas of a factory and industrial premises. In operating theatres and lipstick factories the above greens play an important role in ‘absorbing’ the green after-images of, for example, red lipsticks.
Products
In gaming boards astringent greens are useful as an expression of specificity and system as also in instrument panels, monetary notes, diagrams and maps; and as an expression of astringence in male toiletry products and packaging. |
 |
Finally, we come to the mellow greens.
Olive green • moss green • laurel green • sage green • Reseda; Scheeles green (a mineral green) • Brunswick green (a mixture of chrome yellow and Prussian blue) • Spinach green • Sung green. |
Description
Brownish greens, the mellow greens of much ripe and overiped fruit. Can be mixed from brown and green.
Psycho factor
Is a good example of the blue of what Maz Luscher calls ‘passive heteronomy’, that is to say the state in which ones consciousness, beset by ideological anxieties and fantasies, seeks inner or spiritual harmony and refuge. These are greens softened by darkness and brownness. They reflect a deep sense of satisfaction for those who like them. For those who don’t they are sludgy and suggest over indulgence.
Aesthetic effects
These are deep and rich greens which are intenisfied by contrast with orange reds.
Examples
Interiors
The mellow greens are good in schemes expressing maturity and establishment, and a relaxed sense of achievement. They are rich colours for carpets and upholstery. As wall colours they need relief with, for example, white or gold, light pictures or sculpture, and light detailing.
Products
Good for top executive office equipment, and accessories for the connoisseur. |
Copyright © 2004 Micro Academy.
Return to 'Introduction'
|
|
|
