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I’ve been surprised by an emerging pattern — many of my popular prints have a prominent red element. Naturally, I began to wonder what exactly makes red so alluring? Here are some of the findings: > Aside from black and white (technically not colors), red was the first color to be named in most — if not all — primitive languages. It’s also the first primary color that newborns can see. Hello, Elmo! > Since prehistoric times, artists have created paints from clay with red iron-oxide minerals. The materials occur naturally, are common in many soils, and the pigment is long-lasting. > Red stands out from the two most prevalent colors in our natural surroundings: green (trees, land) and blue (sky). > Of the visible colors, red’s long wavelength travels the farthest before being diffused by atmospheric particles. This makes it one of the most visible colors to our eyes — think traffic signals and fire engines. > Red greatly affects us psychologically. Different hues conjure up concepts like danger, excitement, anger, courage, speed, and love. Even that short list contains a lot of extremes.
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