Orange: The Zany We Need

Many shades and hues can be catagorized as "orange," and just as many are dismissed as "too bright, too grating, too much." In the past few years, I have grown very fond of this underrated color, and it has become a dear friend.

Like some friends that we meet in life, it is a little odd and can be hard to get to know, but it comes through in ways you don’t expect.

As a kid, I was very much a purple person. Purple was my favorite color for many, many years growing up, though I loved so many other colors, I was a purple girly to the core. A color I did not care for, though, was orange. I remember a friend of mine

telling me his favorite color was orange, and I was appalled. There was no way orange could be anyone’s favorite color. Now, after years of sinking myself into retro-inspired art, I feel a strong obligation to defend the color that has won me over.

In Defence of Orange

It is so Diverse

Sunset in Arkansas

Many oranges could be classified as other colors, so orange gets a bad rap for being just that zany, bright color. Consider, if you will, a salmon, a deep rust, or a warm gold. All are arguably orange, but in a range of hues, saturations, and values that are not always as loud.

It Needs Friends

I wish I could live here

A classic combo you will find in so much of my art

On its own, orange is fun and bold, but is best suited when purposefully matched with other colors. I love complementary colors and years ago fell in love with the combination of orange and blue; they are an iconic pair. As a lover of ‘70s things, I’m also a huge fan of pairing orange with a lime or avocado green for an earthy look with lots of character.

Matching a bright orange with a subdued or desaturated hue will emphasize its bold quality, while using a muted orange with lighter or brighter colors can add warmth and depth.

It is the Bold We Need

Sometimes our lives could use a burst of vibrancy. In fact, I think our lives would be much more exciting if we allowed more of it.

What would happen if we began implementing little bold decisions or tried more that was out of our comfort zone?

Orange can get a bad rap for being too bold and zany, but when used intentionally, it can create focus, add warmth, or integrate bold elements into your space, your art, or your wardrobe.

Hey, I know this is a much lighter, silly topic this week, but it’s because last weekend we went to Chicago to visit some friends before they move, and I’ve been playing some catch-up since. I have a backlog of topics I want to write about, but many of them are a little heavier or just take a little more brain juice than I have this week, so I hope you enjoy my silly but very earnest take this week.