The Artist’s Eye

Do you want to hear this blog read to you?

How We See Color

As artists, color is the essence of our craft. We see it in layers, tones, and vibrations. But have you ever wondered how we came to understand and organize the colors we see?

I hadn’t—until a visit to the hardware store sparked my curiosity. Something is captivating about the paint department. Rows upon rows of color swatches, each shade telling its own story, seem to invite endless possibilities. Whether it’s the latest trending hues or timeless classics, the display is a playground for the imagination. As an artist, it’s impossible not to feel inspired, maybe even tempted to add a new shade to your palette.

But I recently stumbled across an article that made me pause and think: How did we begin to understand color so deeply? It turns out, an artist laid the foundation for our modern understanding of color relationships. The BBC article, “The Mysterious Painting That Changed How We See Colour”, explores the fascinating history of the color wheel. The color wheel became a revolutionary tool developed by Sir Isaac Newton in the 17th century and later refined by artists like Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and others.

It allowed us to visualize the relationships between hues, showing how they interact and blend to create harmony—or contrast. This discovery was monumental for artists, scientists, and anyone working with design. It’s a reminder that artistry and science often go hand in hand, each enriching the other. And it’s also a call to explore our own palettes—both literal and metaphorical. So the next time you’re in the paint aisle or mixing colors in your studio, think about the legacy behind those swatches and the centuries of creativity and curiosity that brought us here. After all, the journey of color is as vibrant as the hues themselves.

Have you explored the history of color in your own art practice? Share your thoughts or favorite hues with us—we’d love to hear about what inspires your palette! Leave a comment below.

Guest Blogger,
Pamela Thielen
Facebook Page
Instagram Page