Finishing up a series of posts on the topic of shopping for art by color.

via thestatementbox.com 2014

These days, I find many shops and on-line retailers choose to display their merchandise by color. Whether it’s clothing on a rack or home accessories shown in a catalog, it seems helpful to shop with a specific color in mind. Harcum visual merchandising says, “Color is the biggest motivation for shopping. People buy color before they buy size, fit or price.”

Traditionally, shopping for art doesn’t happen this way since we’ve long been advised not to ‘match the art to the curtains.’ Therefore, this will be blasphemy to purists – but let’s consider shopping for art by color for just a moment. Think of it like accessorizing an outfit. Often we have a color scheme at home, or we know what color is dominant in a room, so shopping for art in a complimentary or contrasting color creates a strong argument from a design perspective.

Putting color first also speaks volumes from a color psychology perspective. Let’s look at the color violet:

The Stillness of Color by Jon Glaser $850

This color relates to the imagination and spirituality. It stimulates the imagination and inspires high ideals. It is an introspective color, allowing us to get in touch with our deeper thoughts.

The difference between violet and purple is that violet appears in the visible light spectrum, or rainbow, whereas purple is simply a mix of red and blue. Violet has the highest vibration in the visible spectrum.

“Deep Water – Evening Sun” by Lauren Adams $1,830

While the violet is not quite as intense as purple, its essence is similar. Generally the names are interchangeable and the meaning of the colors is similar. Both contain the energy and strength of red with the spirituality and integrity of blue. This is the union of body and soul creating a balance between our physical and our spiritual energies.

Purple or violet assists those who seek the meaning of life and spiritual fulfillment – it expands our awareness, connecting us to a higher consciousness. For this reason it is associated with transformation of the soul and the philosophers of the world are often attracted to it.

Purple Zebra by Frank DeSantis $530

In the meaning of colors, purple and violet represent the future, the imagination and dreams, while spiritually calming the emotions. They inspire and enhance psychic ability and spiritual enlightenment, while, at the same time, keeping us grounded.

The color violet relates to the fantasy world, and a need to escape from the practicalities of life. It is the daydreamer escaping from reality.

Rorschach by Sharis Roe DeJaynes $140

What color is your room and will violet art make the right statement? If so, click here for more art with the color violet!