The Magic Of Grey In Art
Grey is an underappreciated colour. Some people argue that it isn’t a colour at all. Hopefully, once you see all that grey has to offer, you’ll soon understand the mystery and magic that grey can bring to art.
What Does Colour Theory Say About Grey?
In colour theory, grey is classified as a neutral colour. It is associated with feelings of calm and peace. Using artwork with grey tones is an ideal tool to create tranquil and relaxed spaces.
Surprisingly, grey can be both warm and cool. However, most people associate it with a cold colour – perhaps because of British winters! Whether warm or cool, the specific grey chosen can bring that feeling to space it lives in as well. For most, grey evokes a sense of elegance and dignity. It feels modern and understated.
Furthermore, the neutrality of grey means it is a colour of stability and solidity. Grey eludes to a cool, calm composure. In world events such as these, grey is a colour many are drawn to because of its calming nature and sense of relief it can give us.
For designers, grey is a go-to choice when they wish to create a feeling of timeless elegance to a room.
The Hidden Depths Of Grey
Within the tone of grey, there is a whole world of colour to be found. The darkest greys border on the edge of black. These greys carry the mystery and drama of a deep black while also tempering it at the same time. At the opposite end of the spectrum, you can find greys that pick up the characteristics of white and even silver. These are the greys that speak of light and renewal and bring a modern feel to whatever they grace.
For every colour you can think of there is a corresponding grey as well. This is because you can make a range of grey hues and tones out of a black that is based on any other colour. With this wealth of colour to build from an exploration of all that grey has to offer could easily take a lifetime. From purple-greys to turquoise-greys and even yellow-greys. Grey is a lot more than black and white.
What Message Does Grey Convey?
Grey can convey a wide range of messages. It is the spectrum that falls between the absolutes of black and white. Looking at how grey is used in the English language reveals what messages we send when we choose it.
‘Grey matter’ refers to intelligence and brainpower. Agatha Christie often wrote of how Poirot used his ‘little grey’ in his brain to solve his cases. ‘Grey power’ tells of the power of age and the wisdom and experience that is denoted by greying hair. Grey weather gives us the impression of fog, cloud and winter.
Grey is also the colour of mystery and intrigue. It is a laying bare of all the world has to offer. As André Gide said, “The colour of truth is grey”.
How To Use Grey In Art
The beauty of grey hues in artwork is that it can complement almost any existing colour scheme. This means you can use grey to warm or cool a space, depending on how you use the room and what ambience you want to create. If you’re not sure how to add to a space, then natural greys and earthy tones can add neutrality to the area, so it’s ideal for any use.