Why choose color?

Color is everywhere; it is the most intuitive language in our lives. From the golden sunlight spilling onto the windowsill in the morning to the cool blue-purple glow under the streetlights at night, color not only decorates the world but also quietly influences our emotions. Psychologists have long discovered that colors can evoke specific emotional responses: red makes the heart race, blue brings calmness, and yellow ignites joy. University life is colorful, with both stress and happiness coexisting, and learning the basics of color theory can help you appreciate the beauty around you and express your inner emotions through color. This expression is not only fun but can also help you make significant strides in your aesthetic cultivation.

In this "Color Emotion Laboratory," you don't need to be an art student or have painting talent. All you need is curiosity and a passion for color. Whether you enjoy splashing creativity on a canvas, love showcasing your personality through fashion, or capturing colorful moments in life with your phone's lens, this experiment is open to you.

Preparation: Understanding Basic Color Theory

Before officially starting the experiment, let's quickly understand the basics of color theory. Don't worry; it won't be as dull as a calculus class! The core of color theory is understanding the basic properties of colors and their relationships. In simple terms, colors can be divided into three categories: primary colors (red, yellow, blue), secondary colors (orange, green, purple), and tertiary colors (more complex mixtures). These colors are arranged on the color wheel, and their relationships affect visual effects and emotional expression.

For example, complementary colors (colors opposite each other on the color wheel, like red and green) placed together create a strong contrast, making the image vibrant; while analogous colors (colors next to each other on the color wheel, like blue and green) create a harmonious and soothing feeling. Additionally, the brightness (lightness and darkness) and saturation (vividness) of colors can also change emotional expression. Imagine, does bright orange remind you of the enthusiasm of summer, while soft powder blue brings a sense of tranquility?

These theories may sound a bit abstract, but don't worry; the upcoming experiment will help you turn them into visible and tangible creativity. You can think of this knowledge as a palette, and next, you will use it to paint your emotions.

Experiment Begins: Choose Your Emotion

The first step in the laboratory is to choose an emotion you want to express. This emotion can be your true feeling at the moment or a state you wish to convey to others. Here are some inspirations to help you find direction:

• Excitement: like the joy of finally submitting a paper after staying up late during exam week, or the thrill of meeting new friends at a club activity.
• Calmness: imagine the peace of waking up naturally on a weekend, with sunlight spilling onto the sheets.
• Curiosity: like the sense of exploration when you first walk into the university library, facing walls of books.
• Nostalgia: perhaps recalling a certain afternoon in your hometown or an old song from your childhood.
• Bravery: like mustering the courage to sign up for a debate competition or the rush of trying skateboarding for the first time.

Once you've chosen your emotion, the next task is to express it with color. You can choose one of the following three methods: painting, fashion coordination, or taking photos. Each method serves as an "experiment station" in the laboratory, allowing you to explore and express through color.

Experiment Station One: Paint Your Emotion

If you enjoy hands-on creation, painting is an excellent way to express emotions. Prepare a piece of paper, some paints (watercolors, acrylics, colored pencils are all fine), or use digital painting tools like Procreate. Think about which colors suit the emotion you've chosen. For example, to express "excitement," you might choose bright reds and oranges, paired with lively lines; if it's "calmness," soft blues and greens with smooth gradients might be more appropriate.

When painting, don't strive for perfection. The focus is on letting colors and shapes become the spokesperson for your emotions. For instance, a friend chose "nostalgia" in the experiment; she painted a field of golden wheat, using warm oranges and browns to outline memories of childhood summers. The painting was simple yet full of emotion. You can also try an abstract style, using color blocks and lines to express your inner self, or paint a specific scene, like the "place" where your emotion occurs—a music festival that excites you or a lakeside that calms you.

If you feel like you "can't paint," don't worry! This experiment isn't about who can paint like Picasso, but about who can tell their own story with color. Try to relax and go with your feelings; you might find that the process of applying color itself can bring you joy.

Experiment Station Two: Express Emotions Through Fashion Coordination

If you prefer to express yourself through outfits, turn your wardrobe into a color palette! Fashion coordination is one of the most everyday forms of aesthetic expression in university life. Whether going to class, participating in club activities, or hanging out with friends, your clothes tell your personality. Now, try to express your emotions through your outfits.

For example, to express "bravery," you might choose a bright red coat paired with black jeans to showcase a bold personality; if it's "curiosity," try mixing a bright yellow beanie with a purple scarf to create a playful and interesting style. When coordinating, remember to refer to color theory: use complementary colors for impact and analogous colors for harmony. You can also add accessories, like a striking necklace or colorful socks, to add layers to your overall look.

An interesting example is a classmate who chose "calmness" as her emotion; she picked a light blue sweater, paired with beige trousers and gray canvas shoes, making her look like a walking morning painting. She said that wearing this outfit made her feel more composed even while walking! So, open your wardrobe and see which colors can help you "wear" your emotions.

Experiment Station Three: Capture Color with Your Lens

If you are a photography enthusiast or just enjoy recording life with your phone, taking photos is a fantastic choice. Your task is to capture color combinations that represent your emotions with your lens. It could be a corner of the campus, like a playground bathed in golden sunlight (expressing joy), or a damp gray sidewalk after the rain (expressing contemplation). It could also be a staged shot, like arranging colorful stationery, books, and coffee cups together to create the emotional atmosphere you desire.

When shooting, pay attention to light and composition. Soft natural light can make colors warmer, suitable for expressing calmness or nostalgia; strong direct light can highlight vibrant colors, suitable for excitement or bravery. You can also use filters or post-editing to enhance color effects, but try to keep it natural and let the colors speak for themselves.

A classmate chose "curiosity" in the experiment; he took a series of photos on campus: a green plant on the library windowsill next to an open book, with the pages tinted orange-yellow by the sunset. The photos were simple yet full of storytelling, as if conveying his thirst for knowledge. Your photos can be like this too: telling a story that belongs only to you through color.

Sharing and Discussion: How Color Affects Us

After completing your work, the most interesting part comes—sharing! Find a time during extracurricular activities or organize a small "Color Emotion Exhibition" with your classmates. Everyone showcases their paintings, outfits, or photos and shares the stories behind their creations. For example, why did you choose these colors? How do they make you feel that emotion? During the sharing process, you will discover that the same emotion can be expressed by different people using completely different colors, and the same color can evoke entirely different feelings.

For instance, someone uses deep blue to express "calmness" because it reminds her of the starry night; while another person uses the same blue to express "loneliness" because it makes her think of the cold winter wind. This discussion not only helps you understand yourself and others better but also reveals the subtle power of color in aesthetics and emotions. You might be surprised to find that colors you usually don't pay much attention to can profoundly influence your perception.

Let Color Become Your Daily Life

The "Color Emotion Laboratory" is not just an activity; it is an inspiration for a lifestyle. University life is a golden period for self-exploration and aesthetic enhancement, and color is your best companion. Try to pay more attention to colors in your daily life: the clothes you wear, the decorations in your dorm, the scenery on campus... they all quietly tell stories of emotions. When you start consciously expressing yourself with color, your aesthetic cultivation will also improve unconsciously.

Next time you walk into a classroom, consider wearing a sweater that represents your mood; or doodle a few strokes in your notebook, using color to record your feelings for the day; or even just take a photo of the sunset and share it on social media, sharing your "color emotion" with everyone. These small actions will make your university life more colorful.

So, are you ready? Pick up your paintbrush, open your wardrobe, or raise your phone, and join the "Color Emotion Laboratory," letting color add a unique landscape to your university life!