Color Story | Going Green–Forest Green
This deep, rich green is fit for subjects both earthy and regal.
In a sense, the name “forest green” is a misnomer, because as artists well know, leaves and mosses are never a single color, much less a single value. Nevertheless, forest green does evoke the overall impression of foliage—the sort of thick canopy that can block midday sun during a summer hike through the woods.
Calm Connection
When the color finds its way into domestic spaces, it can lend a degree of earthiness and calm. This connection with nature is apparent in Still Life With Teapot, Cup and Fruit by Émile Bernard (1868–1941), in which the colors of the man-made objects seem to take their cue from the color of the fruit. But in other hands, this shade of green can be a luxurious color, suitable for objects far less humble than Bernard’s collection of charming ceramics.
PILLARS OF LIFE
This depiction of Osiris, found on a pillar in a burial chamber, features green skin, signifying resurrection. This association began with the ancient Egyptians’ observation of the death-and-rebirth cycle of vegetation.
GREEN MEANS GO
“British racing green,” seen here on a 1964 Jaguar E-Type S1 Roadster, is the official motor-racing color of the United Kingdom. The color’s association with auto racing dates back to a 1903 race held in Ireland. The cars were painted deep green as a show of respect to the host country.
GREEN IS JUST THE BEGINNING
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HOME TO ROOST
Mallards are known as dabbling ducks and are at home in almost any wetland environment, natural or manmade. But with those bright green heads and necks, they are attention-getters wherever they go.
A GIFT FROM THE RIVER
Agate has been mined since ancient times, including by the Egyptians, who used it to decorate a myriad of items. Agate is named after the Achates River (now called the Dirillo), an ancient source of the stone in Sicily.
Exploring Color
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Article contributions by Mike Allen.
Love greens! and found the Pillars of Life quite fascinating!