7 Colors
Children's drawings are not culture-dependent. Some basketball fans, for example, will not dare wear yellow because they hate the Lakers. With children, it is different, however. When a child uses only black, it doesn't necessarily mean he is depressed. Sometimes they like it simply because it is "the strongest color", able to "erase" all colors underneath it.
Here are three short steps to understanding the meaning of colors in children's drawings;
1. The meanings of colors are multiple and diverse. With older children, you can simply ask what qualities they like in each to gain a glimpse of their inner world.
2. Excessive use of a certain color should, in most cases, be interpreted in terms of the negative emotional qualities of that color.
3. Balanced use of a certain color usually indicates its positive emotional Qualities.
How can you tell the reason for recurring use of a certain color?
First of all, I recommend checking if this was the only paint or crayon left on the tabl e, after all the other kids in class took the rest. This may sound simplistic, but kindergartners or schoolchildren often draw with whatever is Available.
In addition, some kindergarten teachers choose to expose children to colors gradually, so that it may be that all kindergartners were simply given the same color to use. I do not recommend this educational approach, by the way, because the language of drawing in general – and of colors in particular – is replete with meanings, and the more the child is allowed to express himself through drawing in a free and unhindered way, the more his drawings will genuinely reflect experiences from his inner world.
The location is also important: you should check whether your child draws differently at home than at kindergarten, whether he uses different colors when drawing at his grandparents' house, and of course, whether the dominant use of a certain color is a recurring phenomenon.
If the child continues to use the same color in different contexts, try making other colors available. Notice his reaction: does he ignore them completely or try them out and then reverts to his favorite color? Notice also the duration of use: the pink-red period, when the page is swamped with hearts, for example, usually does not last long.
Beyond colors, you should look at the overall style. If the child uses black and applies such a strong pressure that he pierces through the page, a black drawing would suggest emotional blocks, internalized anxieties and fear of Criticism.
When a child likes a certain color, he will tend to use it in most of his drawings. In this case, we can elicit additional meanings from the way he uses his favorite color, as in the following examples.
Red is one of the most favorite colors among both girls and boys. In fact, it is the first that comes to mind when even adults discuss colors. In children's drawings, it has a strong presence. It is the color of the blood in our veins and as such, it connotes enthusiasm and Energy.
Children who use it consistently are usually dominant and extroverted, and like to be at the center of attention. These kids like challenges and competitions and want to be winners. Excessive use of this color is common among aggressive children.
Blue signifies calm and peaceful behavior. "Blue" children are characterized by peaceful and harmonious social relations and their communication with others is pleasant and calm. They demand rational explanations and refuse to hear answers such as "cause I told you so". They have a rich inner world, but it is important for them to express their wishes and desires.
Green is a favorite among nature-lovers, who like animals and outdoor play. It is commonly used by children who have a different and fresh outlook on situations, who are quick learners and need freedom and space.
This drawing was made by a 5 year-old. No need to refer to the grass or stalk which are naturally green. However, it is clear that the child chose not to use any other colors, so that the house is made of green contour lines, as well as green windows and door.
Note that we must examine a large number of drawings in order to draw conclusions about the child's personality. In this case, as in other drawings by the same child, green is used extensively. Excessive use of this color may indicate compensation, for example, for the child's need to learn, start anew and blossom.
In the case of this particular child, excessive use of green indicates his fears of learning. At the time of this drawing, the child started first grade and was afraid of studying and found it difficult to manage in class, mainly due to motoric difficulties not diagnosed before my analysis of his drawings. This child used to sit next to his classmates in front of the teacher and blackboard but could not compare himself to their capabilities, mainly because he could not copy quickly enough from the board. As already noted, the combination of excessive coloring with graphic indicators, such as the shaky lines representing the house walls and roof, lends further support to my conclusion regarding his emotional difficulty.
Yellow
Similarly to red, yellow also symbolize caution and thus appears in many warning signs. Yellow is traditionally associated with jaundice and cowardice, as well as with aging, for both people and objects.
When children use yellow in their drawings, it represents sensitivity. These children are well aware of their surrounding and deeply influenced by it. They are characterized by cleverness and patience, as well as joyfulness and mischief, but tend not to be troublemakers like children who use red. In addition, they are connected to their family and do not need many friends to find interest, because they have a rich inner world. They are also characterized by high concentration ability and a desire to experience, while taking the right precautions.
Exaggerated use of yellow represents oversensitivity which makes it difficult for the children to manage outside the inner circle of their loving family. When the child swamps the page with yellow, this also connotes naivety, innocence and empathy with other people's pain.
This drawing was made by a 5½ year -old girl who desperately needs family closeness. Her family relocated to a new dwelling and she was about to enter first grade in a new school, without any of her old friends. As a result, this period was characterized by dependence, sensitivity and a strong need for support and Reinforcements.
Colors in children's drawings are often directly related to detecting their talents and strengths. The most common question parents have in this regard is which afternoon activity would optimally enhance the child's talents.