THE YEAR IN COLOUR: AUGUST

As we move through August there is always a sense of everything slowing down: long, lazy days soaking up the sun and evenings spent outdoors until the last rays have gone are what this month is all about.  It's a time to relax and unwind and the exceptionally good weather we've been enjoying this year has made it easy - it's impossible to rush anywhere in 30+ degree heat! 

Midday Rest (after Millet) by Vincent Van Gogh

Growing up among a farming community for me August has always meant harvest.  The sight of combines in the fields and the hot, dusty swirls of chaff they leave behind is what I visualise as late summer.  Add to that the slow setting sun and there is a definite golden glow cast over this month.  Van Gogh's 1890 painting, Midday Rest, above, best represents the mood I'm trying awkwardly to convey.

To that end the colour that I associate with August is a warm, golden yellow, a colour commonly used by Van Gogh and often complemented in his work with its opposite - a rich dark blue.  Ironically, given the psychological attributes of yellow, this was painted while he resided in the asylum at Saint-Remy and was profoundly depressed!

There are many shades of golden yellow to choose from but one I've found that is closest to what I have in my mind's eye is Pantone 123C (right).  Translated in to paint I think Benjamin Moore's Sunflower would be a good match.  

Image via Pinterest

Colour trends always reflect what is happening in the world and, having come through a few difficult years of austerity which meant everything went grey, it seems we are now emerging from the tunnel with a sense of optimism for the future.  Or maybe we just want to inject a bit of warmth back in to our homes.  Whatever the reason, yellow is no longer just an accent colour for grey and blue - it is becoming a primary colour in every sense.

Image via Pinterest

What do you think? Will you be bringing the sunshine in to your home with this hue?

Kx