Color combinations and contrasts

The aura of an individual reflects mood, attitude and well being. It brightens or diminishes depending on how one is feeling. Sometimes it is white, glowing, iridescent, pale gold, light lavender or gray.
Perceptive people can see the invisible aura.
Each person has a signature color that distinguishes him from the rest. This primary color is interpreted in his choice of personal accessories, clothing, and surroundings. Some individuals always project vibrancy and joy. A few others emanate the opposite — gloom and doom.
Happiness, kindness and charm are attractive qualities. The earthbound angel’s iridescence can illuminate a dark environment better than a chandelier.
Sunshine radiates from the optimist like a golden halo. A cheerful disposition spills over like an inviting, sparkling fountain on a hot day.
The romanticist exudes a translucent shade of rose pink that connotes serenity and peace. The world is, as seen through her eyes, “la vie en rose.” Things are bathed in a wondrous glow. People can empathize and sense the positive vibrations.
The nature lover is a spectrum of luminous shades of green and opalescent blue. Like the shimmering images of summer — verdant fields and the endless ocean. One feels drawn to the refreshing coolness of an oasis in the desert.
The warrior wears red, the fiery color of Mars. Combative and fiercely independent his mere presence is intimidating. On can almost visualize his glinting armor armor underneath the executive attire. It is also the shade of the extrovert.
Outside of the charmed circle of positive colors stands the gray spoilsport. Wrapped in a smoky haze, he has the air of “aigeur” as the French describe “acerbity or tartness.”
If one were to sketch his expression on paper, his/her portrait would be a dour, sour and sullen charcoal. He/she is the classic crab with a permanent frown and furrowed brow, poisonous claws and acidic tongue.
The killjoy, as we used to call this contrary character cannot bear the success of others. Resentful, envious, critical, arrogant or demanding, he/she is the passing thunderstorm the douses the Easter parade. The black cloud that spoils a splendid sunset.
Once upon a time, we sang the old nursery rhyme “Mary, Mary, quite contrary.” We poked fun at the fault-finder (at school or work) who growled and complained incessantly about everything and everyone. The grouch always takes himself so seriously. What is sorely lacking is a sense of humor and the ability to lighten up and laugh.
The crabs have non-color auras — anthracite, dust, coal, and carbon.
Here are some familiar sketches of the different types:
At a business meeting, the sourpuss constantly nitpicks — instead of networking. “The speech is boring. The attendance is poor. The canapés are soggy. The drinks are tepid.”
He circulates to alienate people, not to make friends. In the end, he is alone and lonely.
A master of left-handed compliments, she praises and criticizes in one breath. “You look great now that you’ve gained a lot of weight.” Keeping people off-balance is a non-favorite trait. He throws curve balls to neutralize antagonists.
In the political scene, colors play a big role. All the opposing camps are clearly identified by their colors. Taken to extremes, people wear their banners on their clothes, vehicles, and houses. And the rivals throw darts or mud at each other.
The crab’s body language is unmistakable. He craves the limelight and resorts to exposes that are mild or vicious, bloody for media coverage in tabloids and TV. Fake news is usually black. Name recall is more important that accurate facts. Winning is everything. Even at the expense of the innocent.
Show business breeds celebrity crustaceans who are easy prey for paparazzi and paid hacks. Critics and columnists can be lethal.
Stars and aspiring starlets practice one upmanship. Pseudo-deities pay homage. To earn point and to edge out potential rivals. Gossip, innuendo and intrigues are their gray weapons.
The sports industry and the cultural filed have their own grouches — egotistical performers and champions, backbiting artists and competitors, hyper-critical writers (who dwell only on the negative aspects); bickering administrators; warring factions whose petty quarrels and controversies diminish the institution.
The collective consciousness depends of the auras of individuals that comprise the group. Positive energy can heal, build and strengthen. Conversely, negative vibes can tarnish demolish or destroy.
The colors we project reveal our inner selves and our deepest thoughts. Mind power can transform the stormy grays and conjure a magical rainbow.
 
Maria Victoria Rufino is an artist, writer and businesswoman. She is president and executive producer of Maverick Productions.
mavrufino@gmail.com