Why Color Is a Brave Choice

Color is not just an aesthetic decision. It’s a declaration.

It’s a voice. A mood. A message. And more often than not, it’s the bravest part of the painting.

When I create collections, I don’t start with a color palette in mind. I started with a feeling. Something raw and real inside me that wants to be expressed. And when I let myself listen—really listen—the colors come.

Vibrant pinks that demanded attention. Deep greens that grounded me. Bright flashes of yellow that carry hope. Bold blacks that cut through the noise like truth. Each hue has something to say—and I let it speak.

And that, I’ve learned, is the most courageous thing we can do as artists and creatives: trust what wants to come through.

When we surrender to this process, we embrace the unpredictable journey of creation. Intuition becomes our trusty compass guiding us through uncharted territories. Each brushstroke is a dialogue between the heart and the canvas, a conversation where vulnerability and authenticity take center stage.

Color Isn’t Safe

In a world that often tells women to tone it down, blend in, or play it safe, choosing bold color is an act of resistance. It’s a way of saying, I am here. I take up space.

That’s why I often ask myself when I paint: Am I choosing this color because it’s “safe” or because it’s honest?

And the truth is, the honest colors are always the bold ones. The ones that don’t care if they clash. The ones that surprise you. The ones that show up in your art before you can explain them.

I know you’ve got those colors inside you, too. The ones you used to reach for when you weren’t second-guessing yourself. The ones that made your heart race when they hit the page.

Embrace them, let them run wild and free, for they are a reflection of your true self. These aren't mere pigments; they're vibrant emotions, epic tales and dreams waiting to be told. They defy tradition and dare you to color outside the lines.

Paint with abandon. Choose the fiery reds that scream passion, the electric blues that whisper of mystery, and the sunshine yellows that belt out joy. Let your colors shout your courage and creativity. By doing so, you not only celebrate your own self but inspire others to discover their own fearless hues.

Misty from Creatively Misty working on a bold mixed media portrait in her sunlit studio, adding texture with a palette knife. Surrounded by inks, tools, and color, this powerful moment captures the heart of her creative mission—encouraging women to explore bravely, express boldly, and create fearlessly from a place of unapologetic artistic power.

Let Intuition Lead

I don’t choose my colors logically—I choose them intuitively. I listen for the color that matches the feeling. And I give myself permission to shift the palette mid-piece if something new wants to emerge.

That flexibility is where creative power lives.

You don’t need to follow a formula. You don’t need to stick to a muted tone if you’re craving a splash of electric blue. You don’t need to justify your love for burnt orange or acid green or layered jewel tones.

Color is a language. And your intuition is fluent.

Art journal in progress by Misty of Creatively Misty, featuring layered text, translucent collage, and bold teal paint marks over soft green and lavender tones. This close-up captures the fearless experimentation and vibrant energy at the heart of Misty’s creative process—an invitation to explore bravely and let your artistic voice lead the way.

What Your Color Choices Say About You

Let’s get a little playful. Ask yourself: What color are you today?

Not what you’re wearing. Not what you think “goes together.” But what color actually feels like you right now?

Are you...

A vibrant magenta, full of fire and rebellion?
A soft moss green, craving connection and grounding?
A scarlet red, bold and unapologetic?
A deep indigo, reflective and rich with inner truth?

Let those colors show up in your art. In your space. In your self-expression. Because the truth is: your color choices are your creative fingerprints.

Color is Power

If you’ve been stuck in beige—literally or metaphorically—consider this your permission slip to paint with everything you’ve got.

Bring the boldness. Bring the brightness. Bring the you that you’ve been saving for “later.”

Color isn’t just decoration. It’s a declaration of freedom.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match, to blend and blur the lines. Life is too short for dullness and drab shades. Celebrate the vibrant spectrum of possibilities, and let your true colors shine. Whether it’s in your home, your wardrobe, or your heart, allow yourself the freedom of living in technicolor. Remember, the only limits are the ones you set yourself, so step boldly into colorful world and let it revolutionize every corner of your life.

Mixed media artwork by Misty of Creatively Misty featuring a striking purple eye, layered butterfly wings, bold florals, and textured pinks. This fierce and expressive composition celebrates raw emotion and artistic bravery—inviting viewers to step into their creative power and make bold, unapologetic marks.

Ready to get fearless with color?

I challenge you to make something this week using the colors that scare you a little—in the best way. Then tag me @CreativelyMisty or use the hashtag #CreativelyMisty so I can cheer you on.