I love green. In this painting, I used green to convey a sense of tranquility, of peace, and of being close to nature. This little green boat with its umbrella is just waiting for its fishermen to jump on, and drift along the Loir river in France.

I am also fascinated by its story. Since the beginning of the 20th century in the western world, green represents calmness. Green is the color of nature, and feels like a breath of clean, fresh air. But did you know that this color went through a huge change in symbolism? Up until the 19th century, green pigments were often made from leaves and so were chemically unstable. Green was the symbolism of everything that doesn’t last, like young love. But it was also the color of instability, gambling, and chance. Duels between men took place specifically on grassy, green fields. Jesters in royal courts wore outfits made of green. Here are two more modern-day examples: did you ever wonder why the dollar bill and casino rugs were green?

But going back to today, for me green makes me feel more calm. When I am surrounded by green, the pace of life slows down. What about you? I bet that a majority of us would say either green or blue, is that true?