Color of the Year for 2013: Emerald
Pantone announced this week their pick for Color of the Year 2013, which is Emerald (aka. Pantone 17-1463, or RGB value R0, G152, B116). If you are new to my following of this announcement over the years, you can see my previous posts and previous colors under this tag: Color of the Year.
From Pantone’s press release:
“The most abundant hue in nature, the human eye sees more green than any other color in the spectrum,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “As it has throughout history, multifaceted Emerald continues to sparkle and fascinate. Symbolically, Emerald brings a sense of clarity, renewal and rejuvenation, which is so important in today’s complex world. This powerful and universally-appealing tone translates easily to both fashion and home interiors.”
Emerald green waters in Dominica, South Caribbean – giving real life vibrance to the Color of the Year for 2013
I found her descriptive terms about this color interesting; clarity, renewal, and rejuvenation. All of which I can relate to in many aspects in photographing nature, although if I had to nail it down to just one term… certainly most variants of green mean life to me. Emerald adds the extra element of energy to that symbolism of life.
As in previous years, I like the small exercise in going through some of my image collection to see how I can find images that might match the announced color of the year. We are bombarded by so many colors every single day, and in every single photograph. To single out and focus on just one is can be an interesting examination of our photos and the effect that particular color may have on our emotions.
As Ms. Eiseman stated, green is abundant in nature. Ahhhh…. but green with that nearly equal mix of blue finds itself in more selective places in nature. The image that immediately came to mind for me is this shot from 2006 from a trip to Dominica in the southeast Caribbean. The Emerald color of the water here is something that tends to burn itself in your memory. It does look quite full of renewal and rejuvenation, not to mention refreshing after a hot walk through the tropical jungle. Refreshing water – also symbolic, and necessary, for life.
Going to seed: Renewal & Rejuvenation
Moving on in my archive, I came across this other shot. These seeds from this plant were all that remained when photographing this in the late summer of 2010. Renewal and rejuvenation – again, appropriate symbolism here.
Let’s hope that 2013 lives up to what the color of the year expects from it. 🙂
Here is a link to some of my other images that I collected for Emerald: Color of the Year 2013 Project
Both excellent images – especially the Dominica one. I have a lot of green images, but I’d be hard-pressed to find one with this lovely blue-green look.
Thanks Tom, I know what you mean about the green. Certainly I have an abundance of greens, but when it comes to this specific blue-green, it is much rarer to find in my library.
lovely shots Mark 🙂 Well chosen to match the colour.
Mark, I’m going to leave a second comment on this post just to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a happy, fulfilling and productive 2013. I’m always inspired by your photography and your thoughts contained in your posts. I’m looking forward to seeing more next year. 🙂
I am very appreciative of your support Earl. Many thanks.
Interesting rap on emerald and about Green being the most common in nature. Seems fitting that these two colors are the most appealing to people, along with various blues, which must be second only to greens.
I have a feeling there is an evolutionary tie to the appeal of those colors.
Beautiful images and great project, Mark! I like the images quite a lot, and would agree that emerald is a gorgeous color. Spending most of my time in the West, there’s not a whole lot of emerald to be found, but I do think it’s a gorgeous color, and sometimes, even in the desert, it springs up in the most unexpected of places.
Cheers,
Greg
Hey Greg, thanks. I am thinking about the emerald greens in the mineral pools around Yellowstone, maybe some emerald in the painted desert?
Gorgeous emerald image, Mark. This is my first year seeing your “Color of the Year” postings. I don’t get to see much in the way of emerald water…but if they have a tannin brown entry I might be up for that. 🙂
I’ll be sure to keep an eye out for that Tannin Brown Steve! 🙂 Thanks.
The photos above was so very nice and if ever I have an opportunity to go there, maybe I will take a shot my self with that small river.
Thanks Greeg.
I may have to go to the Dominican Republic now. This is going to cost me, Mark. I also enjoy your posts on the color of the year and the images you post along with them. Greens and blues are my favorite colors and may be a primary reason I shoot nature, or maybe the other way around. 🙂
Hey Monte, I wish I could pay for your ticket. And it would be to Dominica – not quite the Dominican Republic, but close – a bit further south I think. 🙂 Thanks!
A google search to find out where this place is and I still think I want to pay a visit. They call it the “”Nature Isle of the Caribbean”. That works.
O frabjous day! One of my most favorite colors. Like so many others, I look forward to this yearly project of yours and particularly enjoy the posting of your images for illustration of the color and the points made in your post. Although the emerald shoes remark that you let slip has me wondering. I have long suspected that you some special powers. Suspicions are now heightened. Clearly, the special powers would explain the extraordinary images featured in this post. I’m just saying
Ha! Thanks for the great comments Anita, but alas there are no special powers at work here or magical footwear. I admit you made me look up “frabjous'” and will now have to use it on someone else. 🙂
Hey Mark,
This is awesome, man. Great photo.
Cheers
Carl
Thanks Carl.
Hey guys, I found some other images in my gallery that are pretty close matches for Emerald. I have been placing them in this special project site here: http://canvas.pantone.com/gallery/Emerald-2013-Color-of-the-Year/6336207
I’d have to say this color is among my favorites, something very peaceful about it, and Mark, you’ve found two beautiful examples of it in your photos. I’ve always enjoyed this annual project of yours. Best holiday wishes!
That’s why I like going through this exercise Earl. It causes me to examine what it is I like about certain colors and my reaction to them. Thanks Earl, and hope your holidays are great also. I am hoping to have time to catch up on all my blog reading, and perhaps do more posts.
Ah, yes. I look forward to your yearly color posts and you never fail to find a photo or two containing that color. You’re so “in” 😉
Just trying to keep up with the young fashion crowd Paul, now where are my Emerald shoes….
The selected photos closely match the COTY and they’re great shots as well. Since this is a fairly common color, I should do the same exercise as you did. Great choices!
Thanks Ken. At first I thought I would find it being common throughout my archive, but upon closer look, Emerald is quite a bit more unique than the ‘run of the mill’ nature green. Good luck in your search, I hope you do participate.