What Is a Colour Walk and How to Start Your Own Colour Walk
Exploring the Art of the Colour Walk or Colour Run
In a world filled with constant hustle and screens, a color walk offers a refreshing way to connect with your surroundings by following colors as you stroll through city streets or natural landscapes. This creative and mindful exercise encourages participants to focus on a single color (or multiple colours) and follow it wherever it appears, uncovering hidden beauty in everyday environments. And for those looking to bring movement to the practice, a color walk can also become a "colour run," where you follow colours at a quicker pace, combining the mindful observation of colors with a light jog or run. Whether you’re an artist seeking inspiration, a traveler exploring a new city, or simply someone looking to unwind, a colour walk offers a unique way to see the world with fresh eyes.
What Is a Colour Walk?
A colour walk is a type of mindful exploration in which you follow specific colours in your environment, letting them guide your journey through streets, parks, or buildings. The idea is to focus solely on one colour or a combination of colours, noticing their appearances in various objects, textures, and spaces around you. This practice helps cultivate presence, encourages creativity, and reveals details often overlooked in the rush of daily life.
The Origins of the Colour Walk
The concept of colour walking dates back to 1970s New York City and is credited to the artist and educator William Burroughs, who encouraged his students to follow colours as an artistic exercise. Burroughs found that by following colours, people could break away from habitual routes and open themselves up to fresh perspectives and visual inspiration. The colour walk was popularized further by journalist Phyllis Holman Weisbard in her book "Mapping the Terrain," where she outlined it as a creative tool for artists and writers looking to find new ideas.
How to Do a Colour Walk: Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to start your own colour walk? Here’s a simple guide:
1. Choose a Colour (or Colours):
Pick a colour to focus on for your walk. It can be a bright hue like yellow or red, which will likely pop up in unexpected places, or a more subtle shade like olive green or teal. Alternatively, you could choose two or three colours if you want a multi-dimensional experience.
2. Set Out with No Specific Route:
The beauty of a colour walk lies in its randomness. Set aside any predetermined path and let the chosen colour(s) guide you. For example, if you spot a blue door, follow it, then maybe you see a blue car or a blue sign—continue walking towards those elements.
3. Notice Every Detail:
As you walk, observe the different shades, textures, and places the colour appears. This might be a graffiti wall, a person’s outfit, a flowering tree, or a shop display. Allow yourself to slow down and really take in the details.
4. Take Photos or Sketch:
Document your walk if you'd like. You could take photos of each colour you spot or make quick sketches, creating a visual story of your journey. Later, you can look back and see how the colour led you on a unique path.
5. Reflect on Your Walk:
Afterward, think about what you observed and experienced. Did you notice aspects of your surroundings that you normally overlook? A colour walk can serve as a creative reset, helping you feel refreshed and inspired.
Examples of Colour Walks
Here are some examples to help you get started:
Red Walk: Set out to follow the colour red, perhaps in a vibrant urban area. You might start with a red stop sign, then follow a red mural, spot a person wearing a red scarf, and notice red flowers planted along a sidewalk. This journey through red can reveal contrasts and textures that would otherwise be missed.
Green Walk in Nature: Choose green for a more peaceful, nature-focused walk. Even in a city, you might find mossy patches on buildings, green benches, lush ivy on walls, or pops of green in nearby parks. Focusing on green can help cultivate a feeling of calm and connectedness with nature.
Yellow and Blue Walk: Combine two colours for a multi-layered exploration. Starting with blue, you might notice a blue mailbox, followed by a yellow storefront nearby. Let these colours guide you, weaving back and forth in your path as each hue calls for your attention.
Benefits of a Colour Walk
Colour walks offer several personal and creative benefits, including:
- Heightened Mindfulness: By focusing on colours, you’re encouraged to be present and observant, noticing details you might otherwise overlook.
- Creative Inspiration: This exercise can be especially beneficial for artists, writers, and creatives seeking new ideas or fresh perspectives.
- Mental Relaxation: A colour walk can help relieve stress by allowing you to engage with your surroundings without the usual distractions or mental clutter.
- New Perspectives: Exploring through the lens of a single colour can reveal a city or space in a way you’ve never seen before, making even familiar areas feel fresh and exciting.
Ready For Your Own Colour Walk?
The colour walk is a simple yet powerful way to see the world with new eyes. By choosing a colour and letting it guide you, you’ll cultivate mindfulness, foster creativity, and break free from routine. Whether you’re in a bustling city or a serene park, the colour walk is a delightful practice that can turn any ordinary day into an inspiring adventure. So, grab your camera or a notebook, choose your colour, and see where it takes you!
