What Does the 2021 Color of the Year Look Like in Art?

April 13, 2021

By Chelsea Reed

It’s official! Pantone has announced the Color of the Year for 2021. This time, we have two colors -- Ultimate Gray and Illuminating Yellow. Balancing mindful composure with a sunny outlook, the trend-setter chose these two colors in retrospect of the world’s recent challenges last year and hope for the future. There’s no doubt these colors will rise in popularity. Lots of original pieces at Seaside Art Gallery feature them, too! Let’s take a look at some of our favorites. 

 Yellow and Gray

The Hills at Sunset

By Liat Polotsky, Oil Painting

Who knew that an amazing sunset could have yellow and gray? This abstract artwork is one of the Gallery’s most dramatic examples of 2021’s Color of the Year. We love how the colors blend and contrast with fiery orange. 

Don’t Move My Cheese 

By Linda Lowery, Oil Painting

This mouse means business! The adorable sentry is part of the up-and-coming 30th Annual Miniature Art Show. The dark frame is a great play-off to its serious face. 

- Yellow -

Time for Two

By Alice Anne Dobbin, Oil Painting

Doesn’t this sunbrella make you smile just looking at it? It reminds us of sunny summer days at a favorite Outer Banks beach! The yellow towel draws the eye to the happy couple in the waves. 

Mums and Copper

By Karen Chamblin, Oil Painting

Believe it or not, mums aren’t just for autumn. Their cheery colors can brighten up an indoor space year-round. These yellow mums complement the shiny metallic orange of the copper bucket. The blended impressionism style adds a beautiful soft look. 

Shells and More Shells

By Janet Groom Pierce, Watercolor Painting

Seashells are synonymous with pleasant memories by the sea, so it makes perfect sense for them to have a yellow background. Pair the painting with a seashell lamp or piece of furniture for a lovely coastal touch in the room.

- Gray - 

The Critic

By Gregory Kavalec, Oil Painting 

Fewer outfits are classier than the traditional formal gray suit. As the name implies, this dapper fellow is studying something with a careful eye. Is it a Broadway play or the latest movie release? Only the imagination knows. 

In the Sweat of the Face

By Liat Polotsky, Oil Painting

The dynamics of concept and texture are packed with story and drama in this abstract painting. Its grayish tones and white frame look handsome on trendy gray walls, especially dark gray. 

A Terrible Tough Feller

By Morgan Dennis, Etching

Beware of the “bad dog”—he might overwhelm you with kisses! This adorable feller is a great example of how gray tones can make your home a more inviting space in any room.

A Colorful Future in the Balance

For more inspiration on grays and yellows in your home, check out Seaside Art Gallery’s online art collection for the latest arrivals! Many styles are available for the most discerning tastes. All art is original and guaranteed. 

Chelsea Reed is a copywriter who writes online content, articles, blogs, and websites from her base in North Carolina.

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