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Woman in blue walled, wooden floored room adjusting potted flowers on wooden table next to wooden chair and white and blue bed with large flower painting on wall

PPG Evolution of Color

Blue throughout the decades

Woman in blue walled, wooden floored room adjusting potted flowers on wooden table next to wooden chair and white and blue bed with large flower painting on wall

The Background of Blue

Blue pigments were made from minerals, especially lapis lazuili and azurite. The minerals were crushed, ground into powder, and then moxed with a quick-drying binding agent (egg yolk) or with a slow-drying oil (linseed oil) for oil paintings. Blue is known as the most popular color, blue creates a peacefulness and calm in its lighter, grayer shades. In its darker shades, it exudes trust and tradition. Follow the evolution of the color Blue below to see beautiful color palettes from the different decades. 

Patriotic Blues

The 1940's

War time brings patriotism in the forefront. Blue, Red and White were flying everywhere. Below is a custom Patriotic Palette from the 1940's.

Uniting Blues

The 1970's

Blue, as in blue jeans, captured the spirit of a time when the youth came together demanding freedom and equality. 

Hopeful Blue

2020

Blue conveys calm, imparts stillness and projects hopefulness in a very anxious, unmoored world.