Dopamine Palettes: The Colors That Make You Feel Something

Hey, hello there, friend!

You know that little spark you feel when you see a certain color? Maybe it’s a vibrant pink that makes your heart race a little faster, or a buttery yellow that feels like a warm hug. That feeling isn’t random—it’s real, and I like to call it dopamine color magic.

As an artist, color is the first language I speak. Before form, before story, it’s all about the mood I want to channel—and color does the heavy lifting. I like to think of my palettes as emotional landscapes. Each one is a portal, inviting you to feel something.

Whether it's the rush of neon against a canvas or the soft glow of pastel tones layered like a whisper, every palette I build holds intention. I ask myself: What do I want to feel? What do I want the viewer to feel? And that’s where the magic begins.

Over the years, I’ve noticed certain colors always light people up. They stop at my booth, smile, and say:“I don’t know what it is, but this painting just makes me happy.”Yes, my friend—that’s dopamine in action.

Here are a few palette moods I return to again and again:

Light of Day, signed 2023, Drica Lobo, Avaliable

Sunshine Tones – Think yellow, coral, soft orange. These are your “life feels good” colors. They remind us of summer, laughter, joy.

Selenophile, Drica Lobo, Available

Ocean Hues – Aqua, turquoise, deep blue. These calm the nervous system and offer clarity, stillness, breath.

Rise With the Light, signed 2025, Drica Lobo, Available

Power Colors – Fuchsia, electric green, cobalt. These shout confidence, boldness, movement.

Quarantine in Paradise, signed 2020, Drica Lobo, Original Available

Earth Neutrals – Rust, olive, sand, blush. These bring us home to our bodies. They ground. They soften. They restore.

Each collection I create tends to live in a certain color mood, and I often tell collectors: Don’t overthink it—let your body choose the painting. Your nervous system knows what you need.

If you’re drawn to a specific palette lately, pay attention. Color can be a mirror, revealing what your soul is craving.

So here’s your gentle nudge: what’s your dopamine palette right now? What colors are whispering to you?

If you’re not sure, take a peek at my latest collection [HERE] —and see what stirs something in you.

Color Your Life!

Drica