We have to be able to see and differentiate colors before we could create paintings, either to express a concept or for pure pleasure. Although not all paintings appeal to everyone, yet anyone can experience the joys from either creating or appreciating paintings.
When we say "seeing" something, most of the time we are referring to observation of an existence at a superficial level, merely looking at the physique of things or objects. And then we recognize them by associating the image with a familiar encounter through past experiences.
To differentiate colors is to detect the separation and saturation of colors. As we allow our eyes to take in an outer form of an object or the facade of an entity, the images are sectioned and analysed separately.
The effects of contrasting colors can be amplified, and applied onto a medium (such as paper or canvas) with the help of tools and paint, thus, paintings are created. It is a direct way the artist can express a perceived image in the mind.
Under ordinary circumstances, for someone to appreciate what a painting depicts, it has to be recognizable, which is dependent on what the artist wants others to conceive of the painting. The artist is not at all obligated to create anything that is readily accepted by everyone, and that allows the enjoyment of making the painting as personal as he/she sees fit.
Some artists prefer to express their perception through paintings that are readily empathized by the majority of people almost instantaneously upon first sight; while some prefer to layout their work in a more abstract, implicit manner, in hopes of provoking a more profound concept or to create a sense of mystery. Of course, the skills of the artist greatly impacts the outcome of the painting. An artist's ability, to effectively detect and differentiate colors and eventually conveying that into the painting, determines whether or not the creation would be appealing to others, either the conventional way or otherwise.