diff --git a/sloth/items/items.py b/sloth/items/items.py
index bab6e9c..6f223cd 100644
--- a/sloth/items/items.py
+++ b/sloth/items/items.py
@@ -22,20 +22,30 @@ class BaseItem(QAbstractGraphicsShapeItem):
                       QGraphicsItem.ItemIsMovable | \
                       QGraphicsItem.ItemSendsGeometryChanges | \
                       QGraphicsItem.ItemSendsScenePositionChanges)
-        if model_item is not None:
-            c = model_item.getColor()
-            if c is not None:
-                self.setColor(c)
-            else:
-                self.setColor(Qt.yellow)
 
         self._model_item = model_item
+        if self._model_item is not None:
+            self._model_item.model().dataChanged.connect(self.onDataChanged)
+
+        self.changeColor()
 
         # initialize members
         self.text_ = ""
         self.text_bg_brush_ = None
         self.auto_text_keys_ = []
 
+    def changeColor(self):
+        if self._model_item is not None:
+            c = self._model_item.getColor()
+            if c is not None:
+                self.setColor(c)
+                return
+        self.setColor(Qt.yellow)
+
+    def onDataChanged(self, indexFrom, indexTo):
+        if indexFrom == self._model_item.index():
+            self.changeColor()
+
     def modelItem(self):
         """
         Returns the model item of this items.