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Color Theory: Color Contrast

How one sees color is based on many things. Color is constantly changing. How a color appears can change based on perception, emotion, experience and the proximity of other colors. One color can take on many different hues depending upon which colors are adjacent to it.

A green placed next to a blue, which is complimentary to the green, will enhance the green hue’s cool values. However, if that green is placed next to a contrasting color like red or orange, the effect is dramatic. The two colors do not compliment each other and in fact “fight” against each other visually. The two appear to vibrate against each other. This is not merely a mental perception; there is a physical phenomenon at work here. An occurrence known as 'simultaneous contrast' may happen when opposing colors are placed in close proximity to each other. Objects or images may appear to vibrate, or cast a shadow when placed next to or within certain color fields. Eye strain and fatigue will result if a viewer focuses on a document displaying similar properties for an extended time period.

The placement on the color wheel helps inform us as to which colors are contrasting or complementary colors. We can feel this visually, but the wheel is a good guide for this phenomenon. Colors directly opposite each other on the color wheel are said to be contrasting colors. Orange and blue, red and green, yellow and purple, these colors are the polar opposites of each other. To a lesser degree, the colors adjacent to each of these are also in contrast with the main colors opposite.

These color combinations can be used in creating tension, aggression and emotion when employed effectively. The relationship between these colors can make images or fields of color appear to have greater depth and separation. Contrasting colors are used quite often in signage to aid in readability and recognition. Black and yellow or black and white are very common combinations used to achieve this.

The artist can use contrasting colors in many ways. Adding a complementary or contrasting color to another color is a basic way to create shadows in a painting. A contrasting color can be used to help overcome the viewers fatigue for the predominance of a particular color. Two contrasting colors, such as red and green can be used to create tension in order to imply or enhance a mood of conflict or aggression. The two colors figuratively “fighting” each other can be employed effectively to extend that feeling to the canvas. A field of green grass covering the canvas feels harmonious. Throw a red ball into the picture and tension is created. At the very least, the eye is drawn to that contrast and it becomes a focal point.

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