Contrast and Colour

Aspire Gallery Online is slowing progressing. I am in a desperate need to start painting myself and find most of my time is spent more on editing and the intricate nuances involved with the website. However, creating the website is not all about dry programming, the aesthetics are of equally important......It is these two contrasting elements that need to work within the constraints, yet remain balanced, that will make the website appealing.

A clever artist can also manipulate contrast to create a desirable piece. Contrasting colour in an artwork, for example, can make the work pop, yet also remain balanced.

So, how does an artist achieve this?

One way is to use complementary colours, because when placing complentary colours next to each other they appear brighter and more intense. Providing complementary colours are used in a ratio effect, they will also create balance to the eye, yet at the same time make a component pop.

In simplistic terms, complementary colours are opposite each other on the colour wheel  (example: red and green).

However, a better definition is that 
- the complementary colour of a primary colour (red, blue, or yellow) is the colour you get by mixing the other two primary colours  Hence, the complementary colour of red is green, of blue is orange, and of yellow is purple.

- the complementary of a secondary colour is the primary colour that wasn't used to make it. The complementary colour of green is red, of orange is blue, and of purple is yellow.

Artist, Claire West Painterprintmaker creates wonderful contrast through complementary colours - see example below.

Claire West Painterprintmaker

See original Facebook post here

Another artist that uses contrast effectively with complementary colours is Marie O'Driscoll

See original Facebook post here

See original Facebook post here

And, jewellery designer Marie les bas bleus  also uses complementary colours to create contrast magnificently. 

See original Facebook post here

See original Facebook post here

Analogous colours can also create contrast, though a little thought is required. Analogous colours are colours that are next to each other on the color wheel and thus when placed next to each other they create serenity.

To create contrast with analogous colours - choose one colour to dominate, a second to support and a third colour  (along with black, white or grey) as an accent.

See original image here

Another way to create an effective contrast is to use analogous colours in the rainbow effect. This works because although analogous, the eye doesn't stay focused on one area but scans the whole and identifies differences.


The Creative Crochet Collection

See original Facebook post here

Below is a mix, can you identify where complementary or harmonious has been used?

See original Facebook post here

Lastly, only one colour but an amazing list of contrast being created, through tone, shape or texture......all very clever.

Pantone Color

See original Facebook post here.

Kreative kisses,
Donagh