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).
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.- 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.
Artist, Claire West Painterprintmaker creates wonderful contrast through complementary colours - see example below.
Claire West Painterprintmaker |
| See original Facebook post here |
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| See original Facebook post here |
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| See original Facebook post here |
And, jewellery designer Marie les bas bleus also uses complementary colours to create contrast magnificently.
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.
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.
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| 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
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| See original Facebook post here |
Below is a mix, can you identify where complementary or harmonious has been used?
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| See original Facebook post here |
Pantone Color
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| See original Facebook post here. |
Kreative kisses,
Donagh
