Art and Color Theory: Principles, Color Systems, and Contrast Flashcards

ART 120

Balance

Equal visual weight (symmetrical or asymmetrical) (1/8 design principles)

Contrast

Differences that create visual interest (light/dark, rough/smooth, etc.) (7/8 design principles)

Emphasis

Focal point; what draws the viewer's attention (2/8 design principles)

Movement

Directs the viewer's eye through the artwork (3/8 design principles)

Pattern

Repetition of elements to create order and structure (4/8 design principles)

Rhythm

Repetition with variation; creates a sense of motion (5/8 design principles)

Unity

Sense of harmony and completeness (6/8 design principles)

Variety

Differences that make the composition interesting (8/8 design principles)

Additive Color System

Mixing light (RGB: Red, Green, Blue). Used in screens.

Subtractive Color System

Mixing pigments (RYB or CMY). Used in painting and printing.

Monochromatic

One hue with different tints/shades (e.g., light to dark blue).

Analogous

Colors next to each other on the wheel (e.g., red, red-orange, orange).

Complementary

Opposite colors on the wheel (e.g., red & green).

Triadic

Three evenly spaced colors (e.g., red, yellow, blue).

Tetradic

when mixed gives you a chromatic grey

Primary Colors

Red, Blue, Yellow

Secondary Colors

Orange, Green, Violet (Purple)

Tertiary Colors

Red-Orange, Yellow-Orange, Yellow-Green, Blue-Green, Blue-Violet, Red-Violet

Complementary Pairs

Red ↔ Green, Blue ↔ Orange, Yellow ↔ Purple

Hue

The color's position on the color wheel.

Intensity

Brightness AND dullness of a color.

Chroma

Purity of a color.

Simultaneous Contrast

When one color appears different depending on its background.

Transparent Overlap

Overlapping transparent pigments to create a new color.

Hue Contrast

Opposing hues (red vs blue).

Light-Dark Contrast

Opposing values (light vs dark).

Cool-Warm Contrast

Cool (blue, green) vs warm (red, orange).

Complementary Contrast

Opposite colors on the color wheel.

Saturation Contrast

Intense vs dull versions of the same hue.

Extension (Proportion) Contrast

Area size affects balance of colors.

Josef Albers

Studied color relativity and interaction of color.