3-2 Contrast Explained

Key Concepts Related to Contrast

Contrast in art refers to the difference or opposition between elements within a composition. It enhances visual interest and can guide the viewer's eye through the artwork. Key concepts include color contrast, value contrast, and texture contrast.

Color Contrast

Color contrast involves the use of colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel. This creates a striking visual effect and can make certain elements stand out. Complementary colors, such as red and green, blue and orange, and yellow and purple, are often used to achieve color contrast.

Example: In Vincent van Gogh's "Starry Night," the contrast between the dark blues of the sky and the bright yellows of the stars and moon creates a dynamic and visually engaging composition.

Value Contrast

Value contrast refers to the difference between light and dark areas in an artwork. High value contrast can create a sense of depth and drama, while low value contrast can create a more subdued and harmonious effect. Artists use value contrast to create highlights and shadows, adding realism to their work.

Example: In Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa," the high value contrast between the light areas of her face and the dark background creates a sense of depth and mystery, drawing the viewer's eye to her enigmatic smile.

Texture Contrast

Texture contrast involves the use of different surface qualities within a composition. This can be achieved through the use of actual textures, such as rough and smooth surfaces, or through the illusion of texture created by brushstrokes and shading. Texture contrast adds tactile interest and can make the artwork feel more dynamic and engaging.

Example: In the work of Louise Nevelson, her sculptures made from found objects with varying textures, such as wooden scraps and metal pieces, create a rich, tactile contrast that adds to the visual and physical appeal of her art.

Examples and Analogies

Think of contrast as the difference between night and day. Just as the stark contrast between darkness and light creates a dramatic shift in our environment, the contrast in art creates a dynamic shift in the viewer's perception. Another analogy is the contrast between soft and hard surfaces, such as the difference between a feather and a rock, which can evoke different sensory experiences.