 |
The pure color (hue) contrast
This results when pure colors are used in random combinations. White and black can further enhance the vivid effect.
example The Living Brain, cover of a Spiderman Comic. |
 |
The contrast of saturation
This is the contrast between luminous and dull colors. Colors can be subdued by the addition of black, white, gray or complementary colors.
example Le Portugais by Georges Braque
|
 |
The contrast of light and dark
This is based on the use of different values of the colors. All colors can be tinted with white and shaded with black.
Example The Madonna of the Meadows by Raphael
|
 |
The contrast of complements
Complementary colors occupy opposite positions on the color wheel. When they are mixed, the result is a neutral gray-black. When adjacent, complementary colors mutually intensify their luminosity to a maximum.
example The Night Cafe by Vincent van Gogh
|
 |
The contrast of warm and cool
The contrast is formed by the juxtaposition of hues considered 'warm' or 'cool.' This is often the easiest contrast to achieve a perceived a 3D effect due to the advancing and receding characteristics of most warm colors in relation to cool colors.
example The Burning of the Houses of Parliament by JMW Turner |
 |
The contrast of quantity
They are the result of the juxtaposition of little and much, small and large. The surface devoted to each color influences their impact on compositions. Creating balanced compositions calls for more than devoting equal space to each color. The brightness and saturation of each hue must also be taken into account. The lighter a hue, the greater its impact and the lower its need for space. The more saturated or bright the color is, the more powerful is its effect.
example The Joy of Life by Henri Matisse |
