Understanding Color Theory and Composition in Art
Color Theory Fundamentals
Color Concept: Color is a natural phenomenon perceived due to several factors.
The Sense of Sight: The human eye possesses cells sensitive to color and light.
Chemical Properties: Bodies have properties that allow them to absorb or reject certain color waves. Rejected waves are those that reach our eyes.
Light: Sunlight, though appearing white, contains all colors.
Additive Synthesis
Additive synthesis involves mixing light colors. The primary light colors are violet, red, and green. Secondary colors, obtained by mixing two primaries, are yellow, magenta, and cyan. Mixing a primary color with its complement achieves white light.
Color Pigment
Color pigment differs from light. Pigments are substances used to represent color, such as crayons and tempera.
Subtractive Mixture
Subtractive mixing involves mixing pigment colors (primary and secondary).
Color in the Image
Graphic images are printed with overlapping layers of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. This overlap results in a full-color image, known as four-color process.
Harmony, Contrast, and Stridency
Harmony is generated when colors share common elements. Contrast occurs when colors oppose each other.
Range: A set of interrelated colors.
- Hot: Red predominates.
- Cold: Blue predominates.
- Achromatic: Black and white.
- Chromatic: One color + black and white.
Color Dimensions
Color can be classified by three dimensions:
- Tone/Hue: The color name.
- Saturation/Intensity: The purity of the color.
- Value/Brightness: The degree of brightness relative to white or black.
Principles of Composition
Concept of Composition
Composition refers to the arrangement of different parts to constitute a work of art. Its purpose is to achieve coherent unity and harmony.
Format
The format is the primary compositional element. It influences and determines the forms to be created.
Compositional Laws
Traditional composition follows certain laws:
Law of Balance
A central figure is placed in the center, with elements balanced on both sides.
Law of Compensation
Figures or groups are moved to one side and offset by other elements on the opposite side.
Compositional Symmetry
Forms are grouped around an axis or point.
Compositional Rhythm
Rhythm introduces dynamism and can be uniform, alternating, increasing, or decreasing.
Balance in Composition
Compositional equilibrium is related to visual weight. Forms at the right or lower margins and the center carry more weight.
Center of Interest
The compositional scheme should consider a point or points of interest that serve as the visual nucleus. These centers of interest can be a figure with significant visual weight or the convergence of gazes.