Function of Light

Properties of Color

Expressive Qualities

Optical Effects

Contrast

Simultaneous contrast describes the way in which the differences between two colors are intensified by bringing them into direct contact with one another. The value or intensity of a color can appear to be increased or diminished, depending on its neighboring colors. Complementary colors placed side by side will tend to intensify each other and warm colors will appear warmer when placed next to a cool color. This variability shows that colors should not be chosen on the basis of their inherent qualities alone, rather an artist must consider how colors will appear in combination.
 

Using the arrows above, slide the gray bars from left to right, (or up and down with the diagonal bars). To prove that the colors are not changing, hold down the button between the arrows to remove the background. Select any color for the background or foreground and the effect remains the same.