9 CONTRAST
I. Contrast
a. Describes larger differences in the elements of a design
b. Used to add interest, change pace, develop or underscore a mood
c. Visual examples are natural/ manufactured objects, large/small, dark/light, rough/smooth, shallow/deep
II. Contrasting Materials
a. Combines two or more distinct materials within a single design
b. Architects use stell, brick, concrete wood, and glass to contrast
III. Line Contrasts
a. Contrasts can be achieved by combining different types of lines such as short, bold lines with long spidery ones, or horizontal and vertical lines.
b. combinations of media can achieve contrast as well. Bold lines from a marker combined with soft pastel ones can create contrast
IV. Using Shape, Form, and Size
a. Shapes and forms offer artists ways of creating contrast.
b. Rounded/square, natural/manufactured, organic/geometric
V. Contrasting Dark and Light
a. Light/shade
b. Natural light/artificial light
VI. Color Contrasts
a. Warm colors/ cool colors
b. Vibrant, bold colors/ soft, muted colors
c. Complementary colors next to one another
d. Complementary colors are any two colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel
VII. Contrasting Textures
a. The sharp texture of barbed wire against the vulnerability of flesh on a soldiers face
b. Heavy textures against areas of lighter, lesser texture provide balance to a work
VIII. Contrasts of Time and Style
a. An artist may choose a style or technique that dislocates or transports the viewer.
Masami Teraoka, “Namiyo at Hanauma Bay,”
1985, lithograph, 24 7/8'' x 35 7/8''.
b. This particular piece looks similar to ones done hundreds of years ago, but whe you look closely, you can see the figure is holding modern snorkel gear. This gives the work a sense of irony.
