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Basic colour theory
Basic colour theory
In this video you will learn the names of different groups of colours
Different combinations of these colours can be used for visual effect
How a work of art or design looks and what we feel about it depends on a number of colour choices:
Colour relationship – are there similar, harmonious colours or very different, contrasting colours?
Colour temperature – how warm or cool are the colours used?
Strength of colour – are pure hues, lighter tints, darker shades or less vibrant tones used?
Emotional response – what moods or feelings do the colours suggest?
Colours Can have meaning
Colours Can have meaning
This video discusses some of the meanings behind colours. This can help you when writing about colour in the exam.
What a colour means can be subjective and varies based on opinion. This video also discusses some other meanings behind colour.
When analysing the work of artists you must always use all of the visual clues available to you to form opinions on the work.
Red - Love, passion, romance, excitement, danger, blood/death
Green - Nature, cool, money, freshness, growth, sickness, jealousy
Yellow - Happiness, warmth, cheery, laughter, lighthearted
Orange - Happiness, enthusiasm, energy, warmth, superficiality, arrogance, or pride
Blue - Sadness, loneliness, cold, calm, serenity, freshness
Purple - Royal (purple was a colour used by royalty), expensive, wealth, power, luxury, nobility
Although not colours, white and black also have a lot of associations.
White - Purity, innocence, cleanliness, space, neutrality, goodness, coolness, high tech,
Black - Evil, darkness, fear, death, intelligence, strength, elegance, mystery
Example Exam Answers - Colour
Example Exam Answers - Colour
When answering a question it's good practice to have structure for each point you make.
What - Name the visual element or expressive effect
Where - Describe exactly where in the painting it is
Why - Analyse what the impact of the element used has on the overall visual impact or mood and atmosphere of the piece.
Key - What - Blue, Where - Red, Why - Purple
Still Life with Bowl of Citrons (late 1640s) by Giovanna Garzoni, tempera paint on vellum (28 x 36 cm) (vellum, prepared animal skin)
Still Life with Bowl of Citrons (late 1640s) by Giovanna Garzoni, tempera paint on vellum (28 x 36 cm) (vellum, prepared animal skin)
The artist has chosen to paint a dark black background which makes the focal point of the yellow lemons and green grapes contrast and stand out, this improves visual impact by emphasising the focal point.
The artist has chosen to paint the small flowers located in the left and centre of the painting white. This helps them to stand out against the yellow lemons, dark background and brown table. Making them a secondary focal point within the painting as the viewer's eye is drawn to them as they break up the bold yellow lemons leading your eye to other areas in the painting.
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