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In living color
Try imagining life without color. It's such an inherent part of our
sensory experience that we intuitively associate certain colors with
emotions, moods, and objects. But since we understand color so
instinctively, our perceptions of color may seem inconsistent. We can
never be sure whether other people see a color the same as we do, or
whether they'd use the same words to describe the same colors. For
example, we might all agree on the names for the colors of these first
two squares below, but how would you describe the next two?
True colors
We are much better at distinguishing shape than color. Look at the two
pairs of triangles below. One pair differs slightly in shape but not in
color; the other in color but not in shape. Now close your eyes and try
to recall these differences from memory.
Lighting the way
Our perception of color also depends upon context. The colors we see in
a work of art depend greatly upon ambient light and the color and
texture of the wall behind it. In the painting below by NextMonet
artist David Morrow, notice the relative brightness of the image on the
right. This image seems to jump out at us, while the image on the left
in the pale frame seems to recede.
For a simple review of how color affects us, click on Color theory.
For a discussion of how artists use color, click on Color in art.
Color theory
Color in art
Next: Color theory
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