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COLOR THEORY

Color in Art

Color Terms 3

A knowledge of color terms helps us to appreciate
the different ways that color may be used in art and design.

 

TONE

tone

 

Tone is the lightness or darkness of a color. It is used to suggest the effect of light and shade and to create the illusion of 3D form.

 

MATT and GLOSS COLOR

matt and gloss

 

These terms refer to the reflective qualities of color. The matt color of the cube and the cone creates a duller non-reflective surface, while the gloss color of the sphere and cylinder gives a brighter reflective finish. Artists mix mediums ( turpentine, linseed oil, acrylic emulsions) with paint to alter the matt or gloss effect of paint. A balance of matt and gloss effects on the surface of a painting could be a desired effect, but usually artists like even out the sheen of the surface by applying an overall matt or gloss varnish. Not only does this unify the color and surface but it also protects the painting from dust and dirt.

 

MONOCHROME and POLYCHROME COLOR

monochrome and polychrome

 

The term monochrome refers to the use of one color or various shades of one color in a single form. Polychrome refers to the use of many colors in one form.

 

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