The Mechanics of Visualization: Value, Composition, and Color
Form, Tone, and Light
Form is the shape and substance of a thing.
Two dimensions shape: Square, Circle, and Triangle
Three dimensions: Cube, Sphere, and Pyramid/Cone
Tone because of light allows the eye to perceive 3D textures through the lightness and darkness of a color
Light also can create depth, mood, and atmosphere
Black: absence of light
White: a mixture of the seven components of the color spectrum
(it can be useful to design in B+W to understand the design without color distractions)
Composition
Composition is the ordering of shapes on the picture plane. Generally supposed to be eye pleasing. Variation of shapes can be a key to making good composition.
Format is the dimensions of an image (sizing or file type)
Main Elements
Vertical Element: Moves the eye from top to bottom
Horizontal Element: Moves the eye from left to the right
Diagonal Element: Moves the from one corner
Circular Element: Moves the eye circular or curving movement
Dominate Theories
The Golden Section:
The golden ratio, simply called the rule of thirds was invented by the ancient Greeks. The rule creates a classical and ordered composition This rule can be seen in nature, shells for example. The rule of third is used to find composition that is the most pleasing to the eye.
The Symmetrical Composition:
The main focus of a image is within the center of the picture plane, and is the same on either side. The eye focuses on the center, and allows quick information flow. Creates a direct and static composition
The Asymmetrical Composition:
A image that does not use symmetry, this helps create a dynamic and vibrant composition. Explored by Picasso as a reflection of nature.
Cropping
A way to zoom in or out of an image while creating a focus and a mood.
Not showing the whole image can stimulate an audience's imagination.
Used in the development of early film language.
Color within the image
Its important to understand the shifting relationship between colors.
Guiding Principles
Primary colors red, yellow, and blue, and are indivisible
Secondary colors the mixing of the primaries: green, orange, and violet.
Tertiary colors the mixing of primary and secondary colors: red-orange, yellow-green, blue-violet,
Key terms
Hue the intrinsic "color" of a color
Value the "lightness" or "darkness" of a color
Tint a lighter color than the pure hue
Shade a darker color than the pure hue
Chroma a combination of hue and saturation
High Chroma a saturated color in its purest strength
Low Chroma color in it's most muted, grayish form
Color Wheel a systematic mixing guide, based on Newton's spectrum, with the primary colors plotted at equal distances around the wheel and the other colors filling in the gaps between
Complementary Colors colors opposite each other on the color wheel
Color solid a three-dimensional mixing chart that combines a color wheel, a chroma chart, and a value chart
Color scheme the use of a restricted color palette
Monochromatic a color scheme that only uses variations (in tone) of one hue
Perceptual Transparency an illusion of transparency (or overlapping) created with flat, opaque colors, using two colors and their exact midway color
Simultaneous Contrast the way that a particular color is changed by it's neighboring color, the most extreme example being two complementary colors that highlight their neighbor's hue.
