Color Theory

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Color theory or the study of the effects of color and the mixing of colors has been in existence since the time of Plato and Aristotle. The notebooks of Leonardo DaVinci and the writings of Leone Battista Alberti make mention of color theory principles during the 1400's. (wikipedia) With each advance in thought, technology and visual arts has come either an expansion of color theory or a innovate new approach. Theorist Charles Hayter (1761-1835) made a major contribution in proposing a triangle of the basic colors red, yellow and blue from which all other colors could be created. A major leap from the mere mixing of colors came about with the studies of Micheal Eugene Chevruels (1786-1889) when he espoused that visual perception of colors was affected by what other colors were near them. He is credited with discovering the “law of simultaneous contrast of colors” and provided a means of sorting colors to obtain the best possible effect according to the taste of the person who combines them. His study proved that colors of different contrasts placed side by side will make those that are lighter appear lighter and those which are darker appear darker. (Rompilla, 2005) With the industrial revolution of the 1800s and rapidly expanding home furnishing industry during the late 20th century came a need to standardize and classify colors (Rompilla, 2005) Enter Wilhelm Ostwald and Albert Munsell. Ostwald's theorem was based on color harmony he observed that certain colors were harmonious to the eye while others were unpleasant. (www.colorsystem.com) He believed that a 'color order' would help to determine which color combinations were most harmonious. Albert Munsell created a numerical system of color classification based on the valu... ... middle of paper ... ...nd live it. In his defense, I believe his train of thought was about harmony and in his view the used of only vivid color without tints, tones or shades was inharmonious. I see his views on aesthetics of color in home and public place as appropriate since these are environments in which harmony and a feeling of well being is desirable. Birren's theory of synaesthesia, or the association of the visual and other senses such as taste is an interesting one that this author would like to further investigate. Works Cited http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Color_theory Rompilla, Ethel and New York School of Interior Design (2005), Color for Interior Design Location: New York, NY (pgs. 90-91, 100) http://www.studyarthistory.com/josef-albers---color-theory-255.php?g=20 http://www.wonderfulcolors.org/blog/birren-color-theory/ http://www.worqx.com/color/itten.htm

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