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Temperature is another important consideration in color selection. Red is joined by orange and yellow to form the family of warm colors. Blue, centered on the opposite side of the color wheel, stands as the coolest of colors. We think of such color as warm or cool because of our associations: Fire looks red and feels hot; water looks blue and feels cool. The concept that warm colors project while cool colors recede is where this psychophysiology comes together. From experiencing the red-orange sun's warmth on our bodies while seeing blue sky and violet hills in the distance, we learn the push-and-pull associations of color temperature. Red, as an undeniable hot color, bolsters foreground closeness, and one must adjust temperature, intensity, and amount for it to be effective as a background color.
In terms of value, red (unmixed, undiluted) is midway between black and white, making it a logical choice for ground color. Although not a typical
one, compared with the gray or earth-tone ground of past centuries' traditions, red is similar in value. Adding white and black separately over a midtone surface to create a dimensional image is a proven method of many great masters, and in similar fashion, a red ground can provide an effective foundation for a full-color painting or drawing.
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Passing Through, ©1998, oil, 24" x 36" |
