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Colour and Shape
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Colours that Shock
The colours that shock are likely to be those of full saturation, well separated from each other across the spectrum or colour circle. The violent opposition of colours at full intensity can be further increased by the shapes that contain them. Splintered shapes, radiating lines and sunbursts reinforce the colours and make them appear stronger than they are. A piercing 'shriek' in colour can be brought about by spectral hues such as Yellow, Cyan and Magenta.
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Chromatic Power
Large rectilinear areas of colour, especially the additive primaries, Red, Green and Blue at high saturation make a big impact on the field of vision giving an effect of power and dynamism. Such colours have a vibrant and 'charged' appearance as if the colours are advancing towards one. These are the commanding colours that can appear to be charged with an inner life of their own.
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Colours of Moderation and Specificity
Colours of moderate impact are the natural-colours or Earths, as opposed to the florid or chemical dye colours. The classical palette of earths consisted of Red and Yellow Ochres with Black and White and sometimes Terre Verte and the Umbers. These are unambiguous and positive with little obtrusive-ness or ostentation. Mixed they make colours of very low intensity upon which focal points in brilliant hues and strong tone-contrasts stand out well.
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Subdued Colour
Delicate nuances can be mixed from a limited palette of primaries or in the case of paints, better still from Earth colours. Dark and sombre hues create effects of dream-like mystery, and the additives mix to give relaxing Browns, Olives and the cold dusky Blue-Violets. The warm Umbers and creamy Buffs also come into this range, greyish watery Greens and faded Rose, like hues of the Sung dynasty suggesting the mysterious, the weird and the inscrutable.
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Copyright © 2005 Micro Academy.
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