Introduction
Color theory is widely defined but in visual art, it is defined as the realistic control in mixing of colors and the effects to vision of specific color combinations. It encompasses a multiple of applications, design and concepts. However, at hand are three classes of the color theory: the context of the usage of colors, the harmony and the color wheel.
The color wheel is based on blue, yellow and red the traditionally primary colors. Isaac Newton developed the first color wheel in 1666. Since then artists and scientists embark on studies for the various concepts and designs of the color wheel. Color harmony is the appealing arrangement of parts of colors. Color harmony engages and creates a balance of vision to the viewer thus creating an inner sense or perception of the prevailing arrangement (Hinchey 10). Color context is the behavior of colors in relation to other colors and shapes and the way they form complex are of the theory of color. Color context create a comparison and contrast of color backgrounds.
The choices and the meaning that people attach to colors affect them more than one could thing. In various societies colors area associated with various different things. Colors are attached different meaning beyond the simplified visionary and naming that is universal to all with exception of those with visionary or color disorders (Hinchey 20). Some studies document that various person feel and appeal to colors more than they see them.
The various color presentations and designs are intentioned to create and influence various moods. The description of moods being feeling blue, green with envy and seeing red confirms the link between colors and human behavior. Colors thus can set mood based on the attached concerns and meaning to prevalent colors (Hinchey 23). For instance, red colors are associated with blood hence horrific things. Psychologists attach poor eating habits to this color. A person using a red plate will always develop impaired appetite. In designs, the red color means something different all together as it creates an attention towards the wearer of a red cloth. The ability of colors to set moods or attract attention is dependent on how interaction and the experience of the viewer with the color.
Scholars attach various reasoning to the differentiated reaction of individuals with various colors. "We react on multiple levels of association with colors -- there are social or culture levels as well as personal relationships with particular colors" Richter painted for ideological reasons. For instance, after his escape from East to West of Germany he painted two windows on the walls. He called the wall painting joy of life. As every artist has purpose for his or her artistic work, Richter’s paintings were based on the desire to address the society through the work of art. In the abstract painting, he proves to be utilizing the theory of color to address the issues to the society around him. The painting is presented without any wording and he is asked to explain he claims that he was trying to let something come out rather than creating it. His works based on the color mixing to appeal to peoples’ minds and feelings. He uses the three categories of color theory effectively though he based more on the context of color and the color harmony.
Works Cited
Hinchey, Mike, et al. Color theory and its application in art and design. Springer Publishing Company, Incorporated, 2008.
Storr, Robert, and Gerhard Richter, eds. Gerhard Richter: Forty Years of Painting [Catálogo de Exposición]. The Museum of Modern Art, 2002.
