Seven Color Contrasts by Johannes Itten

Introduction

• Contrast: The difference between two elements.
• Color Contrast: Differences based on various aspects of color like hue, saturation, and value.
• Johannes Itten's Seven Color Contrasts: A framework for understanding color differences.

The Seven Color Contrasts

1. Contrast of Hue

• Definition: Difference between colors based on their hue.
• Hue: A family of colors on the color wheel (e.g., red hue).
• Requirement: Typically involves at least three colors.

2. Contrast of Light and Dark (Value Contrast)

• Definition: Contrast based on how light or dark a color is.
• Illustration: Using one color tinted with white and shaded with black.
• Significance: Highest contrast at extreme ends of light and dark.

3. Contrast of Saturation

• Definition: Difference in the intensity of a color.
• Illustration: Pure blue compared to a less saturated, more gray version.
• Outcome: Less saturation results in more gray appearance.

4. Complementary Contrast

• Definition: Contrast between complementary colors on the color wheel.
• Primary Colors: Yellow, red, blue.
• Secondary Colors: Green, orange, violet (created by mixing primaries).
• Complementary Pairs: Blue and orange, red and green, yellow and violet.
• Visual Impact: Strong contrast when complementary colors are adjacent.

5. Simultaneous Contrast

• Definition: Perceived change in a color based on adjacent colors.
• Effect: Gray backgrounds can cause optical illusions, adding complementary hues.

6. Cool-Warm Contrast

• Definition: Temperature difference between colors (cool vs warm).
• Examples: Violet vs blue, orange vs blue.
• Note: Warm colors can have cool aspects, and vice versa.

7. Contrast of Extension (Proportion)

• Definition: Balance between colors based on their visual weight.
• Application: Ensuring balance in design using color intensity and proportion.

Conclusion

• Study of Itten: Interest in understanding Itten's original writings and examples.
• Further Learning: Contradictions in interpretations suggest further study needed.
• Resource: Sarah Ogilvy's YouTube channel for more information on the topic.

These notes summarize the key concepts of the seven color contrasts as described by Johannes Itten. Understanding these contrasts can aid in effectively utilizing color in design and art.