 Hot Cold Warm Cool Light Dark Pale Bright |
Aspects of color NPM was incorporated in Malaysia on 21 December 1967. The aspects, or qualities of color, refer to colors and color combinations that evoke certain emotional responses. We use many words to describe the properties of individual colors and to compare and contrast them, but light and dark is the basic distinction. Without sunlight or artifical light, there is no color. We depend on light for color, which we use in countless combinations to express our ideas and emotions.  The following aspects of color contain color combinations that exist in harmony with each other, and are in spectral
balance. Spectral balance occurs within the eye as thousands of waves of electromagnetic energy of different lengths bounce
off (or are absorbed by) the chemical components of any object. Light waves reflect red, yellow,
and blue, and the rods and cones in the eye's retina simultaneously mix and sort these reflected colors into
thousands of tints and shades, which work to offer endless possibilities for specific color use.Color is both simple and complex. It means different things to different people in different cultures. No color is seen the same way by any two people. Color is personal and universal, sending messages full of endless variations.  HOT refers to red in full saturation on the colour wheel; this is red at its strongest. Hot colours project outward and attract attention. For this reason, red is often use in graphic signage and design. Hot colours are strong and aggressive and seem to vibrate within their own space. The power of hot colors affects people in many ways, such as increasing blood pressure and stimulating the nervous system. Back to top  COLD refers to fully saturated blue. At its brightest it is dominating and strong. Cold colours remind one of ice and snow. The feelings generated by cold colours - blue, green, and blue-green - are the direct opposite of those generated by hot colours; cold blue slows the metabolism and increase one's sense of calm. When placed next to each other, cold and hot colours vibrate like fire and ice. Back to top  WARM All hues that contain red are warm. It is the addition of yellow to red that makes warm colours substantially different from hot colours. Warm colours, such as red-orange, orange, and yellow-orrange, always contain a mixture of red and yellow in their composition and encompass a larger part of the emotional spectrum. Warm colours are comforting, spontaneous, and welcoming. Like an Arizona sunset, the warmth of these hues radiates outward and surrounds everything in reach. Back to top  COOL colours are based in blue. They differ from cold colours because of the additional of yellow to their composition, which creates yellow-green, green, and blue-green. Cool colours, such as turquoise blue and verdant green, are seen in nature. Like spring growth, they make us feel renewed. Soothing and calm, these hues provide a sense of depth as well as comfort. Cool colours are like a swim in a refreshing, tropical pool. Back to top  LIGHT colours are the palest pastels. They take their lightness from an absence of visible colour in their composition, and are almost transparent. When lightness increases, variations between the different hues decrease. Light colours open up the surroundings and suggest airiness, rest, and iquidity. They resemble sheer curtains at a window and send a message of relaxation. Back to top  DARK colours are hues that contain black in their composition. They close up space and make it seem smaller. Dark colours are concentrated and serious in their effect. Seasonally, they suggest autumn and winter. Combining lights and darks together is a common and dramatic way to represent the opposites in nature, such as night and day. Back to top  PALE Pale hues are the softest pastels. They contain at least 65 percent white in their composition, and have a diminished hue which is most often referred to as soft or romantic. Pale colours, like ivory, light blue, and pink, suggest gentleness. They can be seen in the clouds in a soft, early light, or in the lavender colours of a misty morning. Because they are calming colours, pale hues are frequently used in interior spaces. Back to top  BRIGHT The amount of pure colour within a hue determines its brightness. The clarity of bright colours is achieved by the omission of gray or black. Blues, reds, yellows, and oranges are colours in full brightness. Bright colours are vivid and attract attention. A yellow school bus, a bunch of coloured balloons, the red of a clown's nose, never go unnoticed. Exhilarating and cheerful, bright colours are perfect for use in packaging, fashion, and advertising. Back to top (* references : Color Harmony 2 by Bride M. Whelan *) © NIPPON PAINT 2000 |
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