Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Contrast

The photo above provides an excellent example of an effective use of contrast. Color contrast works effectively in this piece because there is a single, bright red flower standing along side in a vibrant, green background. In this example, colors that are opposite of each other contrasts strongly when they are in position with one another. The vividness of the red also creates a "pop-out" effect that is easily visible by the eye. The boldness of the red simply grabs our attention, as contrast sharpens this photo. Since there are only two colors presented in this photo, both colors accentuates the other. Most importantly, color contrast works better when few colors are involved. In addition, since green and red are the only colors existing in this image, the combination of colors provide larger color masses. 
The image above demonstrates a poor use of contrast. The use of the additional colors decreases the level of contrast in the image. Also, the image becomes overwhelming as each color clashes with one another. In order to achieve a high-contrast image, less colors should be used, so that the image's focal point will be able to stand out. Most importantly, the main purpose of contrasting is to sharpen an image, but since numerous colors are presented in the image, the image fails to grab the attention of the viewer. Besides being distracted by the many shades of hues, the different types/sizes of text and lettering in the image also adds to the image's poor use of contrast. Because of the different sizes of lettering, the audience cannot distinguish which words are of in most importance in the website. All in all, this image portrays a bad example of contrast since none of the colors compliment or accentuate each other. 

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Movement/Motion

The JAWS 3D sidewalk illusion above provides a perfect example of implied motion. As a result of implied motion, it seems as if the shark is fully aware of his surroundings and is ready for his meal. The water splashes surrounding the scene indicates action in the water. The texture of the water is decorated with scattered patches which denote movement as well. Furthermore, the implied motion of the shark results in a forcible separation of the bricks. The irruption of the bricks creates a "pop-out" effect and makes the picture come to life. In order for this 3D illusion to be successful in implied movement, a body should be placed in the shark's mouth. Once an individual is present with the shark, the picture becomes realistic, and implied motion takes place. Due to its heavy detail, and accuracy, activity and motion is easily detected.

In the photo above, the bronze statues also represents a perfect example of implied motion. Based on our prior knowledge of the world, we interpret these statues to be playing around with each other or jumping off of a monument. By the looks of his stance, the statue that is closest to the ground seems as if he has jumped off the monument with his legs apart and his hands wide open. Movement is also introduced as the statue directly above the jumping statue looks as if he is being pushed by the other sculpture. The statue being pushed has a surprised look on its face, which provides the audience with a sense of suspense as to what will follow. The statue viewing the commotion behind the ropes, serves as an indicator of movement. His interest in the scene adds to the illusion that some action is occurring. 

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Dimension/Depth/Space/Scale

The Alice in Wonderland movie poster above provides an excellent example of depth cues. Scale is present in this image as the tall, overgrown mushrooms dominate the poster. Also, as you look over to the right corner of the image, you can easily see the shadows of an oversized cat that has been altered to scale so that it provides comparison to the other characters presented in the poster. Since scale is involved, we can simply detect the main characters of the movie. The use of spacing on the poster also helps us understand where each character/object rests on the photo, and most importantly, space allows the audience to see a balance in dimension. The overlap of the characters and objects of this design provides depth as well. We can observe the many layers of depth as each character and object is placed in its certain location. Relative height also exists since each character is placed separately on a horizontal line, and each character appears to be bigger/smaller than the other depending on their position. Also, the surface extends away from the observer as they pay attention to the texture gradient of the photo.  

Source: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWFxADYQPqawLrKEm1wwhuqhGNNXlMZIWxWlENzkl483VVKLUcN2pt_lMC64KZO4-ULfTy-TcrcrKzAmM5QalQc3WFfGIgoyzw2khgp7BFjCgxIFA6ger9bkW2_JG4VXgYq-gvvuiUlW0/s1600/aliceinwonderland-11.jpg

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Tone & Color

In this example, the tone of the image is mainly found in the background of the design. Tone is operating in this particular image because there are different tonal values of blue and purple. If the tones of blue and purple were absent, we would not be able to distinguish the movement of the coloring in the sky. The character placed in the center of the image is made with duller colors, which provides a "pop-out" effect since it is surrounded by vibrant shades of blues and purples, with touches of yellows and greens. 
Texture and tone interact in this image. At the upper portion of the image, you can notice a circular texture that someone depicts a water wave. The texture gradient definitely communicates depth. It also creates interest as one may feel curious to touch the wave. 

In this example, harmonic color schemes are involved. As you can see, the blue and purple areas of the image easily attract the eyes, as it naturally blends in with one another. Brighter colors are also added in the center of the image, which provides a pleasing consistency throughout the entire image since all of the colors mesh well together. The colors presented in this photo gives us sense of balance and coordination. Also, with the fading of the sky, the color choice allows us to feel a certain type of mood, as each color links to emotion.  
In this example, color interacts with scale. The character placed in the center is made much larger than the character placed on top of the bigger character's body.