Contrast is one of the main principles of art and refers to arranging opposite elements to create visual interest. Contrast can be created through differences in light and dark colors, rough and smooth textures, large and small shapes, or thick and thin lines. Several artworks are discussed as examples of using contrast between organic and geometric shapes, colors and textures in nature photographs, complimentary colors and sizes in a still life, curved and straight lines in a woodcut print, and focused versus blurred space in a photography.

1. PRINCIPLE OF ART:
By Bernard E. Richardson | Master Teacher & Art Educator | 2022
© Bernard E. Richardson | 2022

2. • CONTRAST is one of the main principles of art.
• CONTRAST refers to the arrangement of opposite elements within a design
or work of art to create visual interest and excitement.

3. • CONTRAST also means a difference between two things.
• It applies to the elements of art for example:
• Light colours vs. dark colours • Rough textures vs. smooth textures
• Large vs. small shapes • Thick vs. thin lines
Black and White
Complimentary colours

4. Contrast in Artwork
Henri Matisse
“Pink Nude”
1936
The contrast is created between the organic
shape and size of the reclining figure and
the geometric tiles she is resting on.

5. Contrast in Artwork
In this photograph contrast is created between the colour
and texture of the leaves and the dried tree bark in the
background.
The green and red leaves with their smooth texture creates
a difference (contrast) as they stand out from the dried
grey rough textured tree bark background.
Bernard E. Richardson
“Resting”
Photography
2022

6. Contrast in Artwork
Contrast is captured through the use of colour and size of
the objects in the still life composition.
The pair of complimentary colours – yellow and purple
creates excitement while the size of the bottle and the
apples in relation to the purple grapes adds interest to the
composition.

7. Contrast in Artwork
In this Wood-cut print the artist uses numerous curved
flowing and almost straight lines to create the
contrasting areas of the black and white colour bringing
the composition to life
Lilian Sten-Nicholson
“Root of Waters 3”
Wood-cut Print
2008

8. Contrast in Artwork
Bernard E. Richardson
“Regal white”
Photography
2021
This photograph shows the idea of using space to create
contrast. The flowers in the foreground are in focus while
the background is blurred or out of focus which indicates
that it is in the distance (far away).
This creates the contrast of space through distance, far
away vs. near.

9. Image Courtesies
• http://stephthesteve.weebly.com/uploads/5/2/4/6/52464809/9994191_orig.jpg
• Whittle, Janice (editor). 2008. QPG Annual 2008. Barbados:National Cultural Foundation
• http://whsdesignandphoto.weebly.com/uploads/2/4/5/2/24522864/editor/9732814_1.jpg?15192389
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10. The End