The Bezold Effect

Somewhat contrary to what we have studied about color interaction, there is another effect that occurs when colors are placed next to one another.  Instead of the general color interaction that one might expect to occur, Colors seem to take on their surroundings.  Psychologically, the mind is trying to organize and consolidate the areas into one general, easy to interpret value and hue.  This effect is known as The Bezold Effect.

Here is a look at my presentation on the Bezold Effect:

                        

Green bezold effect from Thomas Everett Green

Color Studies : Bezold Effect/Mood

Color in art can express emotion, convey a mood and communicate meaning. It can be used psychologically to work in concert with subject matter and other formal concerns. Formal elements can be thought of as the abstract language of design and includes shape, rhythmic intervals, pattern, texture, edge quality, relative visual density and of course, color. Design is important as an arranged vehicle for color interaction.

Color symbolism is used to express ideas and values. It is pervasive throughout history, but it varies from culture to culture. Color symbology can become so ubiquitous within a culture that it becomes a cliche.

Examples of cliched emotional color symbology:

• yellow: happy and joyous

• red: love, passion and anger

• green: envy and jealousy

• gray or blue: sad, down, depressed

Homework:

Create and title simple abstract compositional sketches that express a particular feeling or mood. Be specific about the mood/feeling to be conveyed.

The Bezold Effect from The Interaction of Color, Josef Albers

“There is a special kind of optical mixture, the Bezold Effect, named after its discover, Wilhelm von Bezold (1837-1907). He recognized this effect when searching for a method through which he could change the color combinations of his rug designs entirely by adding or changing one color only. Apparently, there is so far no clear recognition of the optical-perceptual conditions involved.”

Outside Assignment: Mood – Color studies

• Create and title a simple composition based on your in class studies that defines for you the particular feeling or mood you choose from the chits I’ll give out in class. Be specific about the mood/feeling you are attempting to convey. Write it down and do not share the mood that you wish to express with anyone except the instructor.

• Keeping in mind the Bezold Effect make a second version of your composition that, through the substitution of one color produces the opposite feeling or mood.

• Materials: Gouache/ Color-aid paper

• Mount your 7x10” studies on 9x12” Bristol. Use a 1” border. Craft is important. Keep border clean.

• Write your name and the emotion expressed on the back of each piece.

In Class Mood Critique

• Students will be given time to state in writing their intentions in addition to the customary self appraisal of his or her efforts.  The class will critique and and attempt to decipher the mood in a given individual’s work. The student will then discuss his or her own work and the critique will conclude with commentary from the instructor.