Art Lesson 1: Contrast in Art

I teach art to children and adults. I decided to add my lessons to my blog to have easy access to them while in class and to make it available for anyone. Even if you are not learning painting or drawing, these lessons can help you have more appreciation for art. I am keeping these lessons simple as the actual lesson happens in person and I am trying to reduce my computer time. This is my first lesson here in my blog.

Contrast in Art

 

Contrast: when opposite elements are arranged together.

Make your subject matter stand out using contrast.

 

There are many different ways to achieve contrast.

These are some of them:

light on dark, dark on light

cool and warm colors

complementary colors

hard/soft edges

thickness of line

Compare these two photos. Which one looks better and why?

What about these images?

Which one looks better and why?