VALUE versus COLOR

Quite a few years ago I came across information in the book, "Color and Fiber" that translates to:

"The first visual response is to value contrasts rather than to colors."

Colors have "local" meanings depending upon the culture (see end of this post for examples) whereas the relationship of values (lightness/darkness) is a universal language of moods to which each of us responds.

The full mooned Halloween small quilt is one of six pieces that I made up to more fully comprehend this theory. Each features the same composition. The consideration for my choosing the fabrics was according to value organizations for strong OR weak contrasts.

STRONG CONTRASTS

light values dominating = positive, stimulating, happy

medium values dominating = strong, direct, rich, open

dark values dominating = mysterious, dramatic, dignified, somber

WEAK CONTRASTS

light values = delicate, atmospheric, serene

medium values = surreal, mystery, fantasy

dark values = somber, depressed, brooding

For these reasons, understanding value and their relationships is a valuable tool for establishing the mood of a piece. Value and the expression of a pattern holds more importance for me than color. In so many situations any number of colors will work. Consequently, strange colors can creep in and create unexpected excitement.

To isolate value from color in my work, I view it through the wrong end of binoculars. This creates a faraway viewing distance which obscures the colors and patterns allowing me to more easily assess the values and their interaction and progression as well their as impact or mood.

What I've presented here is only touching the surface of this topic. My intention is to bring awareness to an important element that is often overlooked ... even though it's something we all intuitively feel. So, the next time you have a color problem or a particular mood is not being conveyed, check out your chosen values and their contrasts.

(This conversation is continued in a future post here as a result of Kay's comment at the end of this one.)

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RED
China: Good luck, celebration, summoning
Cherokees: Success, triumph India: Purity
South Africa: Mourning Eastern: Worn by brides
Western: excitement, danger, love, passion, and stop

ORANGE
Ireland: Religious (Protestants)
Western: Halloween, creativity, autumn

YELLOW
China: Nourishing Egypt: Mourning
Japan: Courage India: Merchants
Western: Hope, hazards, coward

GREEN
China: exorcism
India: Islam
Ireland: Symbol of country
Western: Spring, St. Patrick's Day, go

BLUE
Cherokees: Defeat, trouble
Iran: Heaven, spirituality
Western: Depression, coldness, royalty, wisdom
China: Immortality
Middle East: Protection

PURPLE
Thailand: Mourning
Western: Royalty, luxury, sensuality, magic

WHITE
Eastern: Funerals India: Unhappiness
Western: Brides, angels, peace

BLACK
China: Color for young boys
Thailand: unhappiness, evil
Western: Death, mystery,

To read more about the symbolism and psychology of color go here.