Updated: 6/8/18
We all think we know what “contrast” means, but in fact contrast, i.e. the difference between colors in a piece is at the basis of what males any color scheme work. Pictures throughout show you examples of many of these contrasts.
Most of the time we think about contrast of hue, using different colors to make a design but there are six other types of contrast to think about.
Contrast of value combining different shades of the color so there are light, medium, and dark colors. Traditional Bargello is a great example of this.
Contrast of temperature combing cool and warm colors in the same piece,even if one is the accent.
Contrast of complements uses a color’s complement to add interest. Complements used in small amounts can focus attention on the main color. The little Christmas quilt pictured above is typical of this kind of contrast.
Contrast of saturation combines bright fully saturated colors with muted tints, tones, and shades.
Contrast of proportion uses the different colors in a piece in different amounts.
You can, and should, combine more than one kind of contrast in a piece. Look at some needlepoint you love, stitched or unstitched, how many types of contrast does it have?
About Janet M Perry
Janet Perry is the Internet's leading authority on needlepoint. She designs, teaches and writes, getting raves from her fans for her innovative techniques, extensive knowledge and generous teaching style. A leading writer of stitch guides, she blogs here and lives on an island in the northeast corner of the SF Bay with her family
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