Kris Ruff

Color Alchemy: A Fun Hands-on Approach to Color Theory for Surface Designers and Digital Artists

These are beautiful!  What an interesting color study. I totally agree that the first one feels more subdued and the second is brighter and more energetic. But I think the feelings come from the use of tones more than from warm vs. cool colors. In the first one, the only cool colors are the blue flowers and background — the rest are actually warm colors, even the green leans towards the warm end. But they’re all muted tones, so the overall effect is subdued.  In the second version, the hues are more pure, which gives it extra energy. It's interesting that you chose to balance all the warm reds and yellows with a green that leans to the cool side. It might be fun to see how a warmer green changes the feel of it.  Thanks for sharing your project — I agree color really is magic!

Thank you for pointing out the tones vs the warm and cool colors. I understand more clearly where the emotions are coming from.  I took your suggestion and warmed up the green in the second sample. The difference is amazing. I think it makes the littlest flowers jump out in a positive way.  I wonder why that is. In the first sample my eye is drawn towards the darker blue flowers. Perhaps it's the contrast of the darker centers? I plan to play with the first sample as well and see how it will look if I make all of the colors cool while keeping the tones the same.

I agree! The warmer, lighter green makes the leaves and stems recede, allowing the flowers to be the focal point.

I am submitting two image samples. I wanted to play with opposite feelings. The first is cooler and more subdued. Where the second is warmer, brighter and has a more energetic feel in my opinion. Color is so amazing if you can harness it's magic.  Thank you for allowing us to use this amazing art. <img srcset="https://static.skillshare.com/uploads/project/a44315aa181f743a292110a9f4f20840/e01b2ed5.jpg 600w, https://static.skillshare.com/uploads/project/a44315aa181f743a292110a9f4f20840/e01b2ed5.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 600px, 100vw" src="https://static.skillshare.com/uploads/project/a44315aa181f743a292110a9f4f20840/e01b2ed5.jpg" loading="lazy" alt="Color Play 1 & 2 - image 1 - student project"><img srcset="https://static.skillshare.com/uploads/project/a44315aa181f743a292110a9f4f20840/037dd0a4.jpg 600w, https://static.skillshare.com/uploads/project/a44315aa181f743a292110a9f4f20840/037dd0a4.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 600px, 100vw" src="https://static.skillshare.com/uploads/project/a44315aa181f743a292110a9f4f20840/037dd0a4.jpg" loading="lazy" alt="Color Play 1 & 2 - image 2 - student project">Warmer Greens

Color Play 1 & 2

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