In the 4th Century, ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle embarked on the first critical study of colour
Aristotle's approach to colour was, as you would expect, philosophic in nature.
Pairing colour with, what was considered at the time; the four main scientific elements.
Earth, Fire, Air and Water
Aristotle believed blue and yellow to be the only true primary colours.
He developed a linear colour system based on the way light changes throughout the day from dawn to dusk.
Nearly two thousand years later, Italian Artist Leone Battista Alberti continued where Aristotle left off.
Battista kept Aristotles idea of pairing colour to alchemical elements, differing slightly in his choice of colour.
In his book, 'On Painting', he discussed how he viewed colours at living entities
and would refer to primary colours as seperate species, and shades or hues as the genus of that species
He was obviously brilliant.
but a bit mental.
In 1490 the eccentric visionary Artist, Leonardo Da Vinci developed what he coined 'Chiaoscuro'
The practice of using light to create 3D images on a 2D surface.
Da Vinci identified 5 basic tonal values.
Highlight.
Direct light.
Reflected light.
Shadow.
And cast shadow.
Using these principles he was able to create striking images, utilizing stark contrast to give a strong sense of directional lighting.
Though he was better known for his use of light, Da Vinci also developed a simple 6 colour palette.
This was used to paint masterpieces, such as the iconic Mona Lisa
And they x-rayed the painting and there's different earlier versions underneath it
The first version of the Mona Lisa was much more
Happy Lisa!
Although Isaac Newton is now well known for his work in the field of Mathematics.
he also turned his Gargantuan noggin(head) to colour theory
In 1672 Newton published his now classic work, 'Opticks'
Newton was able to demonstrate that white light when shone through a prism separates into the full spectrum of colour.
He also created the very first colour wheel by simply joining either end of the spectrum, thus forming a circle.
wow, woooah!
In 1810, the Lawyer, Author, Natural scientist and Artist, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Published his 'Theory of Colours' widely regarded as one of the most important books on colour ever written.
Goethe, detested Newton's clinical approach to the subject and set out to show how colour is shaped by our own perception.
To illustrate, just how much Goethe loathed Newton's findings, I'll read a short passage from his book.
We compare the Newtonian theory of colours to an old castle, which was at first constructed by its architect with youthful precipitation...
All damages, whether inflicted by the hand of the enemy or the power of time, were quickly made good.
As occasion required, they deepened the moats, raised the walls, and took care there should be no lack of towers, battlements, and embrasures...
The old castle was chiefly held in honour because it had never been taken.
because it had repulsed so many assaults.
Had baffled so many hostile operations.
And had always preserved its virgin renown...
The building itself is already abandonded;
It's only inmates are a few invalids.
who in simple seriousness imagine that they are prepared for war.
We find this eighth wonder of the world already nodding to its fall as a deserted piece of antiquity.
And begin at once, without further ceremony, to dismantle it from gable and roof downwards
That the sun may at last shine into the old nests of rats and owls...”
So needless to say....
He was not a fan.
Goethe was fascinated by the psychological aspects of colour
And the way in which they can affect our mood.
He went to great extremes to demonstrate how things such as
distance
Light
and Shadow
can vastly alter how we perceive an object.
Goethe also changed Newton's asymmetrical 7 colour wheel by reducing it to 6
Making it symmetrical.
He went on to show how opposing colours on the wheel interact with each other
giving us the modern day concept of complimentary colours.
It's this study on the interplay of colours which started a whole new trend in Art.
Inspiring a contrasting group of Artists as diverse as
William Turner
and Wassily Kandinsky.
So, I hope you've enjoyed this brief introduction to colour theory.
In part 2, I'm going to go over more technical aspects.
such as
complimentary colours, split complimentary, tetrads, triads, harmonies.
things like that.
So as always, like, share, subscribe for more and I'll see you in the next one.
Bye for now!
[GARGLING]
[LOUD COUGHING]
Kkhmmm....
fuck.
Ukhhh... Khhh...
pretty good these subtitles eh? Wrote them myself don't you know.....
In 1910... Fuck off! *laugh* shit
[RAGE]
[BURP]
[YOURGUESSISASGOODASMINE]
What the fuck does that say?
N- Natural
Natural scientist
Yeah.
[Laugh]
Geothe, detested Newton's clinical approach to the subject
And set out to
fuck
[LAUGH]
set out to fuck?
[GROAN]
Goethe.
fuck me!
Goethe.
Goethe detested cli--
MmmBLerugnmmmm
ni shi, mai gou ren
xie xie, hen hao
[LAUGH]
Why am I speaking Chinese?
Ok erm...
[LAUGH]
[RUSTLING]