What Is Contrast In Art? Everything You Need To Know

Considered one of the most vital principles of art, a contrast in art can be defined as a striking difference between two elements. For example, a soft edge next to a hard edge, a smooth texture next to a rough texture, or a vivid color next to a dull color.

What is the meaning of contrast in art?

Contrast is an artistic term with multiple interpretations. Separation and visual interest in a composition can be achieved through the strategic use of a variety of components, including color, value, texture, and form.

The term can also be used to describe the deliberate use of visual contrast within an artwork to achieve a certain effect. A composition's feeling of motion or depth can also be enhanced by the strategic use of contrast.

It can also be utilized to emphasize certain elements or parts of the artwork. Contrast is employed to draw the eye and lead it around the composition in a work of art. The term can also be used to describe the deliberate use of visual contrast within an artwork to achieve a certain effect.

Why do we use contrast in art?

This principle of art can create more excitement and drama. With the contrast in art, you can intensify the colors, the mood, and the overall impression of your creation. Here are some reasons why you should adopt this technique in your art:

It allows the art to speak for itself

It's one of the most effective ways to add meaning to your art. When you encounter two juxtapositions that are next to each other, typically, your mind starts to contrast and compare them automatically. So, if you master contrast, you can effectively communicate via your art. People will be able to interpret the meaning of your art accurately.

Highlighting the theme of the art subtly

Many amateur artists struggle to highlight the theme without making it too obvious. Using contrast in art is an easy way to draw the focus to the theme of the art in a subtle way.

You can use this technique throughout the composition process of your art. It can effectively reinforce or highlight the theme throughout many compositions.

What types of contrast are there in art?

Now that you are aware of the importance of contrast in art, let's dive right into the different ways to use the technique:

Color Contrast

Also known as hue contrast, this type considers different contrasts between the colors present on the color wheel. It can further be separated into saturation contrast and value contrast.

Shape Contrast

In this type, you will be playing with different shapes to bring the desired contrast. For example, using big shapes with small, organic shapes with geometrical ones, or even circles with squares/rectangular.

Texture Contrast

To execute this type properly, you have to take into consideration rough and smooth surfaces. So, for example, to emphasize roughness, you have to add a bit of softness to it. It will help you to create drama and motion.

Size Contrast

Artists create contrast between big and small elements in their art to get the benefit of this type of contrasting technique.

Line Contrast

When learning about this type, you will see that you can use different lines to create contrast in your creation. It's about mixing short lines with long lines, dotted lines with continuous lines, wavy lines with curvy lines, and so on. 

Edge Contrast

This contrast in art technique type is all about using both hard and soft edges to create the desired effect in the art. This type is recommended to artists interested in watercolor paintings. With soft edges, you can create airiness and lightness.

Space Contrast

This technique will help you to use negative space in your canvas effectively. You can turn negative space into a productive section by adding elements in contrast to it. A great example is using a white or light-colored background to direct the focus to the most important element in the art.

Temperature Contrast

Learning about this type of contrast will give you knowledge about cool and warm colors. So, take your time to understand the difference between cool and warm colors first. Once you are familiar with the two variants, playing with color temperatures to create contrasting effects will become easy.

Contrast: A Crucial Element in Art

Art relies heavily on contrast to add visual appeal and delineation to a piece by setting off different parts of a composition from one another. It's a great tool for conveying motion or depth in a piece of art and helping the artist direct the viewer's gaze.

As an added bonus, it may be utilized to emphasize and highlight specific details in a piece of artwork.

The use of contrast in art is also useful for establishing a certain mood or ambiance. Images with great contrast, such as those with dominant black-and-white elements, can evoke a sense of drama, while images with low contrast, such as those with muted hues, can lull the viewer to sleep.

Additionally, contrast can be employed to establish equilibrium and harmony in a piece of music. Even when including a vast variety of materials into a single work of art, a sense of harmony and unity can be achieved by the strategic use of contrast.

In conclusion

Contrast in art serves to pique the viewer's attention, lead them around the piece, set the tone, highlight key elements, and establish a sense of equilibrium and harmony.