Contrasts Captures and Compels our Interests in Art →

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Contrast can be a defining principle of art. When it comes to art, contrast is achieved when contrasting elements are arranged together. Although these elements might be opposites, their arrangement can still be appealing.

Opposite elements of light & dark colors, rough & smooth textures, and large & small shapes create and capture the message. For example, black is the opposite of white, so there's a contrast between black ink and white paper and the colors used together in the picture. But the difference can also happen when the two things are very different. For example, cats and dogs are a contrast, but they're not opposites.

Contrast creates its dominance, and we are drawn to where the artist wants us to go.