Properties Of Color

1) Value: the relative lightness or darkness of a color, from pure white to black

2) Temperature: the relative coolness or warmth of a color

3) Intensity: the relative brightness or dullness of a color

4) Hue: the identifying name of a color, i.e. yellow, red, blue, etc

Simultaneous Contrast

A color’s properties are directly affected by adjacent colors.  In the example, two nearly identical gray squares appear lighter or darker

depending on the surrounding value. This also applies to the other properties of color–each can appear different in temperature, intensity and hue depending on adjacent colors. From a practical standpoint, the artist should be cognizant of the relational property of color–some will isolate an area of coloration seen in the landscape so as to identify it correctly, some use toned backgrounds to simulate the tone of their palette which can facilitate more accurate mixing.