COLOR THEORY IND 5325 COLOR THEORY + APPLICATIONS FOR THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
Documentation + Experiences + Opinion Marina Roussakis
Table of Contents Modules
1 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
Assignments
COLOR + You COLOR + Theory COLOR + Designers COLOR + Film COLOR + Travel COLOR + Rhythm COLOR + Retail COLOR + P/S and U/H COLOR + Hospitality COLOR + Application COLOR + Workplace COLOR + Culture
M1 YOU + COLOR
I found this experience to be very challenging. It took me quite a long time to figure out how to use word press and although I finally managed it, I am still not 100% pleased with my results. I did not find word press to be very user friendly but hopefully it will get easier with practice.
My cultural background is Greek and I am proud of it. The image above is of an island in Greece named Halki that I have been going to every summer since I was 12 years old. This island means many things to me but one of the most important aspects is its simplicity; its simplicity of lifestyle and nature. Even the colors of the island blend together in harmony to form one magnificent picture of beauty. I have a Masters in Business Administration from FIU. I worked in a few banks in Miami and at the age of twenty four I moved to Cyprus where I lived for fifteen years. I worked in the banking industry as a loans officer and a debt negotiation officer. During my time in Cyprus I gave birth to my three children and in 2006 I relocated to Miami. I switched profession so I could raise my children and I have been working ever since as a teacher. I have returned to FIU where I am currently a senior pursuing a Masters in Education, TESOL. I have traveled to many places within Greece and Cyprus as well as to other countries such as Egypt, Oman, Dubai, Hong Kong, England, Austria, Hungary and Czech Republic. I like to read books, collect antiques and vintage items, restore furniture, go to flea markets, travel, listen to Greek music and dance Greek traditional dances. My grandmother was an artist and from a young age I was exposed to art, color and design. I did not have the opportunity to pursue art as a career although it remains a part of my being. I love color and need it in my life. It defines my world. Every room in my house has a different color. I love rich textiles, toile, damask and tapestries, for their intricate designs and color patterns. I cannot live without the sun, the biggest source of energy and when it’s gloomy out it depresses me. I like to think of my style as French Country and I find myself swaying towards warm colors. Meraki is to do something with soul, creativity, or love; to put something of yourself into your work
M2 Theory + COLOR
Important concepts from reading chapter 1 theory + color Color theory is the study and practice of a set of principles used to understand the relationships among colors. The color wheel is one of the primary tools used in color theory. It is an abstract tool that describes and organizes all the colors of the visible spectrum. The primary colors depend on which color system is used •red, yellow and blue •red, green and blue •cyan, magenta and yellow. The two biggest color systems are the additive and subtractive system because one system adds brightness while the other subtracts. The additive system is also known as RGB for red, green and blue while the subtractive system, used more for paint and ink, is also known as CMYK for cyan, magenta, yellow and black. Another way to describe color is with hue, saturation and lightness. Hue is used to describe the position of a color on a color wheel and refers to pure colors or colors without black or white added to them. The warm colors are magenta, red, orange and yellow. The cool colors are magenta, blue, cyan and green.
M3 Designers + COLOR
Although I have used power point before, I have never done so in this format with the use of colors and quotes, etc. It took me a little longer the first day I began but after that I was fine. I do not have a background in design and I know I lack the design presentation and program knowledge so I am "worried" how I par for this assignment. Nevertheless I enjoyed preparing it and I also enjoyed learning about my chosen architect. I also learned that you can make your own colors on powerpoint something I had never done before. I found Luis Barragan's architecture very intense and moving because I can relate to his use of rich colors and influence from his background.
LUIS BARRAGAN
Background A prominent Mexican architect with a compassion and vibrancy for his native Mexico which he displayed through a mastery of light, color and form. He was also a distinguished landscape architect and urban planner. He designed “emotional architecture,� places where people could feel and think. He used compositional elements such as pure planes, walls of stucco, adobe, timber, and water, and incorporated rich colors into his designs to create dimension to space and add a feeling of awe and wonder. He also emphasized the natural surroundings of his buildings through garden design. Barragan was not afraid to use color. He positioned white walls against a broad range of tones such as magenta, cobalt blue, bright yellow, and fuchsia. He displayed color in huge amounts and patterns, all combined with shifting angles and light. His work displayed a quality of mystery and power of color. In 1980 he received the Pritzker Prize, a prestigious architecture award, equivalent to Nobel Prize.
Influences JOSE CLEMENT OROZCO Mexican born political muralist, influenced Barragan’s command of dramatic color on a large scale
LE CORBUSIER Swiss born architect, known for his modernism and the style of the house as a machine
FERDINAND BAC French landscape architect believed that gardens should be enchanted places for reflection
By the 1940’s Barragan had created his own individual explanation of Mexican international style; a blending of the foreign with the known, of color and texture.
Work TlĂĄlpan Convent The serenity of convent life is heightened by sculpturally placed shafts of light
Torri SatĂŠlite A group of brightly colored towers made for a traffic interchange to be viewed from a moving car rather than by foot
The Folke Egerstrom House and stables are a bright colored, sculptural progression of horse pools.
Barragan House and Studio Barragan's house and studio is considered his greatest work and combines the design of gardens, plazas and landscapes. He created a new architectural style that Joined modernism, the colonial and pre-hispanic architecture of Mexico, with that of the Mediterranean. The house is comprised of a ground floor and two upper floors, a studio as well as a small private garden. The house begins and ends with intricate non-harmonic
color schemes . A fluidity of spaces that come through with light and shadows. The color use relies on the surface material that may reflect or absorb light. The proportions of each room were worked out mathematically. The levels of the different floors are designed showing a sense of simplicity with the use of geometric forms and structures. After his death, the house became a museum and in 2004 was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site .
References Durao, M.J. (2010). Colour as Pathway of Light: Searching the Shadow in Luis Barragan. Colour: Design & Creativity, retrieved from http://aic-colour-journal.org/index.php/JAIC/article/viewFile/23/19 Luis Barragan, Architect (1902-1988). Design Museum, retrieved from http://design.designmuseum.org/design/luis-barragan LuisBarragan, Architect of Color. Colour Studio, 2013, retrieved from http://blog.colourstudio.com/2013/03/luis-barragan-architect-of color.html Luis Barragรกn House and Studio. http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1136
UNESCO,
retrieved
from
Luis Barragรกn, The Colours of Serenity. The Economist, 2003, retrieved from http://www.economist.com/node/1546771
M4 Film + COLOR
This module was very educational for me because I had never thought of color being used so extensively throughout a film. The extra readings were very helpful and with good information on how color affects a film. It was a fun assignment to work on and I loved the color in my film which is why I chose it. I can honestly say that I am getting faster and better at power points. Also this assignment was nice because I had the chance to sit and take a breath and watch a movie.
WHAT DREAMS MAY COME
DELETE this image and insert the intro film scene
FILM SUMMARY
A romantic fantasy drama starring Robin Williams as Dr. Chris Nielsen, and Annabella Sciorra as his artist wife, Annie. One day there is a fatal car accident taking the lives of their two children. Annie feels guilt and blames herself because she was suppose to be driving the car that day. This ends up straining the couple’s marriage leaving Annie in depression and wanting divorce. The couple eventually weathers through it and becomes happy again. One day four years later, there is another fatal car accident killing Chris. Chris finds himself in heaven, a world so wonderful, it can be anything he imagines it to be. Chris imagines his wife’s painting as his world. Later on, Chris is told that Annie committed suicide and is in hell. Chris decides to risk his eternity and travel to hell to try and save his wife and bring her back.
According to Tanja Michels, The History and Use of Color in the Movies, “color conveys the expressive aspects of a film visually and can evoke psychological reactions in people.� What Dreams May Come used color in various ways to reach the audience. The use of color served both a functional and aesthetical role. .
A functional role, because the color used highlighted the dramatic developments within the film. When Chris was not in heaven, the colors were bland while when he was in his world, the colors were more vivid and striking. Aesthetically because the film was very emotional with beautiful, intense and deep colors. Every time Chris was in his world it felt like a painting of Monet that had come to life.
Other dramatic developments were the worlds depicted in the film. Color was used transitionally in letting the audience know that it is a different world. Marie, the daughter, had a Renaissance-like world with brown, yellow, orange and natural colors. Hell was dark and black and grey with faces of skulls and fires.
According to Jacqueline Frosts’, The Color Palette of Film, “the color palette is the actual visual character of the film being created for the screen.” The colors chosen were a symbolic visual interpretation of the characters and their mood and personality. Happy and in love Annie was always portrayed in red while Chris was happy most of the times and portrayed in blue.
The use of light in the film helped accentuate the various scenes. Annie, during her depression and sorrow and also while in hell, is depicted with dark light wearing dark colors. Chris, in his painting world, had a bright light making the colors more strong, vivid and life like.
SCENE ANALYSIS AND COLOR PALETTE
The primary color palette in Chris’s world is blue, purple and red, shown in various intensities and hues throughout the film. Blue is a cold color, stable and soulful. It is a compassionate and loyal color much like Chris. Red is a warm color, intense, and denotes love and passion just like Annie. Purple is associated with mourning. The color of the tree Annie paints is purple signifying death and mourning.
What Dreams May Come had breathtaking, innovative and stunning visual representation and imagery. The use of color was creative and cleverly done to represent the characters as well as the different worlds in the film and to show emotion and aesthetics. This film is a spectacular display of how color and lighting can be used to serve various functions in a film and create an impact and influence on the audience.
M6
Travel + COLOR
This week's assignment was challenging but I loved every minute of it. At first, I was worried because, in all honesty, I am not inspired or moved by much of anything in Miami to want to capture it in a photo. Then I decided to approach this differently and detach myself and focus instead on what is picture-worthy and not what moves me. I did exactly what the assignment said, "to see through the lens of the camera." So I took my camera with me everywhere and took pictures of everything - I would even be driving and would stop to take a picture... and of course color was everywhere. I was also technologically challenged with this assignment because I had some problems with my camera USB port and also because I do not know how to use photoshop so I could not really edit my pictures much. Lastly, I could not resist but add some pictures of who I am- these are the pictures that move and inspire me. I had taken them this summer while in Cyprus when I went to visit Ammochostos (part of Cyprus remains illegally occupied till this day by the Turks who invaded in 1974).
M7 Rhythm + COLOR
Important concepts from reading chapter 4 rhythm + color Rhythm is movement. It is a natural trait found in nature that can be transferred to interior spaces and emphasized with color.
Wayfinding is text, symbols and color cue techniques used to orient and assist in physical awareness of one’s place or orientation in space. Rhythm and color can be used to create five types of visual effect: repetition, alternation, progression, continuation, and radiation.
M8
Retail + COLOR
This assignment focused on how color along with focal point, texture, and pattern all create an emphasis which establishes a point of visual interest for a retail environment. I am glad that I did my analysis on Michael Kors. The fact that it is a signature boutique guarantees that the displays will be creatively and cleverly situated to create all the things talked about in chapter 8 of the book. And it did just that. I also took pictures of another boutique but not as high end as Michael Kors because I was getting worried and desperate that I would not find a store to do my analysis on. You see I was turned down by the first two boutiques I approached and started panicing. It wasnt until later that I tried Michael Kors and I was allowed to photograph. Anyway the point is that by taking pictures of the other boutique first, I could not help but notice the differences in the visual emphasis of the two stores. This helped me relate even more to the chapter and allowed me to see how much difference there was in the quality of the layout.
Background The brand Michael Kors was launched 30 years ago as American high-end sportswear. It is now recognized internationally as a luxury lifestyle brand that ranges from apparel to footwear to accessories such as handbags, small leather goods, eyewear, jewelry and watches. The brand features distinct designs, materials and craftsmanship with luxurious fashion that combines trendy, style and a sporty outlook.
Contrast of Color hue Colors of lower intensities were used to create a subtle environment to showcase the collection. Natural earthy tones such as beige, gold, and pink along with prints were combined with contrasts of burgundy, blue, gray and black creating a simple yet elegant feel.
Contrast of Value light+dark Neutral brown tones of various intensities paired with prints of the same value contrast against white to emphasize the visual importance of the collection. A pop of blue adds value to the contrast.
Contrast of Value light+dark Side wall display emphasizing contrast by showcasing various values of blue contrasted against black.
Contrast of a Design Feature shape+form The shoes, handbags, backpacks, wallets, sunglasses and apparel compliment each other. Many colors and prints were showcased yet not one design, shape or form stood out. They worked in unison to create a complimentary and flattering contrast that emphasized simplicity.
Contrast of Texture Contrast of texture was emphasized through the use of beading, sequins and feathers. Texture was emphasized on key chains, backpacks and apparel. The prints too played a textural role.
Focal Point the runway Michael Kors, located at The Falls, is rectangular in shape with big displays along the walls and a few smaller ones on the floor. The flow of the store is circular and follows a path to the right. The focal point of the store that receives the greatest visual emphasis is the “runway.” The runway is the display that features the collection and is strategically located opposite the door. It stands in isolation and attracts people to walk toward it upon entering. The runway showcases neutral colors and prints that contrast one another in a complimentary way. The mannequin’s apparel also blend well with the soft neutral tones of the accessories.
Focal Point feature wall This feature wall is located immediately to the right of the focal point (the runway). The colors of the apparel contrasts with the colors on the runway display through the use of a rich, deep and warm color as burgundy, which along with black and grey (solid and prints), make this wall hard to not notice. Contrast of texture is also evident by fur and sequins.
Conclusion The layout of the runway as a focal point, the feature wall, not to mention the contrast of hue, value and texture in the collection, successfully create emphasis to establish a visual interest throughout the store. The neutral earthy colors of the collection along with prints in similar values coupled with the deep, rich color and texture of burgundy, blue, black and gray all create in unison, a masterpiece of elegance.
M9 Proportion/ Scale and Unity/Harmony + COLOR
I found chapter 6 very enlightening and a pleasure to read. Proportions of color and scale of space is very important to designing and enriches the visual perception of our environment. This is especially true of nature. I find it amazing how so many things around us are naturally proportioned. You dont stop to realize and we take it for granted but it is true, from the wings of a butterfly to shells to plants, nature is perfectly proportioned and beautiful. Chapter 7 I felt was a repeat of some of the material we had read in other chapters but good to know nevertheless.
Important concepts from reading chapters 6 and 7 Scale is the relationship of the body to objects whereas proportion is the size and arrangements of objects with each other. Proportions of color are important to the context of the scale of the space and amount of lighting. Identify accurate color proportions by using a grid system based on the golden section, Fibonacci sequence and Le Modulor. Scale and proportion can enhance and change the visual perception of an environment. Colors that share a common hue will relate and harmonize better. Repetition of color throughout a space unifies the palette and interior design. Color graduation of value and intensity can be used to differentiate between two similar design elements. Uniform distribution and color can harmonize the visual clutter.
M10 Hospitality + COLOR
The design and decor of a hotel and its space is very fitting for this assignment since it allows you to observe and analyze everything mentioned in the book. I found it interesting how the four elements line, shape, texture and pattern, along with color, dictate the actual design of a space and how they work together to create harmony.It was easy to understand this chapter because of the venue of the assignment. I dont think many other places would have been as fitting although these elements can be found elsewhere but on a smaller scale. I went to the Oriental Mandarin and although it is not my cup of tea, I still appreciate its beauty, simplicity and design.
VARIETY is a principle of design that is concerned with the combination of one or more color elements that use line, shape, texture, and/or pattern to create diversity and contrast in an interior space. PROJECT: Mandarin Oriental Hotel DESIGNER: RTKL Associates LOCATION: Downtown Miami
OVERVIEW IMAGE
LOBBY
IMAGE for analysis
Roussakis
Discussion The lobby is a long rectangular stretch of space that uses design elements to convey simplicity. Accents of bamboo, wooden paneling, streaked marble, velvet couches and shiny black rocks all hint at a minimal contemporary Asian décor. The palette consists of neutral tones of brown, yellow and orange with splashes of blue contrast. Floor to ceiling metal windows frame the perimeter of the lobby drawing attention to the focal point, the Miami skyline and Biscayne Bay.
Color + Line The vertical lines seen as rectangular columns symbolize strength and stability. According to the textbook, “verticality provides the upward and downward movement, accentuating height and giving rise to expansive interiors.” The horizontal lines of the windows and the line of lights on the ceiling break the verticality to reduce the height of space and widen the interior.
Details Color and variety elements add visual stimuli to the sleek and simple décor of the lobby. The contrast of the four elements in this space creates an interest that is very impressive.
line
LINE columns, walls, windows, lights
Color + Shape The stable square shape of the table contrasts with the fluid like statue making it appear softer. The texture of the rocks , the plants in their oval shape planter, and the blue vases with flowers symmetrically laid out, make it inviting to look at and add visual drama to the space.
texture
shape
SHAPE square, rectangle
pattern
Color + Texture The smooth texture of the shiny multi-colored glass surface adds variety to the lobby and makes the space more interesting. The ceilings also have texture in a repeating patchwork-like of wood (or bamboo) panels. Color + Pattern The repetitive arrangement of the flower against a striking blue background coupled by repeating panels of this painting add dimension to the lobby and a focal point to the viewer.
TEXTURE glass, rocks, bamboo, marble
PATTERN walls, ceiling
AZUL RESTAURANT
IMAGE for analysis
Discussion The Azul uses all four elements of variety to create an odd yet interesting piece of architectural design. The palette is earth tones with minimal contrasts of color. Textured rocks, a circular column, wood paneling, large windows and a peculiar façade draw your attention to not only the exterior, but the interior as well. Color + Line The vertical lines of the floor to ceiling windows symbolize strength and stability much like the columns of the lobby. The lights on the ceilings are arranged perpendicular to the windows and add width to the room. The focal point created through the use of the lines is the Miami skyline and Biscayne Bay. Color + Shape A mixture of rectangular and square shaped windows on an odd shaped façade make this building an architectural focal point. Inside is filled with tables that are dark square and rectangular or soft, round and rhythmic with a tablecloth. Color + Texture The texture or “aspect of harmony that relates to the sense of touch” as mentioned in the textbook, of the metal surface of the staircase contrasted against a long smooth wooden panel is a very impressive and interesting space. The exterior façade, in addition to its shape, also adds texture with its rough like surface. Color + Pattern The repetitive rich brown design on the mirrored wall creates a feel of luxury as it contrasts against a plain white surface. The flowers are lined in a pattern of symmetry with the table making the space appear glamorous.
Details The Azul restaurant utilizes color with line, shape, texture and pattern, to add variety to the exterior design and interior decor of the restaurant , all the while keeping it simple and elegant.
line
LINE walls, windows, lights, bar
texture
TEXTURE metal, wood, exterior, wallpaper
shape
SHAPE square, rectangle, round
pattern
PATTERN mirror wall, flowers
M11 Application + COLOR
I believe this assignment tied in everything we have learned thus far. We took what we have being reading and experimenting with in other assignments and applied it to this rendering making it meaningful. I am new to photoshop and a little limited but I loved using it. I wish I could take a course to learn more. I wanted to add more things in my room but I was limited due to my lack of technical knowledge.
M.11
COLOR + RENDERING Dominant
Accent 2
Accent 1
Accent 3
Secondary
This color palette has as its inspiration a flower which appears delicate and dreamy yet elegant. The bright, rich red-violet color outlining the petals is strong and vibrant yet not overbearing because of a light tint of yellow-orange which softens the flower and adds a rich and striking contrast. These hues are found in many flowers as well as in nature today. This palette is also relaxing and sophisticated because of the use of gray which serves as a neutral tone. In keeping with the 60-30-10 rule, I used the following for my rendering: Dominant color: very light tint gray Secondary color : very light tint gray Accent 1: red-violet -eggplant Accent 2: lighter tint of red-violet-peony Accent 3: light tint of yellow-orange- ochre
Color Scheme This palette has a complimentary color scheme. It is a combination of two complimentary tertiary colors on the wheel, red-violet and yellow-orange. Red-violet is a strong, vibrant and saturated warm color. It comes in various tints and tones much like that of accent one and two on the palette. Yellow-orange is warm but not as bold. This combination of tertiary colors is rather dynamic, since it works well with each other's intensity but at the same time calming because of the use of gray. Gray is a neutral and stable color and used to balance and tone down the contrast between the red-violet and yellow-orange. Harmony is easily maintained and it is a very cohesive palette because both accent one and two have the same hue in common and are complimentary to accent three.
Rendering I first began by layering my feature wall with vintage brick and adding texture to my floor with wooden planks . I placed accent 1 (eggplant) on the feature wall . Then I played around with accent 2 (peony) on the walls and ceiling trying it in different places until I got the right combination and proportion of accent 1 and 2 together without being overbearing and dark in the space. To soften the room, much like the role of the tint of gray in the flower, I added the dominant color on the window wall and upper ceiling. The secondary color is seen on the window treatments , the two tables and on the bottom part of the couches. This helped balance the room while giving it just a tint of color. I placed accent 3 (ochre) on the cushion of the couches to warm the room and make it cozy while keeping it simple and elegant. This provided a nice contrast to the red-violet accents on the ceiling and wall much like the role these colors play in the flower. To add character, I put a kilim carpet (I could not make bigger) and standing antique lamp to blend with the accent color on the couch and to tie in with the planks and brick. I added flowers on the table to match with accent 2 on the ceiling above. Also , I placed the flower from the palette inside the frame on the feature wall and used accent 2 on the inside border to bring it all together and make the room cohesive.
M12 Workplace + COLOR
The video on the new trend in workplace design was very enlightening and informative. The assignment was meaningful to analyze because, not only was variety displayed in the elements of line, shape, pattern and texture, but it was done so cleverly in order to produce an innovative new concept design of the workplace.
PROJECT: Adobe 410 Townsend DESIGNER: William Turner, Matt Gamache, Surili Ranpuria, Audrey Bauer, Lacey Engelke, Stephen Killion, Louis Ray LOCATION: San Francisco, California
OVERVIEW IMAGE
DISCUSSION | ANALYSIS
ANALYSIS
Adobe is designed in an innovative way to transform the functions of the workplace. A new culture that allows for collaborating, socializing, learning, and focus time at work.
VARIETY is a principle of design that is concerned with the combination of one or more color elements that use line, shape, texture, and/or pattern to create diversity and contrast in an interior space.
The palette consists of cold colors, primarily blue and purple with accents of gray. The design is simplistic with clean lines. Honesty, stability and truthfulness are associated with blue while purple is associated with creativity and sophistication. Although the rooms exhibit a light, modern and airy feel , they are also impersonal and cold (perhaps so the employee does not get too comfortable). The vertical lines seen as columns, rows of lights and ceiling wood beams, symbolize strength and stability. They provide upward and downward movement and give height. The horizontal gray beam of the walkway serves to widen the space.
line
line
shape
Shape is seen in the circular couch and in the room itself which appears as an “S.” The table is circular with a hole in the middle. The room appears fluid and soft with visual drama. Texture makes the space more interesting and inviting. It is evident in the couch’s upholstery, the carpet, the pillows and curtain.
texture
Pattern exists in the repetitive arrangement of the table and chairs placed throughout the space and in the tile work and hanging light fixture. Even the brick wall has a pattern and adds overall dimension to the space.
pattern
DETAILS CONCLUSION | EXPERIENCE IMAGE
This workplace design is based on mobility, sustainability and speed to market (exposed wiring, pipes and vents) while offering connectivity to the employee with spaces that allow for some relaxation and socializing.
I
Color and variety elements add visual stimuli to the simplicity and clean lines of the Adobe workplace.
IMAGE
IMAGE
The contrast of the four elements creates a space that is impressive, innovative and a functional architectural design.
M13 Culture + COLOR
This was a meaningful assignment because it took color and connected it to people and their culture and country. I enjoyed learning the color symbolism of my additional country Egypt. I have studied Egypt in the past in my art history course which I truly enjoyed. It is nice to see how they all make a connection. The little girl I chose for my picture in my country, Greece, is wearing the costume of my mom's island, Karpathos. I do not know if I am cropping/enlarging my pictures correctly or if they appear blurry. Sorry, although I understood how to do it, I think I may be still doing something wrong.
GREECE EGYPT
Introduction
My culture and country is Greece and I have chosen Egypt to learn about its culture and how color is used. Both of these countries have two of the oldest known civilizations. As far as I am concerned there is no country or culture like Greece. I say this, not only because I am proud to be Greek, but because Greece was the birthplace of Western civilization 4000 years ago and has produced many glorious achievements that have influenced our world ever since. Egypt, too, is a country with a rich culture and heritage. The ancient Egyptians are known for developing a writing system of pictures and symbols, for producing papyrus and for their technology in cutting stone. They are also known for their art and architecture.
GREECE
COLOR palette Kuanos known as navy blue. It stood for the color of the sea and the color of the god of the sea. KUANOS
Phoinos known as reddish orange. Red was known for autumn, wine and flowers. PHOINOS
Chloros known as chartreuse yellow green. Known for earth, divinity, wisdom and victory. CHLOROS
RHODOS
Rhodos known as reddish pink. It symbolized love, and was used to paint statues and buildings. Glaucos known as turquoise grey.
GLAUCOS
Black represented winter as well as life because the day was born of darkness. BLACK
GREECE According to Translating Colors, every country and culture attaches certain symbolic values to colors. The ancient Greeks perception of color was based on the belief that all matter is created from the combination of four elements: fire, water, air and earth, which were the roots of all things. These elements are represented by the sun, the sea, the sky and the earth and by mixing them shapes and colors came into being. Color was the perception of what they saw and how it applied to the situation. The ancient Greeks did not just see color as a surface, they saw it as a spirited thing and it gave meaning to their lives. Greek art is broken down into the Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic periods and consisted of sculpture, pottery, coin design and architecture. It was to items such as pottery that color was added and told a story about the gods, heroes, or Greek culture. The ancient Greeks had five fundamental colors, some in combinations, to explain their world and events. These colors were chloros, glaucos, kuanos, rhodos and phoinos as known in ancient Greek. Other resources, mention additional colors of white, black, yellow and purple. White was used for the gods while yellow was used to represent blonde hair. Also metallic colors such as gold and bronze were used To represent shining things. I found it extremely hard to chose pictures . Each picture is a part of who I am and choosing one over the other could never possibly depict what it means to be Greek. Greeks are proud people with a strong national identity. Traditions, religion, music, language, and food are the foundation of Greek culture and lifestyle today. Greeks are also proud of their history, their cultural heritage and their contribution to mankind: literature, philosophy, the arts, architecture, science, history mathematics, medicine, mythology, theater, sports, democracy, the Olympics, nutrition, the alphabet and vocabulary. Greece is the cradle of European civilization. This is what it means to be Greek.
EGYPT
COLOR palette
RED LEAD
Red, the color of power, symbolized life and victory, as well as anger and fire. Red was used to symbolize the sun. Green symbolized new life, growth, and fertility,
MALACHITE
Blue represented the sky and water. Life and rebirth. EGYPTIAN BLUE
OCHRE
LEAD WHITE
Yellow symbolized the eternal. The sun and gold were yellow. The skin and bones of the gods and pharaohs were gold. Also statues and mummy masks. White represented purity, symbolized all things sacred, and was used in religious objects.
Black was the color of death and represented the IVORY BLACK
night and the underworld as well as resurrection.
EGYPT Color symbolism is the use of visual images that reveal the customs and beliefs in a culture. It may represent an idea, a process, or a being. In ancient Egypt, color was an important part of life and portrayed a range of silent messages (rather than an artistic sense). The ancient Egyptians believed that color, not only revealed the true spirit of a person or a thing, but it also provided them with protection or other magical properties. Even the gems used in their jewelry were not chosen for their beauty but rather for their symbolism and apparent magic they contained. Every color had a significant meaning. The colors to be chosen were not random but rather much thought was given to which color would depict a god or represent the deceased. The color added meaning and portrayed an image with even greater power. If a god was thought of with no color, the ancient Egyptians took this to mean that the god could never be understood. The color was closely related to their essence of being. The . ancient Egyptians used six basic colors in their artwork: red, green, blue, yellow, white and Color was used in numerous wall paintings in the artifacts, tombs, temples and monuments of the ancient Egyptians. Frescos were also used and featured reeds, water, birds, and animals and enhanced the walls, ceilings, and floors of palaces. There were also paintings on furniture, papyrus and wooden coffins. In addition, the colors were made primarily from mineral compounds and therefore retained their vibrancy over time. The color symbolism of the Egyptians continues to remain the same for over 3000 years.
Egypt is a country with a longstanding history and one of the world’s first civilizations with early signs of writing and agriculture, not to mention skillfulness in stone cutting (architecture). I have been to Egypt several times and thoroughly enjoyed everything about the country and its heritage. Although Egypt is different from Greece, I chose it because it too has a rich cultural background and strong national identity.
Conclusion Both Greece and Egypt have a rich cultural inheritance. The one main difference between them was their geographical location which resulted in different kinds of exposure for each culture. The art of the Egyptians was more concerned with producing large monumental structures while the Greeks were more concerned in creating smaller, elegant and more refined pieces of art. Color, too, was perceived in a different way. The ancient Egyptians used color as symbolism and believed it to be magical. Color was used in wall paintings, tombs, coffins, temples, palaces and monuments. Meanwhile the ancient Greeks used color to give meaning to their life and to describe what they saw. Color was used tastefully and applied on pottery and sculptures to tell a story or events in their life.
References •
Ancient Egypt: the Mythology http://www.egyptianmyths.net/colors.htm
•
Color Symbolism http://www.mummies2pyramids.info/religion-culturemagic/color-symbolism.htm
•
Breaking the Color Code http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/colorcode.htm
•
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egypt
• •
Ancient Greek Color Vision http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/exchange/node/61#comm ent-149037
• • •
Ancient History/Greece/Greek Culture https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Ancient_History/Greece/ Greek_Culture#Colors_in_Ancient_Greece
•
http://www.novinite.com/articles/115027/Greek+Culture +and+Traditions+-+Where+the+West+Meets+the+East
•
Colours Across Cultures: Translating Colours in Interactive Marketing Communications http://globalpropaganda.com/articles/TranslatingColours. pdf
• •
http://www.tailoredessays.com/samples/ancient-greecevs-egypt.htm
•
http://www.leadershipclassics.org/AncientGreekCulture& Civilization.html
COLOR + CULTURE
Conclusion I have definitely learned quite a lot concerning color and how influential it is to just about everything in our lives. The modules I worked on reinforce the subject matter taught on color theory and help you realize the important concepts firsthand. Color is everywhere from nature to people to hotels to design and most of all to our culture. It adds meaning and gives life to our world.
References References Reed, R. (2010). Color + Design Transforming Interior Spaces. How Do We Talk and Write About Color https://fiu.blackboard.com/bbcswebdav/pid-4176099-dt-content-rid-39980936_1/courses/1158IND5325VC1158-92024/how%20do%20we%20talk%20about%20color%281%29.pdf