Colour Theory: Colour Systems

Colour Systems

Subtractive colours are made when using a white light to illuminate colours. When we see objects of nature, we see wavelengths of white light that reflects off an object and causes us to be able to see colour. Objects can make colour by subtracting or absorbing precise wavelengths. So the the light source, such as the sun, sends waves on to the object, then we see the colour as the viewer.

This system involves colourants and reflected light. Subtractive colour begins with an object; like a piece of blank paper. The piece of paper reflects light using colourants/dyes. For something to appear white, all the white light would have to be reflected back to the viewer. The colourants are used to subtract parts of the white light then illuminating an object to create more colours. For something to appear black, an object will subtract all the light illuminating it. This way no light can be reflected back to the viewer and it appears black. This process helps us to see colours around us.

This process is used in paintings and photography. Using painting as an example, you would often use a blank, white, canvas to paint on to. The white canvas acts as a reflector. Additive colours work for how we see colours computer screens and tv screens

Colour Theory: Opticks and Colour Wheels

Found Image on Google images.

Isaac Newton's Opticks

Our basic understanding of colour made a breakthrough back in 18th Century when Isaac Newton was researching into his discovery of prisms, light and colour. Through a series of experiments, Newton found that when he refracted white light through a glass, triangular prism, that a rainbow light of colour was created. Revealing that light was able to breakdown into colour that includes:

Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo and Violet. 

Newton then reversed this process by placing the colours back through the prism to create another white light. This then proved that light is the source of all colour.

Colour Wheels

Three of the basic categories of colour theory are:

• The colour wheel.
• Colour harmony.
• Context of how colours are used. 

Colour wheels are circles, with sections, that have different colours. Colour wheels are used to show relationships between colours. You are able to find many different colour wheels.

Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Colours 

Found Image on Google Images.

Primary colours are the colours that are mixed together to create secondary colours. This colour wheel shows that:

Yellow + Red = Orange

Yellow+ Blue=Green

Red+Yellow=Purple

Orange. Green and Purple are the secondary colours made up from Red. Yellow and Blue.

These primary colours are technically the starting points to other hues.

Image Found on Google Images

Tertiary colours are primary and secondary colours mixed together. A double barrelled type of colour is then formed. Example: Blue-Green. A mixture of two different colours. Creating more shades.

Blue-Green Examples
Image Found on Google Image

My Idea.

The idea of my visual culture artifact is that I will be using the power the editor has in order to change the image and create a new meaning to for it by using video editing programs. This will link into Colour Theory and Representation of Self. The images below give an example of how I will apply colour theory.

Original Image

Adding warmer tones to suggest a sunset

Adding colder tones to suggest a much colder weather

I want to be able to manipulate an image by changing the representation. I would be able to mis-represent something by cropping images and taking them out of context. Then basically just manipulating the photo into something new. Then also experiment in colour correction.

When doing this, I want to try several different video editors to help me. Attempt similar effects and explore different programs that are able to manipulate images. For example; After Effects, DaVinci & Avid Media Composer. I am aware of how to use After Effects quite well. Avid I have some experience with but still have a lot to figure out with it and then finally, DaVinci will be a brand new program for me to explore with. This will be interesting to discuss in my essay of how each one worked.