Clarissa Gregory
COLOR THEORY: Week 6
Optical Mixing, Bezold Effect,
& Simulated Transparency
Vocabulary
Optical Mixture two or more colors used next to each other to create a blending, blurring
or neutralizing effect
Simulated Transparency Two opaque color overlapping appear to create a third color
(also opaque). This stimulates the illusion of colored glass or film
Bezold Effect the idea that a single color can change the effect of all the surrounding
colors, especially when that single color dominates the surface. In this type of color
interaction, the substitution of a single major (or base) color can cause multiple shifts
within a design.
Project 4a: Optical Mixing Disc
Complementary Colors create Optical Mixture
Materials Needed: Color-Aid Paper (colored scrap paper last option), bristol paper, black
backing paper, exacto knife & blade, glue/tape
Project Description:
Observe how two complementary colors placed beside each other in equal amounts can
cause a visual “vibration” and when in motion, create a third color.
Directions:
--Select 2 Complementary hues, highly saturated
--Design a simple geometric pattern (stripes, zig-zags, dots etc.), making sure each color
occupies an equal surface area. *Design must be 4” in at least one direction
--Adhere pattern to Bristol paper via glue/tape
--Create hole in center, so that drill bit can fit.
--Now watch it spin!
--Record your resultswritten explanation
Written Explanation Requirements:
Name, Date, Project Title
Objective: Clearly state the point of the project, listing objective(s).
Materials: List each Color Aid used by #Number, Name (BGB), and Hue/Value
(T-1). Give the size of each piece; i.e. 4 x 4” square, 1” square.
Observation/Explanation: What happened and why: briefly explain the why what
happened did happen. *Use your own words rather than regurgitating Project Description.
Schematic: A visual sketch or map of your design, with labels indicating the
colors used. This may be created by hand, photoshop or photocopied print-out of
actual gray squares, as long as it is clear.
*See example schematic next page
Example schematic of Complementary Colors creating OPTICAL MIXTURE:
Project 4b: Bezold Effect
*Same materials needed as in 1.
Project description:
Alternate the base hue of a simple pattern to observe how that single major color can affect
all of the surrounding colors
Directions:
--Plan a geometric OR organic pattern with one dominant base color and up to 4
additional hues (4 colors min., 5 colors max). Pattern should be in 4 x 4” square format
--Make sure colors interlock (touch/overlap), so that change in interaction is noticeable
--Select THREE additional BASE COLORS. Choose ones dramatically different from
original base. *For example: light vs. dark values, complementary vs. analogous etc.
--RECREATE Original Pattern THREE MORE TIMES (total of 4), alternating base hue only
--Adhere FOUR Bezold Effects onto Black paper
--Record your resultswritten explanation
*Same Written Requirements apply as in #1
*See Example Schematic of Bezold Effect below:
Due Next Week:
1) Optical Mixing Disc
2) Bezold Effect x4