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Design for the Rest of Us
Two Sides of Harmony:
Part Two
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 Greetings!
In my last article I featured the season we just entered...Fall. Actually, in the context of design, doesn't the word Autumn sound so much more enticing? I featured some images of various floral photographs and art. What they had in common was color harmony based on "relatedness" in their case in the "warm analogous" range.
Again, here's how I approach harmony...
"a sense of balance resulting from a composition of various elements coming together into a pleasing whole"
The Two Sides of Harmony
#1. Harmony may be achieved from related or similar elements,such as from one temperature zone (warm or cool), sort of the "two peas in a pod" analogy to personal relationships.
 | | Van Gogh |
Or,
#2. Harmony may be achieved from contrasting or dissimilar elements, such as in the different temperature zones, warm and cool, the "You complete me-Jerry McGuire" analogy to personal relationships, today's topic.
I've chosen paintings to demonstrate harmony based on contrast, or colors that complement each other. Perhaps this is more challenging to achieve the right balance. But, when done well it can be so very satisfying.
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There are many types of Contrasting Color Schemes including Direct Complementary, Split Complementary, and Triadic. Direct complements are two colors directly opposite each other on the color wheel, e.g. red and green. Split and Triadic are made up of three colors   | | Split Complement |
 | | Triadic |
Generally considered more dynamic and active than Related Color Schemes, choices may be made within a broad continuum. If you combined bright blue with bright orange, for instance, you would have quite a lively scheme. If instead you chose slate blue (a grayish blue) and a rusty orange the contrast would not be as "wow", but still harmonious.
Design is Intent. Like music, some like hot; others cool; and then there is Jazz. That leads me to Rhythm's relationship to design, a topic to explore another time.
 | | Derain |
European artists known for experimenting with contrasting colors included here are: Andre Derain and Henri Matisse of the early 20th c.
Fauvist Movement derived from the French term for "wild beast". It is an expressive, seemingly primitive colorful style.
Similarly contemporary artists and designers often use the Triadic scheme of the primary colors of red, yellow, and blue for children's spaces.
 | | Matisse |
 | | R. Delaunay |
Robert and Sonia Delaunay later in the 20th century were very much influenced by the observations of Maurice Chevruel many years before them. The notion of simultaneous contrast described the changes of color in relationship to other colors, and the resulting play of colors.
 | | S. Delaunay-Terk |
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 Upcoming Fall 2012 Seminars New York City
For more info. on FIT courses: 212-217-7715
Learn the Top Ten Design Motifs
(SXH 100) @ FIT W. 27th & 7th Ave.
Offered twice this fall:
Sept. 27, Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25 6-9 pm
Nov. 1, 8, 15, 29, Dec. 6 6-9 pm
This intensive historical style survey covers highlights of architecture, fashion, furniture, color, & lifestyles through the ages.
Color Intensive Workshop for the Home Fashion Market SXH 300)@ FIT W. 27th & 7th Ave. Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22 6-9pm
Color Psychology(SXF 820) @ FIT W. 27th & 7th Ave.
Nov. 7, 14 6 - 9 pm
Interior Design Industry
NDES1-CE9142 @ NYU Woolworth Bldg. 15 Barclay St. City Hall area
Nov. 4, 11 10 am - 5 pm
Acquire a working knowledge of the principles & business practices of interior designs.Topics include an overview of the industry, professional requirements, design project phases, fees, contracts with clients, & purchasing goods & service.
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