Simultaneous Contrast

The term simultaneous contrast refers to the manner in which the colors of two different objects affect each other. The effect is more noticeable when shared between objects of complementary color.

01:01:51
“Simultaneous contrast makes reference to the manner in which the colors of two different objects affect each other.”

01:03:23
“The effect is more noticeable when shared between objects of complementary color.”

01:05:36
“A contrast effect is the enhancement, or diminishment, of perception as a result of an immediately previous or simultaneous exposure to a stimulus (of lesser or greater value) in the same dimension.”

01:06:14
“Normal perception is that which would be obtained in the absence of a comparison stimulus.”

01:07:21
“The brain becomes timid, reserved and inhibited as it recognizes contrasts in visual information or appearances.”


01:08:56
“The appearance of something is affected by the the things surrounding it.”

01:09:04
“Simultaneous contrast invites the artist to trick the eye (and trick the eye easily).”

01:10:19
“Two colors, placed side-by-side, interact with each other and our perception changes accordingly.”

01:11:28
“Colors are rarely seen in isolation. Simultaneous contrast affects our sense of color. The real colors are not affected — only our perception of those colors change.”

01:12:11
“Simultaneous contrast is most intense when the two colors are complementary colors.”


01:14:18
An object of any given color will cast a shadow tinged with its complementary color and tinting neighboring colors in the same manner.”

01:15:47
“Identical colors appear to shift when framed by different backgrounds or patterns.”

01:16:01
“How red is red? That depends on its context. We perceive colors in relationship to other colors within our field of vision. The appearance of any one color is modified by the presence of other colors.”

01:17:38
“Place dark colors next to light colors and the dark colors will appear darker and the light colors will appear lighter. Place cool colors next to warm colors and the cool colors will appear cooler while the warm colors will appear warmer.”

01:18:16
“Contrast is the engine that drives color dynamics. To intensify a visual effect, one should increase the contrast in the appropriate components of color. This effect is intensified between adjacent colors. The effect is even further intensified if one color surrounds another, partly or entirely.”

Author: The Artist

Artist, Designer & Photographer