Itten's Color Contrasts

Johannes Itten was one of the first people to define and identify strategies for successful color combinations. Through his research he devised seven methodologies for coordinating colors utilizing the hue's contrasting properties. These contrasts add other variations with respect to the intensity of the respective hues; i.e. contrasts may be obtained due to light, moderate, or dark value.

The contrast of saturation

The contrast is formed by the juxtaposition of light and dark values and their relative saturation.

The contrast of light and dark

The contrast is formed by the juxtaposition of light and dark values. This could be a monochromatic composition.

The contrast of extension

Also known as the Contrast of Proportion. The contrast is formed by assigning proportional field sizes in relation to the visual weight of a color.

The contrast of complements

The contrast is formed by the juxtaposition of color wheel or perceptual opposites.

Simultaneous contrast

The contrast is formed when the boundaries between colors perceptually vibrate. Some interesting illusions are accomplished with this contrast.

The contrast of hue

The contrast is formed by the juxtaposition of different hues. The greater the distance between hues on a color wheel, the greater the contrast.

The contrast of hue - primaries

The contrast is formed by the juxtaposition of primary hues.

The contrast of warm and cool

The contrast is formed by the juxtaposition of hues considered 'warm' or 'cool.'

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