Design Principles & Color Theory Flashcards

In the Munsell color system, which three attributes are used to precisely describe any color?

Answer: Hue, value, and chroma

The Munsell system uses hue (color identity), value (lightness/darkness), and chroma (saturation/intensity) to define color precisely.

Which design principle refers to the visual weight and distribution of elements to create stability in a composition?

Answer: Balance

Balance is the principle that distributes visual weight across a composition to create a sense of stability and equilibrium.

A color scheme using hues that are evenly spaced around the color wheel is called:

Answer: Triadic

A triadic color scheme uses three hues equally spaced 120° apart on the color wheel, such as red, yellow, and blue.

When a warm color is placed next to a cool color, the warm color appears to:

Answer: Advance toward the viewer

Warm colors optically advance toward the viewer when placed next to cool colors, which tend to recede.

The rule of thirds in composition suggests placing the focal point:

Answer: At one of four intersection points of equally divided thirds

The rule of thirds divides the canvas into a 3×3 grid and recommends placing key elements at the intersecting points for dynamic composition.

Which term describes a color that has been darkened by adding black?

Answer: Shade

A shade is created by adding black to a pure hue, making it darker while retaining its color identity.

Simultaneous contrast occurs when:

Answer: Two identical colors look different due to surrounding colors

Simultaneous contrast is the optical phenomenon where the same color appears different depending on the colors surrounding it.