CDA Design Principles & Color Theory 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In decorative art, 'negative space' refers to:
- Areas of dark color in a painting
- The unoccupied space surrounding the subject (Correct answer)
- Colors with low saturation
- The background painted in a complementary color
Correct answer: The unoccupied space surrounding the subject
Negative space is the empty or background area around and between subjects, which is as important to composition as the positive (subject) space.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes 'value' in color theory?
- The purity or intensity of a color
- The temperature of a color on the warm-cool scale
- The relative lightness or darkness of a color (Correct answer)
- The position of a color on the color wheel
Correct answer: The relative lightness or darkness of a color
Value refers to how light or dark a color is, ranging from white (highest value) to black (lowest value).
Question 3: A color scheme that uses only one hue in varying tints, tones, and shades is called:
- Complementary
- Analogous
- Monochromatic (Correct answer)
- Achromatic
Correct answer: Monochromatic
A monochromatic scheme uses a single hue varied in value and saturation, creating a harmonious and unified look.
Question 4: The Fibonacci sequence is used in design primarily to establish:
- Color harmony relationships
- Proportional and spatial relationships (Correct answer)
- Contrast ratios between light and dark areas
- The correct number of elements in a composition
Correct answer: Proportional and spatial relationships
The Fibonacci sequence generates the golden ratio (~1.618), which guides proportionally pleasing spatial relationships and compositional divisions.
Question 5: Which principle of design creates a path for the viewer's eye to follow through a composition?
- Unity
- Rhythm
- Movement (Correct answer)
- Emphasis
Correct answer: Movement
Movement directs the viewer's gaze through a composition using lines, shapes, color, and other visual cues.
Question 6: On the traditional RYB color wheel used in decorative painting, orange is a:
- Primary color
- Secondary color (Correct answer)
- Tertiary color
- Complementary color
Correct answer: Secondary color
Orange is a secondary color on the RYB wheel, mixed by combining red and yellow in equal parts.
Question 7: The term 'chroma' is synonymous with:
- Hue
- Value
- Saturation (Correct answer)
- Temperature
Correct answer: Saturation
Chroma and saturation both refer to the intensity or purity of a color — how vivid versus muted it appears.
CDA Design Principles & Color Theory 3
In decorative art, 'negative space' refers to: