Color Essay

Johannas Brahms

Color is an incredible tool to the artists.  I chose an illustration from designarchives.aiga.org/#/home byRichard Mantel called Johannas Brahms, painted in 1984.  I noticed it first for the way the elements did not fit, particularly the odd angle of the beard, and was impressed by how color did in fact pull the disjointed elements together.

First we’ll discuss color choice, then composition, mood, and overall success.

The main color pallet for this painting was analogous.  Violet was the main color used, but in several different tones.  The violet on the pocket flower is not the same as the side bar.  The side bar has much more blue in it, although that is not the same blue we find in Brahms’ beard.  The face does not have many yellows but there are several shades and tints of red that would technically disqualify this work as analogous.  The greys used in the hair, clothing, and shadows are permissible in any color scheme as they create tints, and show depth.  Black and white and their tints are not considered part of the color wheel.

Composition of this piece focuses strongly on the stern face of the man because of the dramatic color difference. This is usually the case when you interrupt a color scheme. Most particularly the highlight on Brahms’ forehead catches the attention first, which leads the viewer to the stark whiteness of the text, then back down to the off-white, light violet of the eyes and down into the light colored beard.  Similar colors in the background then pull the eye back upwards along the hair lines, and the very dark colored suit is left almost invisible because of its almost lack of color.  This is good as Brahms himself was the main focus of the artwork, and the color contrast made him stand out dramatically.

Mood of this piece is primarily determined by color.  The shade of violet used for the majority of the image is a blue violet, which makes it at once calming and droll.  The very dark colors of the suit and hair intensify this feeling, making the violet seem almost eerie.  This piece remains stern and almost reproachful despite the stark color contrast of the face.  Though the reds should warm up the picture, the expression on Brahms’ face is severe enough that the emotion is not changed.  Even the bright white of the text is so stark it is not comforting.  I have not listened to Johannes Brahms’ music but I have a very good idea what sort of record it would be.

The overall success for this image was fairly high.  The beard still throws me, but as far as use of color it has done everything it means to.  There is a defined subject, a stern mood, cohesive color scheme.