Color Theory

According to Lauer and Pentak, co-authors of Design Basics, warm colors, the yellow through red-violet spectrum on the color wheel, and cool colors, the yellow-green through violet spectrum on the color wheel, have a psychological effect on the eye of the beholder. Warm colors tend to give the viewer a warm and optimistic feeling. While on the other hand, cool colors have the opposite effect; they stimulate a cold and pessimistic ambiance.

(Original artwork by yours truly)

The cool purple and lavender penguins and blue water are juxtaposed with the warm orange and gold sun and penguin beaks. This piece predominately consists of cool colors which, in addition to the scene with penguins standing on ice, evoke a calm and cold feeling. The vibrant sun and beaks however, makes this piece partially warm and hopeful. However, the melancholy context of the piece overpowers the minimal optimistic aspect of the artwork.

(Original artwork by yours truly)

The intermingle between warm and cool colors creates depth and volume within this piece. The contrast between the red-orange and aqua-green suggests light, as well; the water that the foot is stepping on appears to be glowing. In contrast to the penguin piece, this piece is obviously more warm and vivacious. It is as if the warmth is radiating from the gleaming water.