Tone and Color

The tone deals with the black background around the actual lines. The toned background creates a dramatic effect to the visual design and also causes the lines to have a pop out effect. If the background were to be another color it would not portray the same message as it is doing right now. The tone helps indicate and express the dimension of the object with color, as explained in the class book. According to Dondis, the "additional tonal background detail reinforces the appearance of reality through the sensation of reflected light and cast shadows" (48-9). In this case, the black background reinforces the reality of the color lines shown and the shadow of the lines are still color to make the dramatic effect. The tonal background also deals with creating the dimension of the lines which gives it that effect to attract the viewer. In fact, the tone builds on the line with the dark and light patterns. As mentioned in the basic element lecture, like tone, color is dependent upon context. The color being used are used to send out a message of high energy and activity. The color and tone together are contrasting to the background which is creating this push and pull relation between the figure and the background. In addition, the contrast between the lines and the color lines are also portraying the dramatic feeling.