Collage is a form of art that combines or assembles different forms to create a new whole. They can be newspaper or magazine clippings, photographs, portions of artworks or many other items. They are glued together on canvas or paper. Collages date back to the early 20th century as a part of modern art. Collage is also a technique in painting popularised by Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque. Today, there are digital collages that uses computer tools to create visual elements or digital art. It’s important to learn the importance of colour and colour palette in collaging.

Importance of colour in digital art

You see colour everywhere. The mind engages with different colours consistently and associates them with different things. Researchers have found that snap judgements can be made regarding different products based solely on colour. The right colour decision can be a good basis for effective and engaging design. In digital arts such as infographics and collages, the right colour combination is essential. Colour may convey a mood and story.

Warm versus cool

The so-called colour theory differentiates two types of colours, warm and cool. Warm colours include yellow, orange, red and their variations. They reflect energy, passion, happiness and enthusiasm. On the other hand, cool colours are purple, blue and green. They are more subdued than warm colours and evoke calmness, relaxation, nature or night. There are also neutral colours such as white, black, brown and grey that are often used as a backdrop and combined with warm or cool colours.

Colour harmony

Colour can behave relative to other colours and shapes. For instance, red appears brighter against a black background and duller against white. There are colours that complement each other, such as those that are directly opposite such as red and purple or yellow and green. You can know which colours are opposite each other by making a colour wheel. You can also make a colour palette based on analogous colours, or any three colours beside each other in a colour wheel.

Creating your colour palette

Create a specific goal in mind to come up with your desired colour palette. Pick colours that work well together. Visualise a colour wheel, then choose a scheme based on monochromatic, complementary or analogous colours. Nature is also a good basis for colour harmony. It is always safe to use fewer colours when creating a colour palette.

Conclusion

When it comes to art, there is simply no rule. If you are making a collage as a form of expression or art, you follow your own rules, and that includes following a particular colour palette or not. If you are making a collage for business, such as when you need it to create your design portfolio, a colour scheme can convey a certain mood or message. In this digital age, making a collage can simply mean using a photo collage maker online. This makes the process a whole lot easier. All you need to do is pick the photos from your computer or social media profile, choose the template, and that’s it. You can even have it printed and delivered to your doorstep.

Image: Pixabay.com

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