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Spreading and Spatial Effects

Simultaneous Contrast (colors taking on characteristics of their complement) is occassionally overridden by the Spreading Effect. This occurs regularly when there is a difference in the "spatial frequency" of objects on a background. After analyzing the diagram below, you will see how this tactic can be applied to the design of tapestries in order to preserve certain color sensations.

Instructions: Look at the two sets of gray patches occupying the same area space on the light red background. Notice that the patches on the left appear slightly greenish. On the right, the gray patches definitely tend towards red. Simultaneous contrast is taking place on the larger blocks of the neutral gray. Whereas, the thinner strips of gray exhibit "spreading."

Are the gray areas the same color?

Back to Optical Illusions

Other Illusions:
Blind Spots
Blink Effect
Bordering
Chromatic Adaptation
Chromatic Adaptation
Color Blindness
Crispening
Dither Dots
Dithering
Fill Patterns
Opponent After-images
Optical Art
Shape Contrast
Simultaneous Contrast
Simultaneous Contrast
Value Contrast

Other fun stuff:
Free 3D Screensavers
Color Playground
Dimensions of Color
3D Color Puzzle

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