Hue and tone are important concepts in color theory that refer to two different attributes of color. Hue refers to the dominant wavelength of light while tone refers to the lightness or darkness of a color. Understanding the differences between hue and tone allows artists to precisely control color in their work.
What is Hue?
Hue refers to the dominant wavelength of light that is reflected or emitted from an object. It represents where a color falls along the visible spectrum and is what gives a color its basic identity. For example, red, orange, and yellow are all different hues.
Hue is determined by the wavelength of light. Longer wavelengths appear redder while shorter wavelengths appear bluer. The visible spectrum ranges from red with the longest wavelengths to violet with the shortest wavelengths. In between these extremes are all the hues of the rainbow – red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.
| Wavelength (nm) | Hue |
|---|---|
| 620-750 | Red |
| 595-620 | Orange |
| 570-595 | Yellow |
| 500-570 | Green |
| 450-500 | Blue |
| 380-450 | Violet |
While the visible spectrum displays hue in a continuous progression from red to violet, artists typically work with six main hues – red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet. Mixing together these hues allows the creation of all the colors of the rainbow.
Hue is an essential attribute of color because it provides the strong visual sensation we associate with different colors. It is what allows us to distinctly see a red object as different from a green object. Hue is what gives color its personality and visual impact.
What is Tone?
Tone refers to the lightness or darkness of a color. It represents how much black or white has been mixed into a hue. Tone is important for describing colors precisely. For example, any hue can range from a very light, pale tone to a very dark, rich tone.
Tone is created by adding black to a color to make it darker or adding white to a color to make it lighter. Pure hues with no black or white added are said to be at middle tone. The more black that is mixed in, the lower the tone becomes. The more white that is mixed in, the higher the tone becomes.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| High Tone | A light tone with a lot of white added |
| Middle Tone | The natural tone of a pure hue |
| Low Tone | A dark tone with a lot of black added |
Tone is extremely important in painting as it defines lights and darks. The range of tones used establishes contrast and modeling that gives a painting a sense of form. Masterful use of tone allows creating the illusion of three-dimensional volume on a two-dimensional surface.
Relationship Between Hue and Tone
While hue and tone are distinct attributes of color, they work closely together. The tone of a color describes its lightness or darkness, while the hue identifies the color itself. Tone modifies hue to precisely control color.
For example, two different hues such as red and green can be made into lighter toned pink and lime green by adding white. Or they can be made into darker toned burgundy and forest green by adding black.
This means any hue can be altered into a range of tones. A color wheel shows hue while a value scale shows tone. An artist selecting a color needs to think about both the desired hue and tone for color mixing or application.
Using Hue and Tone in Art
Mastering hue and tone is essential for artists in mixing colors and applying them effectively. Here are some key ways hue and tone impact art:
Color Mixing
Understanding hue allows artists to mix together primary hues to create any desired secondary and tertiary hues. Understanding tone allows adjusting the lightness and darkness of these mixed hues.
Establishing Color Harmony
Artists use compatible hues and a balanced range of tones to create pleasing compositions. Complementary hues heighten contrast while analogous hues promote harmony.
Creating Emphasis
Intense hues and extreme tones draw the viewer’s attention. Subtle hues and middle tones recede into the background. This allows directing the visual focus.
Conveying Mood
Warm hues feel energetic and cool hues calm. Dark tones feel somber and light tones cheerful. Artists manipulate hue and tone to achieve the desired emotional impact.
Defining Form
A full range of tones communicates shading and contours to convey form. Gradual transitions between tones describe smooth, rounded surfaces.
Conclusion
Hue and tone are essential, interrelated aspects of color. Hue refers to the dominant wavelength of light while tone describes how light or dark a color is. All colors have both a hue and a tone. Mastering control over these attributes allows artists to precisely mix colors and skillfully apply them to create desired visual effects and emotional impacts. A strong grasp of hue and tone is fundamental to effective use of color across all art forms.