Light, Darkness and Colours

[paralleloscope]

I Recently became aware of the colour theory discourse between the understandings of Newton vs. Goethe. Newtons prism studies led us to the classical scientific linear spectrum of wavelengths derived only from light (darkness ignored). Goethe observed additional colours and dynamics between them, which lead to the colour wheel and seeing that it is on the boundaries between light and darkness that colors form into the two primary colours; Yellow and blue. Both allow that spectral colours arise from refraction and displacement.

How do Newton and Goethe compare in regard to the conception of a color circle?

Newtonian physics works with a linear scheme, that is, with ends which do not meet. Yet, it must not be overlooked that various modern technical processes, particularly
photography and color-printing, must use Goethe’s color circle. Goethe stated that he did not develop his color circle on the basis of the opposing, complementary spectra (hence,
theoretically) but rather on the basis of the physiological colors, the after-image phenomenon, i.e., successive contrasts (hence, entirely by direct human experience). The after-image is achieved by staring for 10–15 seconds at a particular color, for example magenta. When the gaze has then been turned to a neutral light spot, the after-image sets in as the impression of the complementary color, in this case green. Putting together successively the various colors and their complements obtained in this way (Figure 47), Goethe obtained the well-known complete color wheel (Figure 48).

Goethe, however,also used light blue and light yellow as two basic polar colors which, mixed together, yield green. But if one exposes yellow successively to augmentation—that is, saturates it—orange and then red arise by degrees. Polarically to these colors, the corresponding colors of the other half of the spectrum arise, that is, to light yellow the violet, to orange the blue and to red the blue-green. When, in the final phase, the colors violet and red are mixed,* the highest of all colors, magenta, results. This color contains, according to Goethe, partly actu and partly potentia, all the other colors (B793, Farbenlehre). The validity of Goethe’s color circle enjoys general acceptance.

Since ethe excerpt that is quoted is without figures I needed something visual to explain it and found following movie, which does that very nicely and is visually stimulating aswell. I'm intrigued about the coloured shadow phenomena in where our eyes add a complimentary colour to the shadow (no measurable wavelength to it). I don't know what the implications of above ideas combined is yet, but I needed a refreshing look on colours and have found this to be a nice angle to oberve more (about) colour in life.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GiCI1HVLgBI

 

[HiThere]

This was very interesting, thank you for the link!

 

[ec1968]

Thank-you for this link to a brilliant video.

I love the idea that some of what we see doesn't exist and can't be measured (the colour shadows for example) but is nontheless 'real'. The possibility that that concept extends to other areas of life, the world and nature is one we could have lots of fun (and arguments!) discussing - 'real' things that we see but yet which don't exist and can't be measured.

 

[ajseph 21]

I found it interesting how Goethe discovered that without light and darkness that no color would exist. It makes alot of sense that balance is the way to experience the full breadth of existence. The color wheel made me think about densities, centers and the grand cycle in a non linear way. Real thought provoking thanks for the link!