COLOR HARMONY AND LIGHT FREQUENCY RATIOS: A COLLECTION OF VIDEO PIECES USING AN EXPERIMENTAL COLOR THEORY

Authors

Collin L. Bradford, Brigham Young University
Peter Everett, Brigham Young University

Keywords

color harmony, light frequency ratios, video pieces, color theory

College

Fine Arts and Communications

Department

Art

Abstract

My original proposal focused on the development and use of a system of colors that related to each other in mathematically harmonious ways. Light, like sound, has specific frequencies. A sound’s frequency determines its pitch and the ratios between the frequencies of two or more sounds determine the harmony or dissonance between them. Simpler ratios create more harmonious relationships; more complex ratios create dissonant relationships. For example, two sounds whose frequencies relate to each other in a 2 to 1 ratio (perhaps one is 440 Hz and the other is 880 Hz) form an octave. A slightly more complex ratio, such as 3 to 2 (which is called a fifth in music) creates a more complex harmony. A very complex ratio, like 41 to 9, creates dissonance.

Recommended Citation

Bradford, Collin L. and Everett, Peter (2013) "COLOR HARMONY AND LIGHT FREQUENCY RATIOS: A COLLECTION OF VIDEO PIECES USING AN EXPERIMENTAL COLOR THEORY," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013: Iss. 1, Article 2085.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/2085