How Do Painters Make Colours Appear to Move?

Painters use tricks with colors to make things look like they are moving. Imagine you're looking at a rainbow, if the colors are placed just right, your eyes can trick you into seeing movement. It's like when you blink quickly and the world seems to jump around.

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Examples

A red flower next to a green background might look like it’s pulsing
Stripes in a painting can seem to swirl when you move your head
White lines on a black background may appear to vibrate

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Categories: Art · color theory· optical illusions· art techniques· painting