Why Do Paintings Look Different Under Different Lights?

Imagine a painting like a cake, the colors are all mixed together. Now, think of light as a lamp shining on it. If you turn on a red lamp, the whole cake looks more red! That’s why paintings change when you switch lights, because different colors of light highlight or hide other colors in the paint.

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Examples

  1. A blue butterfly looks green when lit by a yellow lamp.
  2. Red roses can look brown under a dim light.
  3. White paper can appear gray in the evening.

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Categories: Art · art· lighting· color theory· perception