Observing shades of colour

If you look at the colour palette again, you will notice that there are different shades of colour. Have you ever noticed this before? Some are light shades and some are dark.

The picture shows two images of a green ball. The first one is has a single shade of green and it looks flat – it doesn’t look like a ball. The second one looks much more realistic. Even though the picture has many shades of green it looks like a green ball.

 

Nasturtium leaves

nasturtium leaves

Courtesy of Dr. Susan Mahr, University of Wisconsin

Nasturtium leaves
Courtesy of Dr. Susan Mahr, University of Wisconsin

Nasturtium leaves

nasturtium leaves

Courtesy of Dr. Susan Mahr, University of Wisconsin

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Buttercup

The buttercup is a wild flower which grows in fields and gardens.

Courtesy of Wicklow Mountains National Park

Buttercup
Courtesy of Wicklow Mountains National Park

Buttercup

The buttercup is a wild flower which grows in fields and gardens.

Courtesy of Wicklow Mountains National Park

Enlarge image

Examine some pictures and photographs. How do different shades of colour indicate the shapes of objects?

How many shades of green are there in the picture of the nasturtium leaves? How many shades of yellow are there on the buttercup? Are the petals flat? How do you know?