Contrast is a principle of art. It refers to the arrangement of opposite
elements (light vs. dark, rough vs. smooth, large vs. small) in a piece to
create visual interest, excitement and drama.
The colors white and black provide the greatest degree of contrast. When we think of light, we often think of
white, and when we think of dark, our mind imagines black.
The Bible is full of examples of both light and darkness,
from Genesis through Revelation. In
fact, I am overwhelmed trying to choose what to share with you! As artists we can draw from these examples as
we create. Most often darkness is used
to describe evil or worldly things and light is used to describe God and good
things. Paul gives us some details about
his conversation with Jesus in Acts 26.
Here he is describing to King Agrippa what Jesus told him. That he would rescue Paul and send him out to
the people, verse 18, “to open their
eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God,
so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are
sanctified by faith in me.” That’s what
we need to do. Turn from darkness to
light. Jesus is the light we are turning
to. He tells us in John 8:12 “I am the
light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will
have the light of life.”
Not only do we have the light of life, but we are to share
that light with the world. “You are the
light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light
a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives
light to everyone in the house.” Matthew
5:14-16. Now I can’t sing a note to save my life, but
can’t you just hear the tune of “This Little Light of Mine?” Our art IS light that we can share with
others.
When we are creating, if the piece we are working on is
about our past, life without our Savior, our sin, or some worldly evils, our
palate will be dark. Shadows, night, and
dark images are effective tools to use, creating a feeling of being
uncomfortable or empty. “Light has come
into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds
were evil.” John 3:19
Light in our art work gives feelings of hope, joy, God’s
presence and the change He makes in us and in our world. The sun, candles, and other light sources are
popular symbols of God’s light.
Eventually the sun and moon will pass away, and our new world will be
bright with only the light of God. “There
will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of
the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever
and ever.” Revelation 22:5
Often we include both light and dark in our work to make a
more powerful image. Contrast, conflict,
comparison. The life left behind is dark
and the new life in us is bright.
“The Lighthouse” digital art by Greg Moores, is a great
example of contrast to convey feeling. The
light shines a path in the water for us to follow. More of his amazing work can be seen here:
Think about that contrast in your life. Have you let go of the darkness? Is there anything you need to do to move out
of it? Are you living in the light of
the Lord? How can you display your
answers in your art?
Bekah J
