Monochrome

   Black and white, dark and bright using shades and stark contrast monochrome can offer some interesting results. 

   Today it is possible to apply filters to digital photographs and choose if we would like an image in colour, black and white or monochrome.  But this is only a recent development. All images were black and white not so long ago. At times black and white fits perfectly. This photo of a child taking a photo of the person taking her photo is a great example. Complemented by perfect focus length the image draws in your attention. Questions arise, was it taken a long time ago? Shes not holding a modern digital camera but I think the woman's handbag in the background isn't from the early 1900's either. The little girl is dressed classically, a hoody would give the game away. Even the decking and location, a pier hints at Victorianism perhaps. Clever use of monochrome can evoke a sense of age within images.

   Sometimes in design the contrast available when using a monochrome scheme will be intentional. Often kitchens and bathrooms are a popular choice.

   Irregular shapes work well in this shop interior alongside the monochrome scheme. It puts emphasis on the shapes and nicely divides the area up. The bright lights add to the contrast. The clothing is hung, light clothes on black, dark on white making them stand out against the two backgrounds.

   This photo of trees in snowy surroundings is naturally monochrome, but in ways has visual similarities to the shop image above. The monochrome shop creates an avenue of cloths much like the trees focusing our attention deep into the image. In both we are undistracted by colour.

   Although most of us perhaps would assume monochrome means simply back and white or greyscale. Monochrome can be an image made of a single colour or shades of a single colour.

   Producing work in a monochromatic format under the right circumstances can amplify the impact of the piece and is always worth considering. 

   The model I mentioned in my blog will be monochromatic, it will be all white. For an architectural model this works well because it provides a blank canvas for inspiration. If I made the model with colour I think it could hinder creative thoughts and design suggestions. Instead of looking at a blank canvas you would see all the decay and litter. The vandalism on the site, over grown trees and damp conditions. If you looked at a model with all this detail the creative ideas you are seeking for the project would be swamped by the visual impact of a semi derelict site. 

   Using monochrome can be visually stark, but it can be attention grabbing and purposeful use of monochrome can simplify some work and images if that is the goal.

Black and white image of girl with camera[online image] Available at<:http://img.izismile.com/img/img2/20090916/black_and_white_photographs_22.jpg> [Accessed April11 2013]

Black and white bathroom image [online image] Available at<:http://www.sigmaenterijeri.rs/img/proizvodi/kupatilski%20namestaj/11.jpg> [Accessed April 10 2013]

Black and white shop interior image [online image] Available at<:http://www.designmena.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/CM8015668@cartel38-600x400.jpg>[Accessed April 10 2013]

Black and white tree image [online image] Available at<:http://www.canvas101.co.uk/images/gallery-art/Photographer/Sunny%20Kalsi/SK0010%20black%20and%20white%20trees%20f.jpg>[Accessed April 10 2013]

Pink Monochrome image [online image]Available at<:http://www.bigblackpig.com/painting/monochrome2.jpg>[Accessed April 10 2013]