contrast

In art, the difference between the formal art elements. For example, a painting may have smooth textured areas that differ from rough textured areas, or bright colours in the background that contrast with subdued colours in the foreground. When creating a composition, consideration of contrast is one of the design principles, as it will give variety and emphasis within a work. Methods employed to create contrast include the use of high value and tonal differences, light and shadow, the application of highlights, experimenting with texture, and use of different colour interactions within the same composition.