Image Essay 9

This Harry Potter book cover is a perfect example of using a monochromatic color scheme. Different values of blue are being used. Shades of blue can be seen on Harry’s robe as well as in the background in the doors. Tints of blue can be seen in the candles and the flames. Blue and its various shades and tints are being used to convey a certain emotion or a certain atmosphere for the audience. Now the stereotypical response that most people have towards the color blue is sadness and depression. This is what most people have been taught to believe. Everything we have been taught about color is incorrect. Looking at this particular illustration, the blues that are being used give a sense of mystery and evil that is yet to come in the story. With all the different shades of blue, a viewer may feel a chill because the color blue makes people refer to a cold temperature. In the illustration it looks like there is wind blowing the flames to the left which also may make the audience feel a chill. The way this composition is arranged is very interesting. The main character Harry and the candles are in the foreground and the doors are in the background. A viewer would definitely get a sense of depth with this image because of the overlapping of elements. The candles overlap the character that overlaps the doors in the background. Also, repetition can be spotted with the doors. The pattern is broken with the far left door being more ajar than the others.