Lesson 11: The Color Syllogism

For pixel art, the smallest possible shape is the pixel itself—a tiny square—and color is the attribute of that single pixel.

A single pixel square can only have one color, and that color cannot be semi-transparent. It must be a solid color, meaning there is no alpha value (the alpha channel, or α Channel, refers to the transparency and opacity of an image).

1. Shape Is Color

Shape is color. In simple terms, this means considering only the inherent color of an object.

For example, a red apple and green leaves.

This is the first level of color. As long as you are not colorblind, anyone can get this right.

Combined with simplified shapes, anyone can become a minimalist pixel artist.

As long as what you draw can be recognized and understood by the viewer.

2. Color Is Light and Shadow

How does light and shadow alone suggest a sense of three-dimensionality? Observe Hayao Miyazaki's animated films.

For example, Totoro uses only two colors: one for the light side and one for the dark side, yet it feels three-dimensional.

Once light and shadow are introduced, the complexity of painting increases exponentially.

Because the levels of color are endless. However, Pixel Art Rule #2 is to use as few colors as possible, so pixel artists need to simplify the gradients of light and shadow.

Try to use the fewest colors possible to depict light and shadow gradients.

The simplest light and shadow has no gradient, only light and dark. This way, you only need two colors to suggest a sense of three-dimensionality.

3. Suggesting Three-Dimensionality

Once you learn the secret of how Miyazaki's animations suggest three-dimensionality with just two colors, you can draw pixel art with light and shadow using only two colors.

A banana with light and shadow: lemon yellow for the banana, and medium yellow for the dark side.

A peach with light and shadow.

If minimalist pixel art is no longer enough for you, try enlarging the canvas size.

When the size is large enough, you can consider adding outlines. The simplest is a black outline, which gives the strongest cartoon feel.

Then you can also consider light and shadow on the outline itself. That is, replace the black with a color while also considering the effect of light and shadow. This technique is called selective outlining. It allows props or objects to be recognized by the viewer or player against any background color.

4. Color Is Atmosphere

This is the highest level of color application.

Author: ash

In simple terms, you need to consider the visual effect of different colored objects placed together. Such images usually have a background.

The simplest background is the sky (blue). But a scene may contain multiple objects, each with its own light and shadow, and the colors of the objects need to be unified and harmonious.

Author: 4imm_art

Different ways of expressing light and shadow, combined with different colors, will create different atmospheres.

5. Homework

Using the methods learned today, draw a pixel art piece with more than 3 colors, on any theme.