Black, White and Red: how the color red can be used as a highlighting element in sketche

Three contrasting colors used in hand drawn illustrations.

Black, an all absorbing color, symbolizes strength in these works as strength lies in endurance. Black can also be seen as an all enduring pigment.

White, the complete opposite of black is an all reflecting colour. In these works they symbolise purity, peace and humbleness.

Together, they create depth and contrast in a pencil sketch. The different grades of graphite used on a plain white sheet gives a perfect example of what happens when opposites meet.

The whole work is completed with the aim of showing contrast, depth, effects of lights and textures provided by graphites and charcoal on paper.

The last element which is added is the color red. Red in these works symbolizes power, energy and activeness. It is used in lesser amount than black and white and used for highlighting a certain part of sketch. Red here works as a perfect highlighting element amidst the world of black and white.

Uchiha Itachi. An anime character of the series Naruto. Itachi's specialty in that anime is his hidden moves or ninja techniques he uses as a surprise element. Here red beneath the cloak symbolizes those hidden moves.

Hatake Kakashi. Anime character from the series Naruto. Here red on the arm symbolizes the leaf village he belongs to. The hint of red in the eye highlights his copying by seeing technique he uses in the series.

Himura Batussai, an anime character of the series Samurai X. Here red takes a different form and is used to highlight the blood, gore and killings involved in a swordfight.

A girl dancing to flamenco, a dance form of Spain. Here the red highlights movement, energy, grace and form.

Portrait of a Bengali. Here the red is used in the saree to highlight the outfit of women during Durga Pooja, the greatest festival of Bengal and the stripe like pattern on the saree symbolizes the stripes of the Royal Bengal Tigress, found in the Sunderbans of Bengal. The red band on the hand symbolizes devotion. The red on the lips highlights Sringaar or Makeup