By using carefully placed squares of precisely chosen colors, my Asterism Series of paintings creates an illusion of an “X” that exists only in the eye and mind of the viewer – but not in the painting itself. Some of these paintings appear to be lit from within, glowing with a natural light. Some give an illusion of falling into an abyss, while others surge like waves on water.

I borrowed the term Asterism from gemologists who use it to describe the “X” that appears in gems such as Star Sapphires. Julian Stanczak’s “Lumina Series” paintings have subtle instances of this effect. I am exploring ways to achieve dramatic use of the Asterism effect in this series.

In a way, my Asterism paintings are akin to the Pointillism works from the 19th century, where small packets of pure color were meticulously placed to create an image when viewed from a distance. Similarly, my Asterism effect relies on the viewer’s perception to construct an image that isn’t physically present in the artwork itself. This series challenges the observer’s interaction with art, making the experience uniquely personal and dynamic. By contemplating these pieces, viewers are invited to explore the boundaries of visual perception and delve into the enigmatic interplay of color and form.

One reviewer commented on one of my Asterism paintings in a juried show: “Like a sunrise on a pixelated screen — this piece takes you back and pulls you forward all at once. A grid of tiny squares shifts from deep purple to electric yellow, glowing with vintage vibes and analog rhythm. Think disco lights, lava lamps, and lo-fi daydreams.” Love it!

Why does that “X” appear in my Asterism paintings? This visual deception is an example of simultaneous contrast.

What is Simultaneous Contrast?

Simultaneous contrast, or the contrast effect, is a visual phenomenon where the perception of one color is affected by the presence of surrounding colors. Specifically, the brightness, saturation, and even the hue of a color can be altered by the colors surrounding it.

There are two types of simultaneous contrast: successive contrast and simultaneous contrast. Successive contrast occurs when the perception of a color is affected by the colors that came before it. Simultaneous contrast occurs when the perception of a color is affected by its surrounding colors.

The simultaneous contrast effect is powerful when the adjacent colors are complementary, meaning they are opposite on the color wheel. For example, red and green are complementary colors, as are blue and orange, and yellow and purple. When complementary colors are placed next to each other, they can create a strong contrast effect, with each color appearing more vibrant and intense.

In addition to complementary colors, the simultaneous contrast effect can also occur between colors that are not complementary but are simply different in brightness or saturation. For example, a medium gray color may appear darker when placed next to a white color, and lighter when placed next to a black color.

I enjoy exploring how subtle color changes can create illusions such as Asterisms or a sense of glowing or depth. Here are examples from my Asterism Series of Op Art Paintings. For information on a specific painting or Giclee print, click on the image.

Read my blog, “What is Simultaneous Contrast, and how do I use it in my paintings?“

Original Op Art Paintings in my Asterism Series: