COLOR AS A TOOL FOR THE DRAMA OF AN ARTISTIC IMAGE IN PAINTING

Abstract

Color in painting is more than just a visual component – it is a powerful tool for influencing emotions, capable of fundamentally transforming the perception of an artwork, enriching its meaning, and emphasizing the dramatic tone of the artistic image. Depending on the interplay of shades, contrasts, intensity, and the interaction of light and shadow, color can evoke anxiety, excitement, sadness, inspiration, or awe. It is color that transforms an image on canvas from a simple visual representation into a psychologically profound expression, capable of directly addressing the viewer’s inner world. In painting, color becomes a language of emotions that needs no translation and is understood intuitively.The aim of this article is to analyze how color functions in the context of dramatization in painting, to trace its role in creating emotional tension, tragic moods, or internal conflict, and to identify the features of its use in the works of artists from different historical periods. Particular attention is given to color techniques that allow the artist to go beyond the visual and appeal to sensory and emotional perception.The methodology is based on a set of methods and principles that encompass art historical, psychological, semiotic, and historical-cultural approaches. The art historical approach considers the artwork as a visual construction, taking into account color palettes, composition, contrast elements, light and shadow, and rhythm. The psychological approach focuses on the study of the emotional and psychological impact of color on the viewer. The semiotic analysis interprets color as a sign system that carries symbolic meaning within the context of a given era or culture. The historical-cultural approach explores color within the framework of aesthetic, philosophical, and sociocultural ideas of a specific historical period. Comparative analysis is used to juxtapose the works of different artists, schools, or epochs to identify common and distinctive approaches to the use of color as a tool of dramatization.The scientific novelty of this research lies in its comprehensive interdisciplinary approach to analyzing color as a cornerstone of dramatization in the visual arts. Within this framework, color is regarded not merely as a compositional element or expressive technique, but as a multidimensional sign system with psychological, semiotic, and cultural-historical dimensions.Conclusions: In contemporary art, the issue of emotional expressiveness remains highly relevant. Amid the ongoing evolution of artistic forms and styles, color retains its universal ability to influence the viewer, continuing to function as a language that speaks to the deepest layers of consciousness. This makes it not only an aesthetic but also a psychological factor of artistic expression, which deserves dedicated and in-depth study.