| M |
| Blk LD D HD M LLt Lt HLt Wt |
In this case we have the gradation of the Scale of Values set on a ground-tone of the middle value. Here there are two opposed gradations with equal contrasts at the opposite ends. The result is Balance, not Rhythm.
| Wt |
| Blk LD D HD M LLt Lt HLt Wt |
In this case we have a gradation of values beginning with White on White, no contrast at all, and reaching ultimately the contrast of Black and White. The eye is drawn through the tones of this gradation in the direction of this contrast, that is to say, from right to left. It is a clear case of Rhythm. If, instead of white, we had black, as a ground-tone, the movement of the rhythm would be in the opposite direction,—from left to right.
| Wt HLt Lt LLt M HD D LD Blk |
| Blk LD D HD M LLt Lt HLt Wt |
In this case, as in the first, we have equally great contrasts at the ends and no contrast at the middle. The result is Balance, not Rhythm.
| V |
| Y YG G GB B BV |
In this case, disregarding possible differences of value and color-intensities, there will be a color-rhythm proceeding from right to left. The contrast to which the eye will be drawn is the color-contrast of Yellow and Violet.
| LD-V |
| D-Y HD-YG M-G LLt-GB Lt-B HLt-BV |
In this case, disregarding possible differences of intensity, there will be a rhythm of color moving from right to left and a rhythm of values moving from left to right. Assuming that we are equally attracted by corresponding value and color-contrasts, these two rhythms, when produced, will neutralize one another and we shall have an illustration of Tone-Balance rather than Tone-Rhythm. If corresponding color and value-contrasts are not equally attractive we shall have an unequal tug-of-war between the two rhythms.