How TONE is operating
In this poster artwork by Ken Davis, tone is operating by contrasting and pulling our eyes towards the hierarchy of important elements in the design. The dark brown text against the light blue background catches our eyes first, as we move both above and below it afterwards to gain more information on "High Sierra". Interestingly enough, the most detailed area using tone, the pinecones on the bottom right, does not immediately grab our attention. The lack of contrast, however detailed the area may be, means that it just blends into the background.
How TONE is interacting
The way in which tone is interacting in this poster gives a sense of movement across the page. The dimensional shape given to the blue background swirls across the poster, with the dark brown details wisping off as highlights. The light blue background found immediately between the dark brown text and the dark blue drop shadow it has, serve as a highlight on the right side of the text. This gives the center text a more three dimensional appearance. The detailed pinecones on the bottom are given form and three dimensionality through the use of shadows.
How COLOR is operating
The usage of earth tone colors relates to what the poster is about, an outdoors backpacking roadtrip. The brown colors remind of us dirt and earth, while the blue colors remind us of open sky. This natural color palette is complimented by organic dark brown elements underlining and surrounding the text. We get an overall sense of neutrality.
How COLOR is interacting
The neutral brown background is calm and earth toned, extremely subdued when paired with the blues in the artwork. This operates to give us an impression of what is brought to the foreground (important) & what is in the background (subdued information). As mentioned above, the highlights found on the main text's letters are the same light blue found throughout the poster. Placed on the right side of the text, and using the brightest color on the design, our eyes see this as a white highlight of shine, making the letters three dimensional.
Photo from: http://coyoteandthunder.com/2012/08/27/juniper-ridges-high-sierra-summer-camp/
