For centuries artists have explored the uses_ of color
in their compositionS. Believing that colors have innate Symbolic,
expressive, and aesthetic qualities, artists have been aware that
these properties can be magnified or-kubdued by organization within a
compositional space, and artists have suggested that certain
positions within -a framed fieldare inherently advantageous or
disadvantageous for the placement of color. Recently, investigators
in Gestalt psychology have identified a phenomenon called "magnetism
of the frame." The theory suggests that a frame has powers of
attraction, and objects placed close to an edge, either inside or
outside the frame, will be perceived as drawn toward the frame. Other
research has shown that certain sections within any framed space have
the potential to sharpen the visual effects of any object placed
Within those sections. This paper explores the effects of magnetism
of the frame on color. The possible areas of investigation, the
variables of color and compositional field that need to be addressed
and controlled, and media tools and stimuli that could be used to
test hypotheses are outlined. The ramifications for applied mass
communication are surveyed. it is-theorized that -a frame can
supercharge cOlors. This phenomenon could be employed in television
news delivery, publication, or packaging design. In addition, the
fact that the placement of color within a frame is crucial to
effective color photography composition is explored. (Author/CRH)