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COLOR THEORYCOLOR THEORY
Color theory encompasses a multitude of Color theory encompasses a multitude of definitions, concepts and design applications. definitions, concepts and design applications.
All the information would fill several All the information would fill several encyclopedias. As an introduction, here are a encyclopedias. As an introduction, here are a
few basic concepts.few basic concepts.
The Color WheelThe Color Wheel
A color circle, based on red, yellow and blue, is A color circle, based on red, yellow and blue, is traditional in the field of art. Sir Isaac Newton traditional in the field of art. Sir Isaac Newton developed the first circular diagram of colors in developed the first circular diagram of colors in 1666. Since then scientists and artists have 1666. Since then scientists and artists have studied and designed numerous variations of studied and designed numerous variations of this concept. Differences of opinion about the this concept. Differences of opinion about the validity of one format over another continue to validity of one format over another continue to provoke debate. In reality, any color circle or provoke debate. In reality, any color circle or color wheel which presents a logically arranged color wheel which presents a logically arranged sequence of pure hues has merit.sequence of pure hues has merit.
PRIMARY COLORSPRIMARY COLORSRed, yellow and blueRed, yellow and blue
In traditional color theory, these are the 3 In traditional color theory, these are the 3 pigment colors that can not be mixed or pigment colors that can not be mixed or formed by any combination of other colors. formed by any combination of other colors. All other colors are derived from these 3 All other colors are derived from these 3 hueshues
, orange and purple, orange and purpleSECONDARY COLORSSECONDARY COLORSGreenGreen
These are the colors formed by mixing the These are the colors formed by mixing the primary colors primary colors
TERTIARY COLORSTERTIARY COLORSYellow-orange, red-orange, red-purple, Yellow-orange, red-orange, red-purple, blue-purple, blue-green and yellow-blue-purple, blue-green and yellow-green.green.
These are the colors formed by mixing a These are the colors formed by mixing a primary and a secondary color. That's why primary and a secondary color. That's why the hue is a two word name, such as blue-the hue is a two word name, such as blue-green, red-violet, and yellow-orange. green, red-violet, and yellow-orange.
COLOR HARMONYCOLOR HARMONY
Harmony can be defined as a pleasing arrangement of parts, Harmony can be defined as a pleasing arrangement of parts, whether it be music, poetry, color, or even an ice cream sundae.whether it be music, poetry, color, or even an ice cream sundae.
In visual experiences, harmony is something that is pleasing to the In visual experiences, harmony is something that is pleasing to the eye. It engages the viewer and it creates an inner sense of order, a eye. It engages the viewer and it creates an inner sense of order, a balance in the visual experience. When something is not balance in the visual experience. When something is not harmonious, it's either boring or chaotic. At one extreme is a visual harmonious, it's either boring or chaotic. At one extreme is a visual experience that is so bland that the viewer is not engaged. The experience that is so bland that the viewer is not engaged. The human brain will reject under-stimulating information. At the other human brain will reject under-stimulating information. At the other extreme is a visual experience that is so overdone, so chaotic that extreme is a visual experience that is so overdone, so chaotic that the viewer can't stand to look at it. The human brain rejects what it the viewer can't stand to look at it. The human brain rejects what it can not organize, what it can not understand. The visual task can not organize, what it can not understand. The visual task requires that we present a logical structure. Color harmony delivers requires that we present a logical structure. Color harmony delivers visual interest and a sense of order.visual interest and a sense of order.
In summary, extreme unity leads to under-In summary, extreme unity leads to under-stimulation, extreme complexity leads to stimulation, extreme complexity leads to over-stimulation. Harmony is a dynamic over-stimulation. Harmony is a dynamic equilibrium equilibrium
Some Formulas for Color Some Formulas for Color HarmonyHarmony
There are many theories for harmony. The There are many theories for harmony. The following illustrations and descriptions following illustrations and descriptions present some basic formulas present some basic formulas
A color scheme based on A color scheme based on analogous colorsanalogous colors
Analogous colors are any three colors Analogous colors are any three colors which are side by side on a 12 part color which are side by side on a 12 part color wheel, such as yellow-green, yellow, and wheel, such as yellow-green, yellow, and yellow-orange. Usually one of the three yellow-orange. Usually one of the three colors predominates.colors predominates.
A color scheme based on A color scheme based on complementary colorscomplementary colors
Complementary colors are any two colors Complementary colors are any two colors which are directly opposite each other, which are directly opposite each other, such as red and green and red-purple and such as red and green and red-purple and yellow-green. In the illustration above, yellow-green. In the illustration above, there are several variations of yellow-there are several variations of yellow-green in the leaves and several variations green in the leaves and several variations of red-purple in the orchid. These of red-purple in the orchid. These opposing colors create maximum contrast opposing colors create maximum contrast and maximum stability.and maximum stability.
A color scheme based on natureA color scheme based on nature
Nature provides a perfect departure point Nature provides a perfect departure point for color harmony. In the illustration above, for color harmony. In the illustration above, red yellow and green create a harmonious red yellow and green create a harmonious design, regardless of whether this design, regardless of whether this combination fits into a technical formula for combination fits into a technical formula for color harmony.color harmony.
Color ContextColor Context
How color behaves in relation to other How color behaves in relation to other colors and shapes is a complex area of colors and shapes is a complex area of color theorycolor theory. . Compare the contrast effects Compare the contrast effects of different color backgrounds for the of different color backgrounds for the same red square.same red square.
COLOR THEORY BASICS :: Color WheelCOLOR THEORY BASICS :: Color Wheel
Basic color schemes Basic color schemes - Introduction to - Introduction to Color TheoryColor Theory
With colors you can set a mood, attract With colors you can set a mood, attract attention, or make a statement. You can attention, or make a statement. You can use color to energize, or to cool down. By use color to energize, or to cool down. By selecting the right color scheme, you can selecting the right color scheme, you can create an ambiance of elegance, warmth create an ambiance of elegance, warmth or tranquility, or you can convey an or tranquility, or you can convey an
image of playful youthfulness. Color image of playful youthfulness. Color can be your most powerful design can be your most powerful design element if you learn to use it effectivelyelement if you learn to use it effectively
The colour wheel is a visual The colour wheel is a visual representation of colour theory.representation of colour theory. Colors Colors are arranged according to their chromatic are arranged according to their chromatic relationship. Primary colors are positioned relationship. Primary colors are positioned equidistant from one another and are equidistant from one another and are connected by a bridge using secondary connected by a bridge using secondary and tertiary colors and tertiary colors
PRIMARY COLORSPRIMARY COLORSRed, yellow and blue :: In traditional color Red, yellow and blue :: In traditional color theory, these are the 3 pigment colors that theory, these are the 3 pigment colors that can not be mixed or formed by any can not be mixed or formed by any combination of other colors. All other combination of other colors. All other colors are derived from these 3 hues colors are derived from these 3 hues
SECONDARY COLORSSECONDARY COLORSOrange, green and violet :: Colors created Orange, green and violet :: Colors created by a mixture of two primaries by a mixture of two primaries
TERTIARY COLORSTERTIARY COLORSRed-orange, yellow-orange, yellow-green, Red-orange, yellow-orange, yellow-green, blue-green, blue-violet and red-violet :: blue-green, blue-violet and red-violet :: Colors created by a mixture of primary and Colors created by a mixture of primary and secondary hues secondary hues
COMPLEMENTARY COLORSCOMPLEMENTARY COLORSColors located opposite each other on a Colors located opposite each other on a colour wheel. colour wheel.
ANALOGOUS COLORSANALOGOUS COLORSColours located close together on a Colours located close together on a
Basic color schemes Basic color schemes
- Introduction to - Introduction to Color TheoryColor Theory
With colors you can set a mood, attract With colors you can set a mood, attract attention, or make a statement. You can attention, or make a statement. You can use color to energize, or to cool down. By use color to energize, or to cool down. By selecting the right color scheme, you can selecting the right color scheme, you can create an ambiance of elegance, warmth create an ambiance of elegance, warmth or tranquility, or you can convey an or tranquility, or you can convey an
image of playful youthfulness. Color image of playful youthfulness. Color can be your most powerful design can be your most powerful design element if you learn to use it effectivelyelement if you learn to use it effectively
Basic color schemes Basic color schemes - Introduction to - Introduction to Color TheoryColor Theory
With colors you can set a mood, attract With colors you can set a mood, attract attention, or make a statement. You can use attention, or make a statement. You can use color to energize, or to cool down. By color to energize, or to cool down. By selecting the right color scheme, you can selecting the right color scheme, you can create an ambiance of elegance, warmth or create an ambiance of elegance, warmth or tranquility, or you can convey an image of tranquility, or you can convey an image of playful youthfulness. Color can be your most playful youthfulness. Color can be your most powerful design element if you learn to use it powerful design element if you learn to use it effectively.effectively.
Colors affect us in numerous ways, both Colors affect us in numerous ways, both mentally and physically. A strong red color mentally and physically. A strong red color has been shown to raise the blood has been shown to raise the blood pressure, while a blue color has a calming pressure, while a blue color has a calming effect.effect.
Being able to use colors consciously and Being able to use colors consciously and harmoniously can help you create harmoniously can help you create spectacular results spectacular results
The Color WheelThe Color Wheel
The The color wheelcolor wheel or or color circlecolor circle is the basic tool is the basic tool for combining colors. The first circular color for combining colors. The first circular color diagram was designed by Sir Isaac Newton in diagram was designed by Sir Isaac Newton in 1666.1666.
The color wheel is designed so that virtually any The color wheel is designed so that virtually any colors you pick from it will look good together. colors you pick from it will look good together. Over the years, many variations of the basic Over the years, many variations of the basic design have been made, but the most common design have been made, but the most common version is a wheel of 12 colors based on the version is a wheel of 12 colors based on the RYB (or artistic) color model RYB (or artistic) color model
Traditionally, there are a number of color Traditionally, there are a number of color combinations that are considered combinations that are considered especially pleasing. These are called especially pleasing. These are called color harmoniescolor harmonies or or color chordscolor chords and and they consist of two or more colors with a they consist of two or more colors with a fixed relation in the color wheel. fixed relation in the color wheel.
olorImpact is designed to dynamically olorImpact is designed to dynamically create a color wheel to match your base create a color wheel to match your base color color
Primary, Secondary and Tertiary ColorsPrimary, Secondary and Tertiary Colors
In the RYB (or subtractive) color model, In the RYB (or subtractive) color model, the the primary colorsprimary colors are red, yellow and are red, yellow and blue. blue.
The three The three secondary colorssecondary colors (green, (green, orange and purple) are created by mixing orange and purple) are created by mixing two primary colors.two primary colors.
Another six Another six tertiary colorstertiary colors are created by are created by mixing primary and secondary colors mixing primary and secondary colors
Color CombinationsColor Combinations
Color combinations may pass unnoticed Color combinations may pass unnoticed when pleasing, yet offend dramatically when pleasing, yet offend dramatically when compositions seem to clash. One when compositions seem to clash. One outcome we seek in the final form or outcome we seek in the final form or composition, is a successful use of colorcomposition, is a successful use of color
We determine whether or not we are We determine whether or not we are successful by critically assessing the successful by critically assessing the visual balance and harmony of the final visual balance and harmony of the final composition—balance and harmony are composition—balance and harmony are achieved by the visual contrast that exists achieved by the visual contrast that exists between color combinations. Planning a between color combinations. Planning a successful color combination begins with successful color combination begins with the investigation, and understanding, of the investigation, and understanding, of color relationships. color relationships.
Using a color wheel and a template, the Using a color wheel and a template, the relationships between colors are easy to relationships between colors are easy to identify.identify.
Color CombinationsColor Combinations
Color combinations may pass unnoticed Color combinations may pass unnoticed when pleasing, yet offend dramatically when pleasing, yet offend dramatically when compositions seem to clash. One when compositions seem to clash. One outcome we seek in the final form or outcome we seek in the final form or composition, is a successful use of color.composition, is a successful use of color.
We determine whether or not we are We determine whether or not we are successful by critically assessing the successful by critically assessing the visual balance and harmony of the final visual balance and harmony of the final composition—balance and harmony are composition—balance and harmony are achieved by the visual contrast that exists achieved by the visual contrast that exists between color combinations. Planning a between color combinations. Planning a successful color combination begins with successful color combination begins with the investigation, and understanding, of the investigation, and understanding, of color relationshipscolor relationships
Using a color wheel and a template, the Using a color wheel and a template, the relationships between colors are easy to relationships between colors are easy to identify.identify.
Monochromatic RelationshipMonochromatic Relationship Colors that Colors that are shade or tint variations of the same are shade or tint variations of the same
Complementary RelationshipComplementary Relationship Those Those colors across from each other on a color colors across from each other on a color wheel.wheel.
Split-Complementary RelationshipSplit-Complementary Relationship One One hue plus two others equally spaced from hue plus two others equally spaced from its complementits complement
Double-Complementary RelationshipDouble-Complementary Relationship Two complementary color sets; the Two complementary color sets; the distance between selected complementary distance between selected complementary pairs will effect the overall contrast of the pairs will effect the overall contrast of the final composition.final composition.
Analogous RelationshipAnalogous Relationship Those colors Those colors located adjacent to each other on a color located adjacent to each other on a color wheelwheel
Triad RelationshipTriad Relationship Three hues equally Three hues equally positioned on a color wheelpositioned on a color wheel
The 12 step Color WheelThe 12 step Color Wheel
THis 12 step color wheel will provide the THis 12 step color wheel will provide the basic information needed basic information needed to grasp most color design challenges to grasp most color design challenges
The basic principles of color theory and design The basic principles of color theory and design are simple. The color wheel becomes a visual are simple. The color wheel becomes a visual aid in helping us understand the principles of aid in helping us understand the principles of color. color.
It is also an excellent tool to help create It is also an excellent tool to help create harmonious color schemes for painting, interior harmonious color schemes for painting, interior decorating, and commercial design. It creates an decorating, and commercial design. It creates an orderly progression of color that helps us orderly progression of color that helps us understand color balance and harmonyunderstand color balance and harmony
Primary ColorsPrimary Colors
Our color wheel starts with the Our color wheel starts with the 3 primary 3 primary colorscolors, placed in an equilateral triangle , placed in an equilateral triangle
The next aspect to the color wheel is The next aspect to the color wheel is creating the secondary colors. These creating the secondary colors. These colors are placed in triangles above the colors are placed in triangles above the corresponding primary color combination. corresponding primary color combination. This system of color mixing is known as This system of color mixing is known as the subtractive process, because the the subtractive process, because the resulting secondary color subtracts or resulting secondary color subtracts or absorbs even more waves from the white absorbs even more waves from the white light than the first color did.light than the first color did.
Secondary ColorsSecondary Colors
Secondary or Complementary Colors:Secondary or Complementary Colors: When any one primary color is mixed with When any one primary color is mixed with another a secondary color effect is another a secondary color effect is produced. 3 secondary colors are produced. 3 secondary colors are produced from the mixing of one primary produced from the mixing of one primary color with another color with another
The secondary colors are:The secondary colors are: orange (mix red + yellow) orange (mix red + yellow) green (mix yellow + blue) green (mix yellow + blue) violet (mix blue + red) violet (mix blue + red) These secondary colors are also known as These secondary colors are also known as complementary colorscomplementary colors.. The final step to creating the 12 step color wheel will be to create a The final step to creating the 12 step color wheel will be to create a
ring around the newly formed primary and secondary color form. ring around the newly formed primary and secondary color form. Divided into 12 equal segments, the primary and secondary colors Divided into 12 equal segments, the primary and secondary colors shall be repeated to their corresponding segment within the shall be repeated to their corresponding segment within the surrounding ring. This will leave a blank segment between every two surrounding ring. This will leave a blank segment between every two colors. In these blank segments the colors. In these blank segments the tertiary colorstertiary colors will be created. will be created.
Tertiary ColorsTertiary Colors
Tertiary Colors:Tertiary Colors: These colors are created These colors are created when mixing one secondary and one when mixing one secondary and one primary color. i.e. blue + violet = blueviolet. primary color. i.e. blue + violet = blueviolet. Three or more separate colors are mixed Three or more separate colors are mixed (one primary and one secondary – the (one primary and one secondary – the combination of two primaries), and in our combination of two primaries), and in our color wheel color wheel
each tertiary color being created will be an each tertiary color being created will be an equal combination of the two colors, left equal combination of the two colors, left and right, surrounding an open segment. and right, surrounding an open segment.
The tertiary colors are: yellow-orange, red-The tertiary colors are: yellow-orange, red-orange, red-violet, blue violet, blue-green, orange, red-violet, blue violet, blue-green, and yellow-green.and yellow-green.
The sequence of colors on the color wheel The sequence of colors on the color wheel should resemble that of the rainbow.should resemble that of the rainbow.
We can now use our color wheel as the We can now use our color wheel as the basis to understanding color and color basis to understanding color and color combination techniques. combination techniques.
THE ENDTHE END
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