Colour Theory
Colour Theory
Introduction
• Colour plays an important part in Graphic Communication
• Colour can make a graphic look realistic
• Colour can create a mood or feeling
Primary Colours
• The primary colours are
• Yellow• Red• Blue
• These are mixed together to make all possible colours
Secondary Colours
• The secondary colours
• Orange• Violet• Green• Are produced by
mixing two Primary Colours in equal quantities
Tertiary Colours
• The tertiary colours are produced when a Primary Colour and a Secondary Colour are mixed in equal quantities
• They take their name from the 2 mixed colours
The Colour Wheel
• The Colour Wheel was designed as a way of showing how colours relate to each other
• The outside ring shows 3 primary, 3 secondary and 6 tertiary colours
Tints and Shades
•Tints• Add white to
make a tint• Pale pastel
colours give the impression of softness
•Shades• Add black or grey
to make a shade• Dark shades make
objects appear heavy
Using Colour
• Designers use combinations of colours to create different effects and evoke a variety of feelings
Harmony
• Harmony is created when colours close to each other on the outside of the colour wheel are used together
• The effect is relaxing and sympathetic
Contrast
• Contrast is created when colours far apart on the colour wheel are used together
• Contrasting colours are described as complementary
Warm Colours
• Warm colours (reds, yellows and oranges) are known as advancing colours
• They appear closer to the viewer than other colours
Cool Colours
• Cool colours (blues, greens and violets) are known as receding colours
• They appear to be further away from the viewer
A Harmonious Colour Scheme
• Any colours within the same third of the colour wheel will work together to create a harmonious colour scheme.
• eg violet, red, red-orange
A Bold Colour Scheme
• Any two colours opposite each other on the colour wheel look good together and create a bold scheme
• eg violet and yellow
An Exciting Colour Scheme
• Any three colours equally spaced on the colour wheel work together to create an exciting scheme
• eg yellow, red and blue
Colour and Mood
• Different colours create different moods
• Designers choose colours to create an atmosphere
• Effects are created by using colour combinations
Colour and MoodRedWarm, exciting, vibrant, passionate, dangerous, revolutionary, active, aggressive, courageous, festive
OrangeWarm, happy, sunny, cheerful, appetising, full of flavour and energy
YellowWarm, happy, sunny, cheerful, glowing, sparkling, bright, most easily seen
GreenCool, restful, natural, calm, soothing, fresh, quiet, informal
BlueCool, elegant, sophisticated, heavenly, formal, classy
PurpleRich, pompous regal
VioletCool, peaceful, solitary
NeutralsGreys; natural, restful, calm, elegant, dignified, comfortableBrowns; natural, earthy, safe
Black and WhiteDramatic, elegant, stylish, sophisticated, pure, opposing, contrasting
Colour and Communication
• Instructional
• As a symbol
• Group identity
• Colour coding
• Promote name
• Promote sales