COLOR THEORY 10/01/2024

Topics
Basic color theory

Basic color theory involves understanding the color wheel, primary, secondary, and tertiary
colors, as well as color harmonies and contrasts.

Primary colors cannot be made by mixing other colors.

Secondary colors are created by mixing two primary colors.
Tertiary colors result from mixing a primary and secondary color.
Color harmonies include analogous, complementary, and triadic schemes.

Color context

Color context refers to how colors appear in relation to surrounding colors, influencing
perception and creating different visual effects.

Colors can look different based on adjacent hues, brightness, and saturation.
Contrasting colors can intensify each other, while similar colors may blend together.
Color temperature (warm or cool) can affect the overall feel of a composition.
Understanding color context is essential for creating harmonious and impactful color
schemes.

Color harmony

Color harmony refers to the pleasing arrangement of colors in a way that creates balance and
visual appeal.

Complementary colors are opposite each other on the color wheel and create high contrast.
Analogous colors are next to each other on the color wheel and provide a harmonious look.
Triadic colors are evenly spaced on the color wheel, creating a vibrant and balanced palette.
Split-complementary colors use a base color along with the two colors adjacent to its
complement, offering a lively yet balanced combination.

Color schemes

Color schemes refer to the harmonious combinations of colors used together in design to create
balance, contrast, and visual interest.

There are various types of color schemes, including monochromatic, analogous,

 complementary, and triadic schemes.
Monochromatic schemes involve using different shades, tints, and tones of a single color for
a cohesive look.
Analogous schemes use colors that are next to each other on the color wheel for a subtle and
harmonious combination.
Complementary schemes involve colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel,
creating high contrast and visual impact.
Triadic schemes use three colors that are evenly spaced around the color wheel for a vibrant
and balanced palette.

Color wheel

The color wheel organizes colors into a visual representation, illustrating the relationships
between primary, secondary, and tertiary colors.

Primary colors (red, yellow, blue) form the basis of the color wheel.
Secondary colors (orange, green, purple) result from mixing primary colors.
Tertiary colors are created by mixing a primary color with a neighboring secondary color.
Complementary colors are opposite each other on the color wheel and create high contrast
when paired.

Cool colors

Cool colors include shades of blue, green, and purple, evoking feelings of calmness and
tranquility. These hues are often associated with water and cool temperatures.

Cool colors are visually receding, making objects appear farther away.
They can help create a sense of depth in artwork and design.
Cool colors are soothing and often used to convey a sense of peacefulness.
Blue is a primary cool color and is known for its calming effects.

Warm colors

Warm colors are hues that evoke feelings of warmth, energy, and positivity. These colors include
red, orange, and yellow, and are typically associated with sunlight and fire.

Warm colors are known to advance or feel closer in a composition, making objects appear
larger and more dynamic.
These colors are often used to create a sense of excitement, passion, and enthusiasm in art
and design.
Warm colors are thought to stimulate the senses and create a sense of urgency or action.
Commonly used in marketing to grab attention and evoke emotions.

Key Terms
Analogous

Analogous colors are hues that are adjacent to each other on the color wheel, sharing similar
tonal qualities and harmonizing well when used together.

Analogous color schemes often create a sense of harmony and unity in a design or artwork.
These colors are commonly found in nature, such as the green, yellow, and orange of autumn
leaves.
Using analogous colors can help create a smooth transition of hues in a composition.
Analogous color combinations are considered visually pleasing and easy for creating
gradients or ombre effects.

Color values

Color values refer to the lightness or darkness of a color. Value is crucial for creating contrast
and defining forms in visual compositions.

Understanding color values helps achieve balance and harmony in designs.

High value contrast creates attention-grabbing elements, while low contrast results in subtler
designs.
In digital design, adjusting opacity can affect the perceived value of a color.
Value scales, from light to dark, are essential tools for artists to accurately represent three-
dimensional forms.

Complementary

Complementary colors are pairs of colors that, when combined, cancel each other out to produce
a neutral gray or white. They are located opposite each other on the color wheel.

Creating contrast and vibrancy, complementary colors are commonly used in design and art.
When placed next to each other, complementary colors can make each other appear more
vibrant.
Using complementary colors in color schemes can help create visual harmony and balance.
Experimenting with varying shades and tones of complementary colors can add depth and
interest to a composition.

Double complementary

Double complementary refers to a color scheme using two pairs of colors situated opposite each
other on the color wheel, creating a dynamic and balanced visual effect.

Also known as tetradic color scheme.

Involves using four colors in total.
Provides high contrast and vibrancy.
 Commonly used in design and art for creating visually appealing compositions.

Monochromatic

Monochromatic refers to a color scheme consisting of variations of a single hue, achieved by

adjusting the brightness or saturation.

This color scheme provides a cohesive and harmonious look.

Shades, tints, and tones of the same hue are used in monochromatic designs.
Monochromatic palettes can create a calming and sophisticated visual effect.
Experimenting with texture and patterns can add depth and interest to monochromatic
compositions.

Primary colors

Primary colors are red, blue, and yellow. They are pure hues that cannot be created by mixing
other colors.

Primary colors are essential as they are the base for creating all other colors.
Mixing primary colors results in secondary colors like green, purple, and orange.
Primary colors are used in various art forms, such as painting, printing, and digital design.
Understanding primary colors helps in creating harmonious color schemes.

Secondary colors

Secondary colors are created by mixing primary colors. The secondary colors are orange, green,
and purple.

Secondary colors are made by combining equal parts of two primary colors.
Mixing red and yellow creates orange, blue and yellow creates green, and red and blue creates
purple.
Secondary colors are important in understanding how colors interact and create new hues.
Secondary colors are located between the primary colors on the color wheel.

Shade

Shade refers to the darkness or lightness of a color. It is created by adding black to a color,
resulting in a deepened hue.

Shades can create depth and dimension in artwork.

Using shades can evoke different moods and emotions in a design.
Muted shades are often used for backgrounds to make foreground elements stand out.
Shading techniques can vary in intensity to achieve various visual effects.
Split-complementary

Split-complementary involves using one base color along with two colors that are adjacent to its
complementary color on the color wheel.

One of the colors is chosen as the dominant hue, while the other two are used as accents for
a visually appealing combination.
The scheme offers more variety than complementary colors while maintaining balance.
It provides an opportunity to create harmonious color palettes with a bit more complexity.
Split-complementary schemes are particularly effective for creating color combinations with
contrast and visual interest.

Tertiary colors

Tertiary colors are created by mixing a primary color with a secondary color. These colors are
red-orange, yellow-orange, yellow-green, blue-green, blue-violet, and red-violet.

Tertiary colors are located between primary and secondary colors on the color wheel.
Tertiary colors offer a wider range of hues for artistic expression.
Understanding tertiary colors helps in creating harmonious color schemes.
The balance of tertiary colors can evoke specific emotions in art and design.

Tint

In art, a tint refers to a lighter version of a color created by adding white to it, resulting in a soft
and pastel hue.

Tints can create a sense of airiness and brightness in a composition.

Adjusting the amount of white mixed with a color alters the intensity of the tint.
Tints are often used to convey a sense of softness or delicacy in a painting or design.
Working with tints can help artists achieve a range of subtle variations within a single color
palette.

Tone

In the context of tone, it refers to the lightness or darkness of a color. It is determined by how
much black or white is added to the color.

Tone plays a crucial role in creating depth and dimension in a composition.

Darker tones tend to appear heavier and more serious, while lighter tones can evoke a sense
of airiness and brightness.
Neutral tones, such as grays, can help balance vibrant colors in a design.
Tone can greatly impact the overall mood and atmosphere of a visual piece.
Triad

In triad relationships, three colors equidistant on the color wheel create a balanced and vibrant
palette by combining warm and cool tones.

Triadic colors can be primary, secondary, or tertiary colors as long as they are evenly spaced
on the color wheel.
Creating harmony in a design, triads are useful for conveying energy and contrast while still
maintaining balance.
Examples of triadic color schemes include red, yellow, and blue in their purest forms, known
for their visual impact and versatility.
Triadic schemes work best when one color dominates while the others serve as accents,
preventing overwhelming visual chaos.