12/17/2014 Basic Color Theory

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Basic Color Theory

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Color theory encompasses a multitude of definitions, concepts and design
applications - enough to fill several encyclopedias. However, there are three basic
categories of color theory that are logical and useful : The color wheel, color
harmony, and the context of how colors are used.
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Color theories create a logical structure for color. For example, if we have an
assortment of fruits and vegetables, we can organize them by color and place them
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on a circle that shows the colors in relation to each other.
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The Color Wheel
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A color circle, based on red, yellow and blue, is traditional in the field of art. Sir Isaac
NEWSLETTER Newton developed the first circular diagram of colors in 1666. Since then, scientists
and artists have studied and designed numerous variations of this concept.
TWITTER-COLOR MATTERS Differences of opinion about the validity of one format over another continue to
provoke debate. In reality, any color circle or color wheel which presents a logically
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arranged sequence of pure hues has merit.

There are also definitions (or categories) of colors based on the color wheel. We begin
with a 3-part color wheel.

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Primary Colors: Red, yellow and blue
In traditional color theory (used in paint and pigments), primary colors are the 3
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pigment colors that can not be mixed or formed by any combination of other colors.
All other colors are derived from these 3 hues.
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Secondary Colors: Green, orange and purple
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Tertiary Colors: Yellow-orange, red-orange, red-purple, blue-purple, blue-green & year-end price
yellow-green
These are the colors formed by mixing a primary and a secondary color. That's why
the hue is a two word name, such as blue-green, red-violet, and yellow-orange.

Color Harmony
Harmony can be defined as a pleasing arrangement of parts, whether it be music,
poetry, color, or even an ice cream sundae.

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 balance in the visual experience.
When something is not 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 human brain
will reject under-stimulating information. At the other 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 can not organize, what it can not understand. The visual task
requires that we present a logical structure. Color harmony delivers visual interest
and a sense of order.

In summary, extreme unity leads to under-stimulation, extreme complexity leads to

over-stimulation. Harmony is a dynamic equilibrium.

Some Formulas for Color Harmony

There are many theories for harmony. The following illustrations and descriptions
present some basic formulas.

1. A color scheme based on analogous colors

Analogous colors are any three colors which are side by side on a 12 part color wheel,
such as yellow-green, yellow, and yellow-orange. Usually one of the three colors
predominates.

2. A color scheme based on complementary colors

Complementary colors are any two colors which are directly opposite each other,
such as red and green and red-purple and yellow-green. In the illustration above,
there are several variations of yellow-green in the leaves and several variations of
red-purple in the orchid. These opposing colors create maximum contrast and
maximum stability.

3. A color scheme based on nature

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Nature provides a perfect departure point for color harmony. In the illustration above,
red yellow and green create a harmonious design, regardless of whether this
combination fits into a technical formula for color harmony.

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Color Context
How color behaves in relation to other colors and shapes is a complex area of color
theory. Compare the contrast effects of different color backgrounds for the same red
square.

©Color Voodoo Publications

Red appears more brilliant against a black background and somewhat duller against
the white background. In contrast with orange, the red appears lifeless; in contrast
with blue-green, it exhibits brilliance. Notice that the red square appears larger on
black than on other background colors.

Different readings of the same color

©Color Voodoo Publications

If your computer has sufficient color stability and gamma correction (link to Is Your
Computer Color Blind?) you will see that the small purple rectangle on the left
appears to have a red-purple tinge when compared to the small purple rectangle on
the right. They are both the same color as seen in the illustration below. This
demonstrates how three colors can be perceived as four colors.

Observing the effects colors have on each other is the starting point for
understanding the relativity of color. The relationship of values, saturations and the
warmth or coolness of respective hues can cause noticeable differences in our
perception of color.

Illustrations and text, courtesy of

Color Logic and Color Logic for Web Site Design

What's your favorite color? What does it mean to others?

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Explore "The Meanings of Colors" at Color Matters.

Also ...
Don't miss this article at Color Matters!
The Evolution of the Symbolism of Green
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