Introduction to Color Theory
With colors you can set a mood, attract attention, or make a statement. You can use
color to energize, or to cool down. By selecting the right color scheme, you can create
an ambiance of elegance, warmth or tranquility, or you can convey an image of playful
youthfulness. Color can be your most powerful design element if you learn to use it
effectively.
Colors affect us in numerous ways, both mentally and physically. A strong red color has
been shown to raise the blood pressure, while a blue color has a calming effect.
Being able to use colors consciously and harmoniously can help you create spectacular
results.
The Color Wheel
The color wheel or color circle is the basic tool for combining colors. The first circular
color diagram was designed by Sir Isaac Newton in 1666.
The color wheel is designed so that virtually any colors you pick from it will look good
together. Over the years, many variations of the basic design have been made, but the
most common version is a wheel of 12 colors based on the RYB (or artistic) color model.
Traditionally, there are a number of color combinations that are considered especially
pleasing. These are called color harmonies or color chords and they consist of two or
more colors with a fixed relation in the color wheel.
Color Impact is designed to dynamically create a color wheel to match your base color.
Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Colors
In the RYB (or subtractive) color model, the primary colors are red, yellow and blue.
The three secondary colors (green, orange and purple) are created by mixing two
primary colors.
Another six tertiary colors are created by mixing primary and secondary colors.
Warm and Cool Colors
The color circle can be divided into warm and cool colors.
Warm colors are vivid and energetic, and tend to advance in space.
Cool colors give an impression of calm, and create a soothing impression.
White, black and gray are considered to be neutral.
Monochromatic colors: Tints, Shades, and Tones
Monochromatic colors are derived from a single base hue and extended using its
shades, tones and tints. These terms are often used incorrectly, although they describe
fairly simple color concepts. If a color is made lighter by adding white, the result is
called a tint. If black is added, the darker version is called a shade. And if gray is
added, the result is a different tone.
Tints - adding white to a pure hue:
Shades - adding black to a pure hue:
Tones - adding gray to a pure hue:
Color Harmonies - basic techniques for creating color
schemes
Below are shown the basic color chords based on the color wheel.
Complementary color scheme Colors that are opposite
each other on the color wheel are considered to be
complementary colors (example: red and green).
The high contrast of complementary colors creates a
vibrant look especially when used at full saturation. This
color scheme must be managed well so it is not jarring.
Complementary color schemes are tricky to use in large
doses, but work well when you want something to stand
out.
Complementary colors are really bad for text.
Analogous color scheme Analogous color schemes use
colors that are next to each other on the color wheel. They
usually match well and create serene and comfortable
designs.
Analogous color schemes are often found in nature and
are harmonious and pleasing to the eye.
Make sure you have enough contrast when choosing an
analogous color scheme.
Choose one color to dominate, a second to support. The
third color is used (along with black, white or gray) as an
accent.
Triadic color scheme A triadic color scheme uses colors
that are evenly spaced around the color wheel.
Triadic color schemes tend to be quite vibrant, even if you
use pale or unsaturated versions of your hues.
To use a triadic harmony successfully, the colors should be
carefully balanced - let one color dominate and use the
two others for accent.
Split-Complementary color scheme The split-
complementary color scheme is a variation of the
complementary color scheme. In addition to the base
color, it uses the two colors adjacent to its complement.
This color scheme has the same strong visual contrast as
the complementary color scheme, but has less tension.
The split-complimentary color scheme is often a good
choice for beginners, because it is difficult to mess up.
Rectangle (tetradic) color scheme The rectangle or
tetradic color scheme uses four colors arranged into two
complementary pairs.
This rich color scheme offers plenty of possibilities for
variation.
Tetradic color schemes works best if you let one color be
dominant.
You should also pay attention to the balance between
warm and cool colors in your design.
Square color scheme The square color scheme is similar
to the rectangle, but with all four colors spaced evenly
around the color circle.
Square color schemes works best if you let one color be
dominant.
You should also pay attention to the balance between
warm and cool colors in your design.
