5/7/25, 10:41 PM Basic Color Theory
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BASIC COLOR THEORY
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.
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 on a circle that shows
the colors in relation to each other.
The Color Wheel
A color circle, based on red, yellow and blue, is traditional in the
field of art. Sir Isaac Newton developed the first circular
diagram of colors in 1666. Since then, scientists and artists have
studied and designed numerous variations of this concept.
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 arranged sequence of
pure hues has merit.
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There are also definitions (or categories) of colors based on the
color wheel. We begin with a 3-part color wheel.
Primary Colors: Red, yellow and blue
In traditional color theory (used in paint and pigments), primary
colors are the 3 pigment colors that cannot be mixed or formed
by any combination of other colors. All other colors are derived
from these 3 hues.
Secondary Colors: Green, orange and purple
These are the colors formed by mixing the primary colors.
Tertiary Colors: Yellow-orange, red-orange, red-purple, blue-
purple, blue-green & 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
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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 cannot organize, what it
cannot 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
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red-purple in the orchid. These opposing colors create
maximum contrast and maximum stability.
3. A color scheme based on nature
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.
Dynamic recipes for color harmony
An e-Course from Jill Morton, Color Matters author &
consultant.
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
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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
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Common Color Mistakes".
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What's your favorite color? What does it mean to others?
Explore "The Meanings of Colors" at Color Matters.
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CV Color Encyclopedia Sky Blue ---- New Asssign
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