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.

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 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

Example of an anaologous color harmony

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

Example of a complementary color harmony

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

Сolor harmony in 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.
 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 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.
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