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Basic Color Schemes Introduction To Color Theory

This document provides an introduction to basic color schemes and color theory. It explains that color can be used to set moods and convey meanings. The color wheel is the basic tool for combining colors, with primary colors of red, yellow and blue, and secondary colors of green, orange and purple. Colors are also divided into warm colors like red, orange and yellow which advance visually, and cool colors like blue, green and purple which create calm impressions. Tints, shades and tones are also defined based on adding white, black or gray to a pure hue. Finally, the document outlines several color harmonies or combinations including complementary, analogous, triadic, split-complementary, rectangle and square schemes.

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Rei Gaius Lacanaria
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99 views5 pages

Basic Color Schemes Introduction To Color Theory

This document provides an introduction to basic color schemes and color theory. It explains that color can be used to set moods and convey meanings. The color wheel is the basic tool for combining colors, with primary colors of red, yellow and blue, and secondary colors of green, orange and purple. Colors are also divided into warm colors like red, orange and yellow which advance visually, and cool colors like blue, green and purple which create calm impressions. Tints, shades and tones are also defined based on adding white, black or gray to a pure hue. Finally, the document outlines several color harmonies or combinations including complementary, analogous, triadic, split-complementary, rectangle and square schemes.

Uploaded by

Rei Gaius Lacanaria
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Basic Color Schemes

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
in equal amount. Another six tertiary colors are created by mixing primary and secondary
colors. The above illustration shows the color circle with the primary, secondary and tertiary
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.
Colors associated with sun are considered as warm colors. Use of
warm colors generally avoided in museums unless we have to give
emphases on some object. Examples: Red, Orange and Yellow

Cool colors give an impression of calm, and create a soothing


impression. Usually colors associated with water and sky are considered cool colors. Cool colors
are always preferred in different color schemes of museum display due to its pleasant feelings.
Examples: Blue, Green and Purple

White, black and gray are considered to be neutral. They are not of decisive character.

Tints, Shades, and Tones:

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.

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