INTRODUCTION

•What is color?

In 1666, during a plague quarantine, Sir Isaac Newton, aged 23, conducted groundbreaking
experiments on light and color. He discovered that passing light through a prism splits it into
seven main colors and showed that each color is monochromatic. Additionally, Newton identified
complementary color combinations and their role in creating pure white light. His work
revolutionized the field of optics and laid the foundation for our understanding of light and color
theory..

Colors are integral to design and everyday life, driving the existence of color theory. They evoke
specific feelings and associations based on personal preferences and cultural backgrounds.
Additionally, colors serve as powerful communication tools, influencing mood and physiological
reactions. Designers recognize their profound impact on emotions and decision-making
processes, underscoring the frequency with which color influences our daily actions.

•Color Theory

Color theory is the study of how colors interact and are perceived. Dating back to Aristotle, it
initially involved discussions on color mixing. Later, scientists explored the influence of light on
color perception. In the 18th century, the concept of primary colors emerged, and color theory
diverged into scientific and artistic realms. Today, it provides practical guidance for artists and
designers, aiding in color scheme creation, mixing, and understanding through tools like the
color wheel.

In conventional color theory applied to paint and pigments, primary colors refer to the three
pigment hues that cannot be created by mixing other colors: red, yellow, and blue. All additional
colors stem from these three primaries. Secondary colors, such as orange, green, and purple,
result from mixing primary colors, while tertiary colors are produced by combining a primary and
a secondary color.

•The Color Wheel

The color wheel, an illustrative aid, assists in defining colors and their relationships. Sir Isaac
Newton invented the first one in 1666, and numerous variations have been utilized since.

Primary Color
The primary colors serve as the cornerstone of the color wheel because their authentic pigment
cannot be generated by mixing any other combination of colors. All other hues on the color
wheel originate from these three primary colors.
Red
Blue
Yellow

Secondary
Secondary colors are created by mixing equal parts of two primary colors together.

Red + Blue = Violet

Red + Yellow = Orange
Blue + Yellow = Green

TERTIARY COLORS:
In total, there are six tertiary colors. Tertiary colors are created by mixing equal parts of a
primary and secondary color together.

Blue-Violet
Red-Violet
Red-Orange
Yellow-Orange
Yellow-Green
Blue-Green

VI. Color Properties

Color possesses three main attributes: hue, saturation, and brightness.

Hue is often described in terms of its position on the color wheel, which organizes colors based
on their relationship to each other. It's the fundamental characteristic that allows us to categorize
and name colors, forming the basis of color theory and our understanding of visual aesthetics..

Saturation, Saturation, also known as chroma, measures the intensity or purity of a color. It
indicates how vivid or dull a color appears. Colors with high saturation are vibrant and intense,
while those with low saturation appear more muted or grayish. Saturation plays a crucial role in
determining the overall visual impact of a color, influencing everything from mood to readability
in design and art.

Brightness, alternatively termed "luminance" or "value," denotes the darkness or lightness of a

color. It pertains to the shade or tint of a color, with areas in direct light exhibiting higher
brightness compared to those in shadow.

VII. Color Harmony

A. Definition and importance
B. Types of color harmonies (complementary, analogous, triadic, etc.)
Color harmony, a fundamental concept in color theory, utilizes geometric relationships to identify
pleasing color combinations. This involves placing shapes on the color wheel to locate
harmonious color schemes based on primary, secondary, and tertiary colors. Once identified,
adjustments in saturation, tone, tint, and shade can be made to achieve desired hues and
moods beyond the standard 12 colors on the wheel, enhancing the overall look and feel of the
project.

Examples of Color Harmony

Direct harmony, or complementary colors, pairs a key color with its opposite on the color
wheel, such as red with green, blue with yellow, and orange with green. This contrast creates a
vibrant appearance, but must be used thoughtfully to avoid harshness. When used correctly,
complementary colors make a striking statement..

● Split complementary is a variation of direct harmony color scheme pairs a key color
with the two hues adjacent to its complement on the color wheel. It offers interest like
direct harmony but is less bold, reducing the risk of being overwhelming.

Analogous harmony pairs a key color with hues adjacent to it on the color wheel, creating a
calming and pleasing look. Also known as related colors, this scheme is favored for its comfort
and association with natural serenity.

Triadic harmony, or triads, pairs a key color with hues two spaces away on each side of its
complement, creating a vibrant and visually appealing scheme. This approach utilizes evenly
spaced colors on the wheel and is effective with less saturated versions of the colors. To
optimize triadic harmony, designate one hue as dominant and use the others as accents.

In the realm of color harmony, direct harmony pairs complementary colors for bold contrast, split
complementary softens this with adjacent hues, analogous harmony creates calming blends,
and triadic harmony orchestrates vibrant schemes with evenly spaced hues. Each scheme
offers unique aesthetics for artistic exploration.

VIII. Color Psychology

A. Overview of how colors affect mood and behavior
B. Cultural and contextual influences on color perception

What is Color Psychology?

Color psychology is the study of how different colors affect human mood and behavior. It
explores how colors can influence emotional responses, as well as how responses to color are
affected by factors such as age and cultural background.
Symbolic Color Meanings
Symbolic meanings that are often associated with different colors:

Red: Passion, excitement, love

Pink: Soft, reserved, earthy
Purple: Mysterious, noble, glamorous
Blue: Wisdom, hope, reason, peace
Green: Nature, growth, freshness
Yellow: Hope, joy, danger
Orange: Warmth, kindness, joy
White: Truth, indifference
Black: Noble, mysterious, cold

It's important to recognize that our perceptions of color are often influenced by personal
experiences and cultural backgrounds. For instance, while white symbolizes purity and
innocence in Western cultures, it signifies mourning in many Eastern cultures.

Conclusion and Reflection

The exploration of color unveils its profound influence on emotions, behaviors, and cultural
interpretations. Beyond aesthetics, colors are powerful tools in communication and design.
From calming blues to passionate reds, each hue carries symbolic meanings and evokes
unique responses. Understanding color psychology enriches our ability to convey messages
and create meaningful experiences. It's a testament to the intricate interplay between
perception, culture, and the human cognition.

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