COLOR THEORY.

INDEX.
 FAMOUS QUOTES ON COLOR.

 MEANING OF COLOR.

 DEFINITION OF COLOR.

 COLOR WHEEL.

 COLOR SCHEMES.

 COLOR MODELS.

 ASPECTS OF COLOR.

 TERMS RELATED TO COLOR.

 GENERAL DISTRIBUTION OF COLOR.

 PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPLICATION OF COLORS.

 FAMOUS QUOTES ON COLOR.

 Colors, like features , follow the changes of the emotions. –Pablo Picasso(Spanish Painter).

 Of all God's gifts to the sighted man, color is holiest, the most divine, the most solemn. -John
Ruskin(English art critic).

 Mere color, unspoiled by meaning, and unallied with definite form, can speak to the soul in a thousand
different ways. - Oscar Wilde(Irish poet and dramatist).

 I want to use colors that complement each other, that cause each other to shine brilliantly, that complete
each other like a man and a woman. -Vincent van Gogh.(Dutch Post-Impressionist painter )

 The color of the object illuminated partakes of the color of that which illuminates it.- Leonardo da Vinci .
(Italian
Artist)
COLOR AROUND US!
TO IT’S SIMPLEST FORM . . . . . .
 MEANING OF COLOR.

 Colors! We're surrounded by color yet how often do we think about the effect colors have on us? How do colors
effect our moods? What colors look good on us? And what colors are in fashion today? How do we convey the
color 'blue' to a blind person? Why do we use the color 'red' to mean danger or success or to mean holiness ?

Understanding the meaning of color as well as the cultural use of color and how colors interact is important .

Use of Colors are different in different countries

and cultures. An american bride would wear a
white gown like almost any european country.
An indian bride would wear red on her wedding
day as a sign of prosperity.
• Again in India people wear white on a Funeral as a color of
Spirituality and Purity.

• Members of the Ku Klux Clan wear white as a mark of

their racism and intolerance towards Blacks and Jews.

• Again in an american or european funeral people wear black.

Color can influence our emotions, our

actions and how we respond to
various people, things and ideas.

What is color anyway?

 DEFINITION OF COLOR.
 Color is the byproduct of the spectrum of light, as it is reflected or absorbed, as received by the human eye and
processed by the human brain.

 Visible light is made of seven wavelength groups. These are the colors you see in a rainbow: red, orange, yellow,
green, blue, indigo, and violet(VIBGYOR) . The reddish colors are the long wavelengths. The greenish colors are
the mid-size wavelengths. The bluish color are the short wavelengths.

 When light hits objects, some of the wavelengths are absorbed and some are reflected, depending on the
materials in the object. The reflected wavelengths are what we perceive as the object's color.
A Ray of pure white light when passed through a Prism it splits into the seven basic colors of Nature.

They are the VIBGYOR or Violet ,Indigo ,Blue ,Green ,Yellow ,Orange ,Red .
EXAMPLE ON HOW WE SEE COLOR.
 THE COLOR WHEEL.
 The color wheel has earned a place in the hearts of many artists and designers across the globe. The wheel's
construction is actually quite simple. You have your 6 basic colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet.
Then, depending on which wheel you're looking at, you have extra, "in-between" colors that are mixes of the basic
colors.
 COLOR SCHEMES.
 There are names for all of these colors, which are important to know. The following is a list of all of the names of
colors and what they're good for.

• Primary Colors .
• Secondary Colors .
• Tertiary Colors .
• Complementary Colors.
• Analogous Colors .
• Monochromatic Colors.

 Primary Colors: Red, Yellow, Blue. These 3 colors are the base colors for every other color on the color wheel.
This is why they're called "primary."

When you mix two primaries together, you get a secondary color.
Also note the triangular positioning of the primary colors on the color wheel, and how the secondary colors are
next to them.(see image of color wheel on next page.)

Primary colors are useful for designs or art that needs to have a sense of urgency. Primary colors are the most
vivid colors when placed next to each other.
 Secondary Colors: Orange, Green, Violet. These 3 colors are what you get when you mix the primary colors
together.
They're located in-between the primary colors to indicate what colors they're made from. Notice how green is in-
between yellow and blue.
Secondary colors are usually more interesting than primary colors, but they do not evoke speed and urgency.
 Tertiary Colors: These are those "in-between" colors like Yellow-Green and Red-Violet. They're made by mixing
one primary color and one secondary color together. There can be endless combinations of tertiary colors,
depending on how they're mixed.
 Yellow-Green as seen in
nature.

Yellow-Green as used in
a motion picture .
 One of the most common examples of Red-Violet is seen in the western sky as the sun
sets . It is also known as the Alpenglow Effect.(Mentioned earlier in Introduction to Lighting)
 COLOR MODELS.
• Now we come to something very important . Before we jump to the other color schemes , here we can discuss
about the Color Models. How can we perceive hundreds of colors when our eyes only see three? The trick is to
blend these three colors.

By now we know, there are three primary colors: Yellow, Blue and Red. These can be mixed to produce three
secondary colors: Orange (red and yellow), green (yellow and blue) and violet (blue and red). If we go even one
step further, and mix the secondary colors with the primary colors you get the six subtle tertiary colors.
• So, how does this work then? To describe the complex model of color mixing more accurately, we have to take a
closer look at two different color mixing models.

 The Additive model.

 The Subtractive model.
 THE ADDITIVE MODEL .
 Additive color mixing is the mixing of projected beams of colored light to form other colors.
Red, Green and Blue. These are the three primary colors of additive color mixing. This additive model is usually
referred to as RGB. They can be used to produce four other colors: cyan, magenta, yellow and white. This
system is called additive because the three primary colors add up to white.
• Each dot on the TV-screen is actually made up of three little light emitters, a red, a green and a blue one. This is
exactly how a TV works. If it want to show you a white color, it turns on three of its lights.
 THE SUBTRACTIVE MODEL .
 When rays of light are reflected by on a surface, a process of subtractive color mixing comes into play. Because
the surface absorbs different colors, this process is referred to as 'subtractive'. A subtractive color model explains
the mixing of paints, dyes, inks, and natural colorants to create a full range of colors, each caused by subtracting
(that is, absorbing) some wavelengths of light and reflecting the others.
The three primary colors of subtractive color mixing are cyan, magenta, and yellow which can be mixed to produce
blue (cyan and magenta), red (magenta and yellow) and green (yellow and cyan).
• Printed material in general use these three colors, referring to them as CMY (for cyan, magenta and yellow).
Usually, a black color is added too, in order to get the shadows really dark and this color model is known as:
CMYK.

• Now we go back into describing the rest of the Color Schemes. But now you know how the two
Color models work RGB and CMYK.
 Complementary Colors: Red and Green, Blue and Orange, Violet and Yellow. These are the colors directly across
from each other on the color wheel. They're called "complementary" because, when used together, they become
extremely vibrant and have heavy contrast.
Complementary colors are useful when you want to make something stand out.
 The movie “Igor” has a color scheme based on the complimentary
color combination of Red-Green . Sometimes the character is lit with
green lights when the background is red or vice versa.
 These shots from ”Finding Nemo” are
ideal examples of complementary color
schemes Blue and Orange.
 Analogous Colors: Red and Orange, Blue and Green, Yellow and Orange, etc. These are colors right next to each
other on the color wheel. They usually match extremely well, but they also create almost no contrast. They're good
for very serene-feeling designs and artwork where you want viewers to feel comfortable.
 The movie “Apocalypse Now” is
based
on the Blue Green Color Scheme.
 Monochromatic Colors: A monochromatic color scheme uses a single color. In this type of scheme, various darker
shades, grayer tones, and paler tints of the main color may be included in the palette. In addition, the one color is
often paired with white or another neutral. Monochromatic colors are all the colors (tints, tones and shades) of a
single hue.

The movie “Sin City” is based on the

monochromatic color scheme.
The movie “Renaissance” is based on the
monochromatic color scheme.
Monochromatic color schemes are derived from a single base
hue, and extended using its shades, tones and tints. As a result,
the energy is more subtle and peaceful due to a lack of contrast
of hue. Monochromatic color schemes may be considered boring
unless there is diversity within the design or action.

The movie “300” is based on the monochromatic color scheme.

 ASPECTS OF COLOR.
 There are plenty of other names and titles that refer to different aspects of color.

• Warm Colors
• Cool Colors
• Neutral Colors
• Brightness
• Hue
• Saturation
• Value
 Warm Colors: Colors such as red, yellow, and orange. These colors evoke warmth because they remind us of
things like the sun or fire. The following are some examples of warm colored images:
Some Examples of Scenes with Warm Colors .
 Cool Colors: Colors like blue, green, and purple (violet). These colors evoke a cool feeling because they remind us
of things like water , moon, grass . The following are some examples of cool colored images:
 Neutral Colors: Gray, Brown. These aren't on most color wheels, but they're considered neutral because they don't
contrast with much of anything. They're dull and uneventful. Some examples would be as follows:
 TERMS RELATED TO COLOR.
• Brightness: Refers to the amount of white in a color. The more white a color has, the brighter it is. The darker its
value.

• Hue : Hue is the term for the pure spectrum colors commonly referred to by the "color names" - red, orange,
yellow, blue, green ,violet - which appear in the hue circle or rainbow . It is one of the main properties of a color. In
painting color theory, a hue refers to a pure color—one without tint or shade.

• Saturation: Refers to the amount of a color used. When a color is at full saturation, it is extremely vibrant. When a
color is "de saturated," a large amount of color has been removed. De saturated colors tend to be close to being
neutral because there is so much gray in them.

• Value: Usually refers to the amount of black in a color. The more black a color has, the darker its value.
 GENERAL DISTRIBUTION OF COLOR.
• RGB Color: This is color based upon light. Your computer monitor and television use RGB. The name "RGB"
stands for Red, Green, Blue, which are the 3 primaries (with green replacing yellow). By combining these 3 colors,
any other color can be produced. Remember, this color method is only used with light sources; it does not apply to
printing.

• CMYK Color: This is the color method based upon pigments. "CMYK" stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and
Black (its what the K stands for). Using these 4 colors, most other colors can be achieved. Unfortunately, CMYK
cannot reproduce the same amount of colors as RGB can, which is why yellow-greens sometimes look a bit
muddy when printed.
This is the method used by printers the world over, and is also a clever way of mixing paints.

• Pantone (PMS) Color: This is yet another printing color method. PMS stands for "Pantone Matching System," and
is a large list of specially mixed colors made by the Pantone Corporation. Instead of using CMYK to create colors,
the pigments are created individually for purity.
For example, if I wanted to use a Red-Violet color, I'd pick PMS 233M. The color would be made exclusively for my
project and would always print exactly how I want.
The only drawback to using PMS colors is that they're only useful for projects with few colors. They're also
expensive.
 PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS OF
COLOR.
• Researchers have done extensive studies exploring the emotional responses of people to color. Some of the
common colors and their psychological implications are as follows:

 Red is the warmest of all colors. Red means:

• Extrovert.
• Temper or anger.
• Energetic.
• Exciting.
• Passionate.
• Erotic.
• Aggressive feelings.
• Violence.
• Love .
• Lust.
• Passion.
• Romance.
• Danger.
The Hit man in his black suit and Red tie , or the vampire with red hair , Blood Rayne are iconic
for Violence , Danger ,Anger ,Blood .
Red as a Symbol of Love , Beauty , Passion.
 Red as Energetic and Exciting could be seen in “The Incredibles ”. Their
passion to fight for good.

Red portrays Lightning Mc queen’s fast , energetic, live life king size nature.
 Red Colored Ribbon as a mark of
Anti-Aids Campaign.

Some Common Logos as designed with Red Color.

 Perhaps the most feared and the most controversial Insignia till date.

In China Red is a Color of Prosperity and Harmony.

On the other hand the Swastika as decorated in Red and Yellow

Is a mark of prosperity and good luck in India.
 Orange implies:
• Friendly .
• Warmth .
• Reliable.
• Radiant.
• Goodness.
• Energy.
• Health.
Orange used also for Buddhist
monks' robes.
Orange used to Design Logos.
 Yellow is the color of sunshine. It suggests:
• Optimism.
• Modern.
• Bright .
• Happy.
• Energetic.
• Exciting.
• Enthusiastic .
• Dynamic.
• Happy .
• Cheerful.
• Youth.
 Green In its positive mode, suggests nature (plant life, forests)
Green also suggests:
• Life.
• Stability.
• Restfulness.
• Naturalness.
• Growth .
• Health .
• Playful.
• Harmony.
On the other hand, green in some tones or certain contexts (such as green skin) might instead
• Toxicity\Poison.
• Artificiality
• Evil.
Green used to design Logos.
 Blue suggests:

• Coolness,
• Spirituality,
• Elegance.
• Vastness.
• Infinite.
In its negative mode,
• sadness,
• passivity,
• alienation,
• depression.

The “Underworld” movie series is an ideal example of how the

color. Blue has been used to portray a wide range of emotions.
It also suggests
• Beauty
• Purity
• Wisdom
Blue is also often associated with fantasy characters like the mermaids , and also
under sea.
• Blue also projects an image of power, professionalism, credibility and trust. It can be seen in many logo designs.
 Violet is the color of
• fantasy,
• playfulness,
• impulsiveness,
• dream states.
• In its negative mode, it can suggest nightmares, or madness.
 One of the most infamous Criminals of the comic world,
The Joker in his Violet Suit , Poison green hair! A character
famous for his madness and inhuman acts and crimes
 Pink is the color of universal love. Pink is a quiet color. Lovers of beauty favor pink. A pink carnation means "I will
never forget you ".

Pink provides feelings of :

• Caring.
• Tenderness.
• Self-worth and love.
• Acceptance.
 White is the color of purity. Strictly speaking, white is not a color, but presence of all color - the complete energy
of light. It can provide clarity as its energy is complete .

• Brides wear white in many countries as it symbolizes purity.

• In some cultures white is worn at funerals.

• White daisies are a symbol of loyal love.

• White means kindness.

It stands for wholeness and completion.
In many cultures it represents openness and truth.

• White has purification vibrations and can be used to clear blocks from your path . It holds the potential to move
toward every other color and this makes it a good choice for new beginnings, and development in any direction.
White Sea Side Houses as seen in Greece.

A Bride in White Gown.

Royalty.
A Wedding.
  Black is the most misunderstood color. Black is not a color, strictly speaking. It is the absence of all color. Black
absorbs all aspects of light. While white reveals, black conceals.

• Symbolizes death in some cultures. (Italian , American cultures)

• Sometimes it means hidden, threatening ,fearful or bad experience. (the uniform of the feared Nazi SS.)
• It is linked to the unknown ,unseen , mysterious. (Like Batman)
• In a positive state, black is seen as something into which anything may emerge and disappear once again. (Priest)
• Sometimes it means potential and possibility.
• It also means formal ,elegant.(A black suit or a Gown)

In this funeral shot from the movie “The Godfather”

Notice how every member of the family is wearing
black to symbolize they are mourning a dear one
lost.
 The Uniform of the dreaded Nazi SS , was a
symbol of great fear and threat to the people of
Europe .

Many Christian Priests adorn the black dress . It

symbolizes purity , responsibility.
Black as a symbol of Authority and power in
the movie “The Godfather”.

Black as a symbol of formal dress and elegance.

 The negative side of spider man is represented
by black.

One of the most famous superhero in black

as a symbol of mystery , threat to criminals and
a symbol of justice.

Artwork of a Mafia member dressed in

black to
symbolize crime , mystery.
 BLACK VS WHITE

• The Simplest form of Color, ie.

black and white can be used to
create compositions , be it two
comic characters or a
chessboard or in fashion or
design or something just cute.
Fin.