Basic Colour Theory Colour theory encompasses a multitude
Basic Colour Theory • Colour theory encompasses a multitude of definitions, concepts and design applications - enough to fill several encyclopedias. However, there are three basic categories of colour theory that are logical and useful : The colour wheel, colour harmony, and the context of how colours are used. • Colour theories create a logical structure for colour. For example, if we have an assortment of fruits and vegetables, we can organize them by colour and place them on a circle that shows the colours in relation to each other.
Primary Colors Colours that can not be created by mixing other colors)
COLOUR HAS THREE DIMENSIONS OR QUALITIES: Hue Value Intensity
HUE The name given to a colour. RED YELLOW VIOLET
VALUE The lightness or darkness of a colour
Made by adding white to a colour so that it is lighter. = + HUE WHITE TINT
SHADE Made by adding black to a colour so that it is darker. + HUE = BLACK SHADE
INTENSITY The brightness or dullness of a colour. FUSCHIA INTENSITY HIGH OLIVE INTENSITY LOW
NEUTRALS (NOT REALLY COLORS) White No color Black All colors Gray Beige White + Black Can be used with most colors
COLOR WHEEL A GUIDE TO STUDY HOW TO CHOOSE AND COMBINE COLORS
PRIMARY HUES RED YELLOW BLUE • Pure and basic • Cannot be made from any other colors • All other colors are made from these • Equal distance from each other on color wheel
SECONDARY COLORS • Made by mixing equal amounts of 2 primary colors • Found halfway between the primary hues on the wheel + = ORANGE + = GREEN + = VIOLET
INTERMEDIATE (TERTIARY) HUES Made by mixing equal amounts of adjoining primary and secondary colors.
THE COLOR WHEEL CAN BE DIVIDED INTO WARM AND COOL COLORS
WARM COLORS v. Appear hot like the sun or like fire v. Give feelings of gaiety, activity or cheerfulness v. Appear to advance-they make body look larger v. Can give a nervous impression if overdone
COOL COLORS v. Remind us of water or sky v. Give feelings of quietness or restfulness v. Appear to recede and make body look smaller v. Can be depressing if overdone
MONOCHROMATIC COLOR SCHEME This is a one-color plan that uses different tints, shades and intensities of the color BLU E
ANALOGOUS COLOR This color scheme uses related, or neighboring colors on the SCHEME color wheel with varying values and intensities of the colors.
COMPLEMENTARY COLOR SCHEME This color scheme uses opposite hues on the color wheel. These colors are across from each other on the wheel and have great contrast.
SPLIT-COMPLEMENTARY COLOR SCHEME This color scheme uses three colors, one color with the two colors on each side of its complement. VIOLET
TRIAD COLOR SCHEME This color scheme combines three colors equidistant on the color wheel and has a great deal of contrast.
ACCENTED NEUTRAL COLOR SCHEME This color scheme combines white, black, gray or sometimes beige with a bright color accent.
All colors are beautiful, depending on personal taste. If not used wisely or combined well, color can cause apparel to look too gaudy or very drab. Harmony results when hues, values and intensities are combined in a pleasing way.
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