Color Theory BASIC AND ADVANCED Definition Color theory

Color Theory BASIC AND ADVANCED

Definition Color theory - A body of practical guidance to color mixing and the visual effects of specific color combination. �Color Wheel – A circle with different colored sectors used to show the relationship between colors.

Facts �In pigment, white is the absence of color and black is all colors combined. In light theory, the opposite is true. �The color wheel was invented by Sir Isaac Newton in 1666 �Color can affect you physically and psychologically Chromophobia is the irrational fear of color

Color break down �Primary (3)– Red, Blue, Yellow Mixed together to make secondary colors CANNOT be made by mixing other colors �Secondary (3)– Orange, Violet, Green Mixed with primaries to make Tertiary colors �Tertiary (6)– Red-orange, Red-violet, Yellow-orange, Yellow-green, Blue-violet, Blue-green Primary ALWAYS comes before secondary in name.

Basic Color Theory �Warm Colors – Red, Yellow, Orange �Cool Colors – Blue, Green, Violet �Neutral Colors – Black, White, Brown, Gray �Tint – Made by adding white to a color �Shade –Made by adding black or compliment to a color �Tone – Made by adding gray to a color

Basic Color Harmonies � Complimentary Colors (2 Colors) Any two colors on opposite sides of the color wheel (e. g. Red and Green) USED TO MAKE BROWN! � Analogous Colors (4 colors) Four colors that are next to each other on the color wheel (yellow, yellow-green, blue-green) � Triad (3 colors) Three colors of equal distance from each other on the color wheel (Red, Blue, Yellow) � Monochromatic (1 Color) The tints and shades of any single color (light blue, dark blue) � Warm/cool color dominance (Varies) Using primarily either warm or cool colors with only a little bit of the other for contrast

Advanced Color Harmonies �Double Compliment (4 color) Two compliments used together � E. g. Red/Green and Blue/Orange �Split Compliment (3 color) Color + the colors on either side of its compliment � E. g. Blue and Red-Orange and Yellow-Orange �Alternate Compliment (4 color) A triad plus the compliment of one color � E. g. Red/Blue/Yellow + Orange (blue’s compliment)

Mixing Tips �Mixing compliments will give you brown �Mixing multiple colors will give you black �You can mix on canvas by putting colors close together (optical mixing) �Dark colors will overpower light colors �When trying to match a color, think about what color it is closest to on the color wheel �Mix with a palette knife or other dedicated tool to avoid color contamination(unless that’s your intent)