Colour Theory The Colour Wheel The Colour Wheel

Colour Theory

The Colour Wheel

The Colour Wheel contains 3 separate areas: - 1. Primary Colours 2. Secondary Colours 3. Tertiary Colours

Primary Colours There are 3 basic colours. RED, YELLOW and BLUE These are known as the PRIMARY COLOURS

Secondary Colours If 2 primary colours are mixed together SECONDARY COLOUR is produced. There are 3 SECONDARY COLOURS GREEN, ORANGE and VIOLET

Tertiary Colours If primary and secondary colours are mixed together a TERTIARY COLOUR is produced. The TERTIARY COLOURS make up the outer ring of the colour wheel.

Use of Colours that are next to each other in the colour wheel HARMONISE with each other (look comfortable together). YELLOW AND YELLOW-GREEN or YELLOW-ORANGE ARE IN HARMONY

Use of Colours that are opposite each other are in CONTRAST with each other (clash). YELLOW and VIOLET CONTRAST with each other.

Colour Communication Different colours create different moods. RED – warm, exciting, passionate, danger. ORANGE – warm, happy, sunny, energy. YELLOW – warm, happy, sunny, cheerful.

Colour Communication GREEN – cool, restful, calm, fresh. BLUE – cool, elegant, formal, sophisticated. PURPLE – rich, pompous, regal.

Colour Communication VIOLET – cool, peaceful, solitary. NEUTRALS – Grays: natural, restful, calm, elegant, dignified. Browns: natural, earthy, safe, reliable, good. BLACK & WHITE – dramatic, elegant, stylish, sophisticated, pure, contrasting.

Blue- green, yellow-green Red-orange Red-violet Yellow-green Yellow-orange Red, Yellow Blue, Green White

Cleanliness Blue/Brown Blue-green/ green Blue-violet/violet Safe, calm, natural Attractive, bold exciting Harmonises with green floor Any warm any cool Any contrasting colour Mix a primary and secondary colour Visual excitement Appeals to children