Basic color schemes
Introduction to Color Theory
In the visual
arts, color theory or color theory is a body of practical guidance to color mixing and the visual effects of a specific color
combination. There are also definitions (or categories) of colors based on the color
wheel: primary color, secondary color[1] and tertiary
color. Although color theory principles first
appeared in the writings of Leone Battista Alberti (c. 1435) and the notebooks of Leonardo
da Vinci (c. 1490), a tradition of "color
theory" began in the 18th century, initially within a partisan controversy
over Isaac Newton's theory of
color (Optics, 1704) and the nature of primary colors. From there it developed as an independent artistic
tradition with only superficial reference to colorimetric and vision science.
The Color Wheel
The color wheel or color circle is
the basic tool for combining colors. The first circular color diagram was
designed by Sir Isaac Newton in 1666.
The color wheel is designed so
that virtually any colors you pick from it will look good together. Over the
years, many variations of the basic design have been made, but the most common
version is a wheel of 12 colors based on the RYB (or artistic) color model.
Traditionally, there are a number
of color combinations that are considered especially pleasing. These are
called color
harmonies or color
chords and they consist of two or more colors with a fixed
relation in the color wheel.
Color Impact is designed to
dynamically create a color wheel to match your base color.
In the RYB (or subtractive) color model, the primary
colors are red,
yellow and blue.
Secondary
The three secondary
colors (green,
orange and purple) are created by mixing two primary colors.
Tertiary Colors
Another six tertiary
colors are created
by mixing primary and secondary colors.
Warm and cool colors
The
color circle can be divided into warm and cool colors.
Warm colors are
vivid and energetic, and tend to advance in space.
Cool colors give
an impression of calm, and create a soothing impression.
White, black and gray are
considered to be neutral.
Tints, Shades, and Tones
These terms are often used incorrectly,
although they describe fairly simple color concepts. If a color is made lighter
by adding white, the result is called a tint. If black is added, the darker version is called a shade. And if gray is
added, the result is a different tone.
Tints - adding
white to a pure hue:
Shades - adding
black to a pure hue:
Tones - adding gray
to a pure hue:
Basic techniques for creating color schemes
Complementary
color scheme
Colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel are considered to be complementary colors (example: red and green).
The high contrast of
complementary colors creates a vibrant look especially when used at full
saturation. This color scheme must be managed well so it is not jarring.
Complementary color schemes are
tricky to use in large doses, but work well when you want something to stand
out.
Complementary colors are really bad for text.
Analogous color scheme
Analogous color schemes use colors that are next to each other on the color wheel. They usually match well and create serene and comfortable designs.
Analogous color schemes are often
found in nature and are harmonious and pleasing to the eye.
Make sure you have enough
contrast when choosing an analogous color scheme.
Choose one color to dominate, a
second to support. The third color is used (along with black, white or gray) as
an accent.
Triadic color scheme
A triadic color scheme uses colors that are evenly spaced around the color wheel.
Triadic color schemes tend to be
quite vibrant, even if you use pale or unsaturated versions of your hues.
To use a triadic harmony
successfully, the colors should be carefully balanced - let one color dominate
and use the two others for accent.
Split-Complementary color scheme
The split-complementary color scheme is a variation of the complementary color scheme. In addition to the base color, it uses the two colors adjacent to its complement.
This color scheme has the same
strong visual contrast as the complementary color scheme, but has less tension.
The split-complimentary color
scheme is often a good choice for beginners, because it is difficult to mess
up.
Rectangle (tetradic) color scheme
The rectangle or tetradic color scheme uses four colors arranged into two complementary pairs.
This rich color scheme offers
plenty of possibilities for variation.
Tetradic color schemes works best
if you let one color be dominant.
You should also pay attention to
the balance between warm and cool colors in your design.
Square color scheme
The square color scheme is similar to the rectangle, but with all four colors spaced evenly around the color circle.
Square color schemes work best if
you let one color be dominant.
You should also pay attention to
the balance between warm and cool colors in your design.
Comments
Post a Comment