Color theory encompasses a multitude of definitions, concepts and design applications. All the information would fill several encyclopedias. As an introduction, here are a few basic concepts. A
color circle, based on red, yellow and blue, is traditional in the
field of art. Sir Isaac Newton developed the first circular diagram of
colors in 1666. Since then scientists and artists have studied and
designed numerous variations of this concept. Differences of opinion
about the validity of one format over another continue to provoke
debate. In reality, any color circle or color wheel which presents a
logically arranged sequence of pure hues has merit.
PRIMARY COLORS - Red, yellow, blue.
In
traditional color theory, these are the 3 pigment colors that can not
be mixed or formed by any combination of other colors. All other colors
are derived from these 3 hues.
SECONDARY COLORS - Green, orange, purple.
These are the colors formed by mixing the primary colors.
TERTIARY COLORS
When you mix a Primary and its nearest Secondary on the Basic Color Wheel you create six new mixtures called Tertiary colors.
- Yellow-orange, red-orange, red - purple, blue - purple, blue - green and yellow - green. That's why the hue is a two word name, such as blue - green, red - violet, and yellow - orange.
COLOR HARMONY
In visual experiences, harmony is something that is pleasing to the eye. It engages the viewer and it creates an inner sense of order, a balance in the visual experience. When something is not harmonious, it's either boring or chaotic. At one extreme is a visual experience that is so bland that the viewer is not engaged. The human brain will reject under-stimulating information. At the other extreme is a visual experience that is so overdone, so chaotic that the viewer can't stand to look at it. The human brain rejects what it can not organize, what it can not understand. The visual task requires that we present a logical structure. Color harmony delivers visual interest and a sense of order.
Some Formulas for Color Harmony...
There are many theories for harmony. The following illustrations and descriptions present some basic formulas.
A color scheme based on analogous colors...
Analogous
colors are any three colors which are side by side on a 12 part color
wheel, such as yellow - green, yellow, and yellow - orange. Usually one
of the three colors predominates. A color scheme based on complementary colors...
Complementary
colors are any two colors which are directly opposite each other, such
as red and green and red - purple and yellow - green. In the
illustration above, there are several variations of yellow - green in
the leaves and several variations of red - purple in the orchid. These
opposing colors create maximum contrast and maximum stability. A color scheme based on nature...
Nature provides a perfect departure point for color harmony. In the
illustration above, red yellow and green create a harmonious design,
regardless of whether this combination fits into a technical formula for
color harmony.
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