Element of Color Outline

The Color Wheel

  • Definition: A tool used to organize all colors in the spectrum.

Color Groups

  • Primary Colors:

    • Red, Yellow, Blue.

    • Cannot be made by mixing other colors. These colors are essential for creating all other colors in the spectrum.

  • Secondary Colors:

    • Green, Violet, Orange.

    • Formed by mixing two primary colors:

      • Red + Blue = Violet

      • Red + Yellow = Orange

      • Blue + Yellow = Green

  • Intermediate Colors:

    • Red Violet, Blue Violet, Blue Green, Yellow Green, Yellow Orange, Red Orange.

    • Created by mixing one primary with one secondary color.

  • Neutrals:

    • Include Black, White, Gray & all forms of Brown. Neutrals are not included in the Color Wheel.

  • Warm Colors:

    • Yellow, Orange, Red.

    • Associated with warmth of light, sun, and flames.

  • Cool Colors:

    • Blue, Green, Violet.

    • Linked to cooling water, shade from trees, and lush tropical environments.

Color Schemes

  • Monochromatic:

    • Based on various values of the same color (only one color).

  • Analogous:

    • Comprises colors next to each other on the Color Wheel.

  • Triadic:

    • Colors at equally spaced intervals on the Color Wheel (either primary or secondary).

  • Accented Neutral:

    • Dominance of neutrals with one additional color as an accent.

  • Complementary:

    • Two colors directly opposite each other on the Color Wheel.

  • Split Complement:

    • Three colors, including two adjacent to one direct complement.

  • Double-Split Complement:

    • Four colors positioned opposite each other but not directly complementary.

Physical Properties of Color

  • Hue:

    • The actual color.

  • Intensity:

    • Brightness or dullness of a color (grayness).

  • Value:

    • Range of different intensities of colors from light to dark.

  • Shade:

    • Changes made in a color by adding black to a hue.

  • Tint:

    • Changes made in a color by adding white to a hue.

Emotional Properties of Color

  • Red:

    • Symbolizes evil or danger; dynamic in design. Represents love and passion; appetite stimulant. Considered a lucky color in Chinese culture.

  • Blue:

    • Calm, soothing, tranquil; sometimes associated with sadness.

  • Yellow:

    • Cheery color embodying warmth, light, joy, and youth; can symbolize sickness or cowardice.

  • Black:

    • Absence of all colors; associated with bad luck and mourning; dramatic effect.

  • White:

    • Presence of all colors; symbolizes purity, truth, innocence, and light; can feel cold and unemotional.

  • Violet (Purple):

    • Represents royalty or wealth.

  • Green:

    • Signifies life and hope; associated with poison and envy. Traditionally worn for fertility in European weddings.

  • Orange:

    • Striking and sharp; traditionally worn by Buddhist monks.