The Art of ColorA brief introduction to color theory By Wei Yin

Primary Colors

• Primary colors are sets of colors that can be combined to make a useful range of colors.

• They are the only colors you cannot create.

• Two popular sets of primary colors are RGB and RYB model.

Primary Colors – RGB model

The RGB color model is an additive color model in which red, green, and blue light are added together in various ways to reproduce a broad array of colors.

Green

Blue

Red

Primary Colors – RGB model

The main purpose of the RGB color model is for the sensing, representation, and display of images in electronic systems, such as televisions and computers, though it has also been used in conventional photography.

Before the electronic age, the RGB color model already had a solid theory behind it, based in human perception of colors. Any particular choice for a given set of primary colors is derived from the spectral sensitivity of each of the human cone photoreceptors; three colors that fall within each of the sensitivity ranges of each of the human cone cells are red, green, and blue.

RGB sub-pixels in an LED screen The Bayer filter arrangement of color filters on the pixel array of a digital image sensor

Primary Colors – RYB model

RYB is a historical set of colors used in subtractive color mixing, and is one commonly used set of primary colors.

In the RYB color model, the primary colors are red, yellow, and blue.

Red

Blue

Yellow

Primary Colors – RYB model

It is primarily used in art and design education, particularly painting.

RYB model is the popular set of primary colors among artists. However, it is not the normally used set of primary colors (the primaries normally used are cyan, magenta, and yellow).

Color Wheel

• The color wheel is the basic tool for combining colors. • The color wheel is designed so that virtually any colors you pick from

it will look good together.

The first circular color diagram was designed by Sir Isaac Newton in 1666.

Claude Boutet’s painter’s circle of 1708 was probably the first color system to be based on Newton’s circle diagram.

Color Wheel

Primary, Secondary and Tertiary ColorsThe color wheel begins with red, green, and blue (or red, yellow, and blue). These are called the primary colors.

The combination of any two primary colors creates a secondary color.

The tertiary colors achieved by a mixture of primary and secondary colors.

+ = + =

Primary Primary Secondary Secondary Primary Tertiary

For example:

Color Wheel

In the RGB color model, the primary colors are red, green and blue. The three secondary colors (yellow, cyan and magenta) are created by mixing two primary colors. Another six tertiary colors are created by mixing primary and secondary colors.

Primary

Primary

Prim

ary

SecondarySecondary

Secondary

Tertiary

Tertiary

Tertiary

Terti

ary

Terti

ary

Tertiary

Color Wheel

In the RGB color model, the primary colors are red, green and blue. The three secondary colors (yellow, cyan and magenta) are created by mixing two primary colors. Another six tertiary colors are created by mixing primary and secondary colors.

Color Wheel

In the RYB color model, the primary colors are red, yellow and blue. The three secondary colors (green, orange and violet) are created by mixing two primary colors. Another six tertiary colors are created by mixing primary and secondary colors.

PrimarySecondary

Tertiary

Primary

Primary

Secondary

Secondary

Tertiary

TertiaryTertiary

Terti

ary

Tertiary

Complementary Colors

Colors that are opposite each other (across from each other) on the color wheel are considered to be complementary colors.

Red

Cyan

Green

Magenta

Yellow

Blue

Orange

Ocean

Violet

Spring Green

Turquoise

Raspberry

Complementary Colors

• When placed next to each other, complementary colors make each other appear brighter, more intense.

• They often work best when one is the main color and the other is an accent.

• The shadow of an object will also contain its complementary color.

Monochromatic Colors Scheme

A Monochromatic combination is composed of one hue with any number of its corresponding tints and shades.

The pure color is the hue.

Add black to a hue to create a shade.

Add white to a hue to create a tint. Shades

Hue

Tints

Monochromatic Colors Scheme

• The monochromatic scheme is easy to manage, and always looks balanced and visually appealing.

• However, the monochromatic colors scheme lacks color contrast. It is not as vibrant as the complementary scheme.

Analogous Colors

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.

Warm Colors & 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.

WarmCold

References

Williams, R. (2007). The Non-Designer's Design and Type Books, Deluxe Edition. Berkeley, California: Peachpit Press.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Primary_color

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RGB_color_model

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RYB_color_model

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Bayer_pattern_on_sensor.svg

http://www.wphub.com/readers-have-mixed-views-color-scheme/

http://www.tigercolor.com/color-lab/color-theory/color-theory-intro.htm

http://www.worqx.com/color/combinations.htm

http://www.worqx.com/color/color_wheel.htm

http://painting.about.com/od/colourtheory/ss/color_theory_6.htm

http://www.color-wheel-pro.com/color-schemes.html

http://www.webexhibits.org/colorart/bh.html

http://rhynomyte.deviantart.com/art/Color-Harmonies-Split-Complementary-Colors-338435099