Color_Wheel_Theory

Assignment of Art & Design Topic Color Wheel Theory Submitted To Sir Farjad Submitted By Rabia Latif (BT-07-09) Dated 6th February, 2010 Color Wheel Theory Definition: The color wheel is a circular representation of the color spectrum that demonstrates how colors interact and relate to each other. One can also define color theory as a set of principles which artists and designers use to create visually harmonious color combinations. Brief history about Color Theory: The color wheel was developed by Isaac Newton around 1704. He used a prism to split the colors in sunlight and then linked the color spectrum together in a circle to create the first color wheel. . That color wheel allowed people to see groupings of colors that are harmonious together and other colors that might clash. Basic Terms related to Color Theory: • The term "hue" simply refers to the color (blue, red, green, etc.). It means that there’s no mixing of any other color in it. • "Saturation" is the intensity level of the color, so a very pronounced color is said to have high saturation, and a dull or muted color has low saturation. In saturation, tonal variation is usually done. • "Value" refers to the color's brightness and is measured on a scale from one to 10, with the blackest beginning at one. • “Tint” refers to any color when being mixed with white. • “Shade” refers to mixing of any color with black. • “Tone” refers to mixing of any color with gray. Explanation: As the name implies, the color wheel is a continuous wheel of color. Basic color theory involves naming the primary and secondary colors and identifying them on the color wheel. [pic] The wheel is the basis of color harmony. There are three basic groups of colors that make up the color spectrum: primary, secondary and tertiary colors. Analogous colors are colors that are next to each other on the color wheel; complementary colors are colors that are across from each other on the color wheel. A six-color division color wheel depicts the primary (red, yellow, blue) and secondary (orange, green, violet) colors. A 12-color division wheel includes the primary, secondary and tertiary colors; the latter refers to intermediate colors that link pairs of primaries and one of their secondary colors. The color wheel provides artists with a theoretical base for mixing colors together and using combinations of colors together. Color theory examines how colors work within a color scheme and alone to produce emotion and visual interest. Understanding color is a basic step in becoming a good artist. A color wheel is an invaluable tool in color theory. Types of Colors: Primary Colors: Primary colors are red, yellow and blue. These are the most basic pigments, and they can be mixed together to form any color. These colors are used in combination to create all other colors. [pic] ▪ Secondary Colors: If you mix each of the primary colors in equal proportions you get the three secondary colors. These three secondary colors are orange, green and violet. These six colors together make up what we traditionally think of as the rainbow, though in reality the rainbow in nature does not have distinct lines between the colors so all colors are present. [pic] Tertiary Colors: These are the colors that lie between the primary and secondary colors. If we combine neighbors on a color wheel in equal parts then we can arrive at the 6 tertiary colors of red-orange, orange-yellow, yellow-green, green-blue, blue-violet, and violet-red. [pic] Complementary Colors: The color wheel is used to determine color harmony. Colors that are directly across from each other on the color wheel, normally at the angle of 180 degree, are called the complementary colors. For example, blue and yellow are the complements of each other. 6 Split Complementary colors: It provides a nice trio to use as a basic color palette. It’s often a good idea to pick three colors from a palette means two somewhat analogous colors which harmonizes and then one complementary color that contrasts. This arrangement is known as Split complementary coloring scheme. [pic] Analogous Colors: Analogous colors are a series of three colors/shades that appear side-by-side on the color wheel, such as red, red-orange and orange, for example. [pic] Warm and Cool Colors: Colors are often further divided into warm and cool categories. Warm colors occupy roughly the right side of the color wheel, from red to yellow-green; cool colors are those on the left side, from reddish purple to green. [pic] Neutral Colors: Colors like white, black, gray and brown are considered neutral colors. It’s commonly said that white and black are not actually the colors. But now in the art world, when you are blending various mediums to make colors you can't throw all colors together to make white or leave all colors out to make black. In paints and other pigmented materials white and black are additional colors, but not officially part of the color wheel. Because they are not officially part of the color wheel they can be used in any color scheme. [pic] Conclusion: Therefore, the color wheel is the basis for all color schemes. It is important to note that dealing with color on the computer screen is quite different than dealing with it in paint, markers, crayons, pastels, pencils etc. we can conclude from the whole theory that the perception of each and every color actually depends upon an individual’s own perception. Yet many designers and artists have been studying the effects of colors for centuries and have developed a multitude of theories on the uses of colors. The number and variety of theories demonstrate that no universally accepted rules can be applied on an individual to perceive the color in a same way as the standard would be set. Language of RED color in different cultures The cultural basis for color symbolism can be very powerful, and if you don't understand what you're saying with your colors, you can make big mistakes. Red is intense, rich color falling in the category of warm colors. We commonly say about red as that “Red is hot. It's a strong color that conjures up a range of seemingly conflicting emotions from passionate love to violence and warfare. Red is Cupid and the Devil” Using Red: Use the color red to grab attention and to get people to take action. Use red when you don't want to sink into the background. Use red to suggest speed combined with confidence and perhaps even a dash of danger. A little bit of red goes a long way. Small doses can often be more effective than large amounts of this strong color. Multiple shades of red and even pink or orange can combine for a cheerful palette. It’s a universal warning color and therefore is hard to ignore. Here is stated the meaning of red color in different cultures around the globe: • China: Good luck, celebration, summoning • Cherokees: Success, triumph • India: Purity • South Africa: Color of mourning • Russia: Bolsheviks and Communism • Eastern: Worn by brides • Western: Excitement, danger, love, passion, stop, Christmas (with green) Therefore, it’s commonly stated that Red is the warmest of all colors. Red is the color most chosen by extroverts and one of the top picks of males. On the negative side red can mean temper or anger. So according to our Pakistani culture red is not being considered as a bad color. Rather put some red in your life when you want: • increased enthusiasm and interest • more energy • action and confidence to go after your dreams • protection from fears and anxieties ****************************