Core Concepts in Color Theory – Color + Design Blog by COLOURlovers

There is no right or wrong way to use color, but it is important to learn some general concepts and theories to gain an understanding about how colors work together. Humans respond to color in a very unique way. Color can affect our mood as well as our behavior. It’s interesting to examine color theory by exploring color relationships and color schemes.

COLOR RELATIONSHIPS

The color wheel breaks down color relationships into three basic categories: Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary.

PRIMARY COLORS

These colors are: red, blue, and yellow. They cannot be created by mixing other colors. However, almost all visible colors can be created with these three colors.

SECONDARY

These colors are created by mixing together two primary colors:

Red + Yellow = Orange
Yellow + Blue = Green
Red + Blue = Violet

TERTIARY

Tertiary colors are created when you mix one primary color with one secondary color:

Red + Violet = Red-Violet
Yellow + Green = Yellow-Green
You get the idea!

COLOR SCHEMES

A color scheme is a combination of colors used to convey a particular mood or theme in a design. It helps to create an aesthetic feeling or mood. The most basic color scheme will use two colors, while more advanced color schemes will involve several colors. Color schemes can also help to influence typography and other web elements when designing a website.

MONOCHROMATIC

Uses a single hue and then a variety of its tints and shades.

ANALOGOUS

Uses three hues next to one another on the color wheel. The combination of Orange-Red, Orange and Yellow is an Analogous color scheme.

COMPLEMENTARY

Uses hues that are opposite each other on the color wheel. The combination of Red and Green arise a Complementary color scheme.

TRIADIC

Uses three colors that are equidistant from each other on the color wheel. The combination of the primary colors, Red, Blue and Yellow is a Triadic color scheme.