Color Theory - The Elements of Art (2024)

Color is the element of art that refers to reflected light. Color theory is defined as a theory because it cannot be proved.Theories are generally accepted, despite the fact that they cannot be proven. Laws are accepted because they can be proven.

There are volumes and volumes of information available about color. This page, while thorough, will present color theory in an "easy to understand" fashion. It is an exciting, ever-changing science. Color has an affect over how we feel about objects, how we behave, and how our bodies react to circ*mstances.

What is color theory?

If color theory is simplified, it can be broken down into 3 parts- The color wheel, color value, and color schemes. Each part of color theory builds on the previous. Understanding each section of color theory fully, will help you better understand its importance in the creation of art.

Color Theory Part 1 - The Color Wheel

The color wheel was developed by Sir Isaac Newton by taking the color spectrum and bending it into a circle. If you follow around the color wheel, you will find the same order of the color spectrum- red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo(blue-violet), and violet. Some remember it by the acronym ROYG. BIV.

The color wheel is made up of three different types of colors - Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary.

The primary colors are red, yellow, and blue. They are called primary for a couple of reasons. First, no two colors can be mixed to create a primary color.In other words, primary colors can only be created through the use of natural pigments. Secondly, all other colors found on the color wheel can be created by mixing primary colors together.

The secondary colors are orange, green, and purple. Secondary colors are created by mixing equal parts of any two primary colors. Yellow and blue will give you green. Red and blue will create purple(violet).Red and yellow will give you orange.

Tertiary colors are created by mixing equal parts of a secondary color and a primary color together. There are six tertiary colors- red-purple, red-orange, blue-green, yellow-green, blue-purple, and yellow-orange. Notice that the proper way to refer to tertiary colors is by listing the primary color first and the secondary color, second.

Color Theory Part 2 - Color Values

The second part of color theory deals with color values. Value is the darkness or lightness of a color. When dealing with pure color (hue), value can be affected by adding white or black to a color. Adding white to a color produces a tint...

Adding black to a color produces a shade...

When grays are added to the color, the intensity of the color is affected. Intensity is related to value.

Color Theory Part 3 - Color Schemes

Color schemes are ways colors are put together in an intelligent way

Monochromatic - literally means one (mono) color (chroma). So a monochromatic
color scheme is made up of one color and it’s shades and tints.
Analogous colors - are colors that are next to each other on the color wheel.
When used as a color scheme, analogous colors can be dramatic. Ex. Blue, blue-green, green, and yellow-green; red, red-purple, purple, blue-purple
Complementary colors - are colors found directly across from each other on the color wheel. Complementary color scheme provide strong contrast. Ex. Blue and orange, red and green, yellow-green and red-purple.
Color triads - consist of three colors found on the color wheel that are equally spaced apart from each other. Ex. Red, blue and yellow or orange, green and purple.
Split complementary - color schemes are made up of a color and it’s complements closest analogous colors. Ex Blue, yellow-orange and red-orange. Red-orange, red-purple, green.
Warm colors - colors that are usually associated with warm things. Ex. Red, yellow, orange.
Cool colors - colors that are usually associated with cool things. Ex. Blue, purple, green

Color Theory Terms and Definitions

Color - Element of art derived from reflected light. We see color because light waves are reflected from objects to your eyes.
Color wheel - color spectrum bent into a circle.
Primary colors - The most basic colors on the color wheel, red, yellow and blue. These colors cannot be made by mixing.
Secondary colors - colors that are made by mixing two primary colors together. Orange, green and violet (purple).
Tertiary colors - colors that are made by mixing a primary color with a secondary color.
Hue - the name of the color.
Intensity - the brightness or dullness of a color. DO NOT CONFUSE WITH VALUE.
Color value - the darkness or lightness of a color. Ex pink is a tint of red.
Tints - are created by adding white to a color.
Shades - are created by adding black to a color.
Optical color - color that people actually perceive- also called local color.
Arbitrary color - colors chosen by the artist to express feelings or mood.

As an art enthusiast with a deep understanding of color theory, I can confidently say that color is a fascinating and intricate element of art that goes beyond mere aesthetics. My expertise in this area stems from both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, allowing me to delve into the complexities of color and its impact on our perception and emotions.

The article you've provided explores fundamental concepts in color theory, and I'll break down each component to further enhance your understanding:

1. Color Wheel: Sir Isaac Newton's development of the color wheel revolutionized our comprehension of color. The wheel is a circular representation of the color spectrum, organizing colors in a specific order: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet (ROYGBIV). Primary colors, such as red, yellow, and blue, are essential because they cannot be created by mixing other colors. Secondary colors, like orange, green, and purple, result from mixing equal parts of two primary colors. Tertiary colors, including red-purple and yellow-orange, are formed by combining a secondary color with a primary color.

2. Color Values: The second part of color theory focuses on values, representing the darkness or lightness of a color. Pure color, or hue, can be altered by adding white to produce a tint or black to create a shade. The addition of grays also affects the intensity of the color, with intensity being closely related to value.

3. Color Schemes: Color schemes involve intelligent combinations of colors, and the article highlights several types:

Monochromatic: A scheme using variations of one color and its shades and tints.
Analogous: Colors adjacent to each other on the color wheel, which, when used together, can create a dramatic effect.
Complementary: Colors directly opposite each other on the color wheel, providing strong contrast.
Color Triads: Sets of three colors equally spaced apart on the color wheel.
Split Complementary: A color and its complements' closest analogous colors.
Warm Colors: Associated with warm things, such as red, yellow, and orange.
Cool Colors: Associated with cool things, such as blue, purple, and green.

4. Color Theory Terms and Definitions: The article introduces key terms to solidify your understanding of color theory, including:

Hue: The name of the color.
Intensity: The brightness or dullness of a color, distinct from value.
Tints: Created by adding white to a color.
Shades: Created by adding black to a color.
Optical Color: The color perceived by people, also known as local color.
Arbitrary Color: Colors chosen by artists to express feelings or mood.

Understanding these concepts empowers artists to use color purposefully, evoking specific emotions and responses in their audience.