 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
| |
what
is color theory ? |
|
| |
Color
Theory is a set of principles used to create harmonious
color combinations. Color relationships can be visually
represented with a color wheel — the color
spectrum wrapped onto a circle. Color theory encompasses
a multitude of definitions, concepts and design
applications. All the information would fill several
encyclopedias. As an introduction, here are a few
basic concepts. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
| The color
wheels are based on the color theory, which
is based on the physics of light. There are
basically two common types of color,
Additive color and subtractive
color. |
|
|
|
|
|
additive
colors
This color theory
states that in the natural world white light
is made up of three basic components: Red,
Green and Blue light. In theory adding these
three primary colors of light red,
green,
and blue,
together achieve white. The additive color
refers to mixing of colors of light. The
example at the right side shows how the
colors red, blue and blue would appear,
when shone on the dark background. |
|
 |
|
|
Additive
colors |
 |
| |
|
|
subtractive
colors
this theory
explains how cyan,
magenta,
and yellow
pigments or inks on paper subtracts white
light components. Since white light is made
up of red, green and blue light, the inks
subtract out that particular portion or
color of light. Whatever light that is left
is recognized by the eye as a particular
hue. All three colors together will subtract
all color to create black. In varying densities,
the colors (C,M,Y), can create all colors.
This is the conventional color process in
use today for color negatives, color positives
and color printing. |
|
 |
| |
|
Subtractive
colors |
|
|
top
^ |
|
| |
|
|
the
color wheel
A color circle,
based on red, yellow and blue, is traditional
in the field of art. Sir Isaac Newton developed
the first circular diagram of colors in
1666. Since then scientists and artists
have studied and designed numerous variations
of this concept. Differences of opinion
about the validity of one format over another
continue to provoke debate. In reality,
any color circle or color wheel which presents
a logically arranged sequence of pure hues
has merit. |
|
 |
| |
|
The
color wheel |
|
|
|
top
^ |
primary
colors
The basics of color
theory states that, traditionally the three
colors yellow, red and blue could not be
mixed or form by combination of other colors.
All the other color shades are derived from
these 3 hues. |
|
 |
| |
|
Red,Yellow
and Red |
|
|
|
|
secondary
colors
The secondary colors
are green, orange and violet (purple). A
secondary color is made by mixing two primary
colors. |
|
 |
| |
|
Green,
orange and purple |
|
|
|
| |
top
^ |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
