Color Theory Basics

Color Wheel Pro: Color Theory Basics
Color Wheel Pro - See Color Theory in Action

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Color Theory Basics

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.
The color wheel is a visual representation of color theory:
Color Theory
Color Theory Basics
Classic Color Schemes
Visual vs. Mixing Color Wheel
Color Meaning
Glossary
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According to color theory, harmonious color combinations use any two colors opposite each
other on the color wheel, any three colors equally spaced around the color wheel forming a
triangle, or any four colors forming a rectangle (actually, two pairs of colors opposite each other).
The harmonious color combinations are called color schemes sometimes the term 'color
harmonies' is also used. Color schemes remain harmonious regardless of the rotation angle.
Classic color schemes supported by Color Wheel Pro:
Monochromatic Color Scheme

The monochromatic color scheme uses variations in lightness and
saturation of a single color. This scheme looks clean and elegant.
Monochromatic colors go well together, producing a soothing
effect. The monochromatic scheme is very easy on the eyes,
especially with blue or green hues.
Analogous Color Scheme

The analogous color scheme uses colors that are adjacent to each
other on the color wheel. One color is used as a dominant color
while others are used to enrich the scheme. The analogous
scheme is similar to the monochromatic, but offers more nuances.
http://www.color-wheel-pro.com/color-theory-basics.html (1 de 3)10/04/2004 17:20:54
Complementary Color Scheme

The complementary color scheme consists of two colors that are
opposite each other on the color wheel. This scheme looks best
when you place a warm color against a cool color, for example, red
versus green-blue. This scheme is intrinsically high-contrast.
Split Complementary Color Scheme

The split complementary scheme is a variation of the standard
complementary scheme. It uses a color and the two colors
adjacent to its complementary. This provides high contrast without
the strong tension of the complementary scheme.
Triadic Color Scheme

The triadic color scheme uses three colors equally spaced around
the color wheel. This scheme is popular among artists because it
offers strong visual contrast while retaining harmony and color
richness. The triadic scheme is not as contrasting as the
complementary scheme, but it looks more balanced and
harmonious.
Tetradic (Double Complementary) Color Scheme

The tetradic (double complementary) scheme is the most varied
because it uses two complementary color pairs. This scheme is
hard to harmonize; if all four hues are used in equal amounts, the
scheme may look unbalanced, so you should choose a color to be
dominant or subdue the colors.
Color theory does not analyze tints, shades, and tones

Color theory analyzes only the relationships of pure colors; it does not take color lightness and
saturation into account. While your color scheme can use any tints, shades, and tones, color
theory pays attention only to the hue component.
Color theory considers both these schemes equal:
History of color theory

The first color wheel was invented by Sir Isaac Newton. He split white sunlight into red, orange,
yellow, green, cyan, and blue beams; then he joined the two ends of the color spectrum together
to show the natural progression of colors. Newton associated each color with a note of a musical
scale.
A century after Newton, Johann Wolfgang Goethe began studying psychological effect of colors.
He noticed that blue gives a feeling of coolness and yellow has a warming effect. Goethe created
a color wheel showing the psychological effect of each color. He divided all the colors into two
groups the plus side (from red through orange to yellow) and the minus side (from green
through violet to blue). Colors of the plus side produce excitement and cheerfulness. Colors of
the minus side are associated with weakness and unsettled feelings.
The current form of color theory was developed by Johannes Itten, a Swiss color and art theorist
who was teaching at the School of Applied Arts in Weimar, Germany. This school is also known
as 'Bauhaus'. Johannes Itten developed 'color chords' and modified the color wheel. Itten's color
wheel is based on red, yellow, and blue colors as the primary triad and includes twelve hues.
Related topics:
Classic Color Schemes
Visual vs. Mixing Color Wheel
Color Meaning
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