MODULE 4 Color Theory and Mixing? What is explored in this module? In this module, we ll look at basic color theory and mixing colors. You ll find that color theory and mixing is not a perfect science. Color theory is based on the color wheel, which is the color spectrum bent into a circle. Within color theory, colors are assigned generic or common names (blue, green, red, etc.) and color relationships are based on their location on the color wheel. The Color Wheel The most basic colors found on the color wheel are called primary colors. These colors are considered primaries because they cannot be created with any combination of colors. These three colors are used to mix all of the other colors found on the color wheel. The primary colors are red, yellow, and blue.
The Color Wheel Mixing equal parts of primary colors produces secondary colors. Secondary colors include green, purple, and orange. Mixing equal parts of a primary color and a secondary color produces a tertiary or intermediate color. These colors are blue-purple, blue-green, red-purple, red-orange, yellow-orange, and yellow-green.
Color Mixing Color mixing utilizes the color relationships on the color wheel to produce variations of colors, but is more reliant on the actual pigment of the paint mixed, as opposed to the generic designations observed in color theory. Here is an example Color Theory - Blue Color Mixing - Ultramarine Therefore, it should be recognized that we use color theory to mix colors, but we should expect variations of mixed colors depending on the actual pigment. Color temperature refers to the warmness or coolness of the color. The temperature of the color will affect what colors will result from mixing. In color theory, blue is considered a cool color. However, in color mixing, blue can be either warmer or cooler. Although blue is still a cool color, its pigmentation can cause it to lean warm or cool. Warmer blues will produce different colors compared to cooler blues when mixed with other primaries. This is true for each of the primary colors. versions based on pigmentation. Red and yellow also have warmer and cooler
Color Mixing Multiple color wheels can be created by using variations of primary colors. This, of course will lead to a greater variety of color mixing possibilities. Therefore, it is encouraged to have both cool and warm versions of primary colors in order to mix a greater variety of colors. Here s another look at mixing variations with primaries using warm and cool versions of both red and blue
Color Schemes Color placement on the color wheel can help us to determine aesthetically successful combinations of colors. These are most commonly referred to as color schemes. By limiting our palette we can create harmony in works by using specific color schemes or by taking advantage of color relationships. Monochromatic A monochromatic scheme is made up of one color and the tints and shades of that color. Complementary A complementary scheme is made of two colors that are opposites on the color wheel. This scheme provides high contrast. A few examples include red and green, orange and blue, and yellow and purple. Analogous An analogous color scheme is made up of three to five colors that are next to each other on the color wheel. Analogous schemes provide low contrast, but encourage harmony and unity in a work. An example of an analogous scheme is blue-green, blue, blue-purple, and purple.
Color Schemes Split Complementary A split complementary color scheme is made up of a color and its complement s closest analogous colors. An example of a split complementary scheme is blue, yelloworange, and red-orange. Neutral Colors Neutral colors are colors not found on the color wheel. They can be used to alter the value and/or intensity of the color. Neutral colors include gray, white, black, and brown. Blacks, browns, and grays can be mixed using a combination of primaries. Theoretically, it is a mixture of complements that produce these neutrals. Ex. Red and green, blue and orange, yellow and purple. Again, the pigment of the paints used will affect the resulting neutral color that is produced.
Color Value Color value is the darkness or lightness of a color. For watercolor painting, light values or tints are created with thinner applications of pigment. Darker values can be created by adding neutrals to the color. Hue refers to the pure color, without any alterations to the value. Tints are the lighter values of the color. Tints are created by thinning the application with water, allowing the white of the paper to show through. Shades are the darker values of the color. Shades are created by adding neutrals to the color.