A graphic that says "color theory"
While it is not complicated, color theory is an essential part of making a cohesive piece of art. Paintings that have color schemes tend to make a greater impact on the viewer. The color wheel is an important part of color theory--in a very simple way, it shows the complex relationships between colors and the seemingly endless color possibilities for any painting.
Color Wheel
A standard color wheel is designed to be read like a chart. The wheel is laid out to show what colors are produced when other colors are mixed. To find out how a color is mixed, look at the two colors it falls between on the color wheel. For example, orange is mixed by combining red and yellow. Green is created by combining blue and yellow. The only exceptions to this rule are the primary colors (red, yellow and blue). The primary colors cannot be created by mixing any other colors on the color wheel.
Most color wheels show the primary colors, secondary colors (colors that are created by mixing two primary colors), and tertiary colors (colors that are created by mixing a primary color with an adjacent secondary color on the color wheel). Color wheels also show complimentary color pairs (two colors that are located directly across from each other on the color wheel).
Color Schemes
An easy way to achieve color harmony in a painting is by basing the color choices on a color scheme. Color schemes may be developed in different ways. Some color schemes are based on colors found paired together in nature. For example, a color scheme based on a desert landscape may include tones of beige, brown, yellow and dusty greens.
Other color schemes may be created by choosing colors that have a relationship on the color wheel. A complimentary color scheme is based on colors that are found opposite on the color wheel (red and green, blue and orange, purple and gold). An analogous color scheme is based on two or three adjacent colors on the color wheel (for example, red, red-orange and orange).
Colors and Emotions
Different colors create different emotional responses in people. Warm colors (reds, oranges and yellows) tend to excite and evoke passion. The warm colors can be signs of love (romantic and platonic), action and aggression.
Cool colors (blues, greens and purples) are often associated with peace and placidity, emotional distance and (because of an association with water and plants) life and nature.
Color Planning
Color cohesion is an important part of any well-planned and fully realized painting. It is important to paint colors that make sense together. Often paintings will have color schemes that make sense with the subject matter and the design. For example, an underwater painting will likely be comprised of cool colors like blues and greens. Even warm colors when added to this painting may have cool overtones--the reds will have a purple tint, and the yellows (while vibrant) will have a green-ish quality.
Expressive Color
The types of colors a painter uses in a painting sets a specific tone that affects the entire image. Bright, bold colors will stand out on a wall and attract attention from across large rooms. These colors will be associated with action, expression and passion. Dark colors like blues, browns and blacks create a heavy, thoughtful, brooding atmosphere. Earthy colors will often have a natural, soothing, zen-like quality.
Related posts
Use the color wheel to create custom colors.Color wheels, sometimes called color circles, can be used as a guide when mixing paint. Color wheels are based on three primary colors, and all the othe...
Blue walls may inspire creativity.Color choice is a critical step in any paint job. Among the infinite number of color variations, choosing the exact color that you desire is often difficult. Alth...
A color wheel will help you choose paint colors for walls.Painting interior walls with a fresh coat is an inexpensive way to add new life to any room. However, wall colors need to complement other...
Creating harmonious room color combinations using a color wheel.A color wheel can proove a simple tool for selecting color combinations. The first version was invented by Sir Isaac Newton in 1666,...
Beads in the right combination add radiance to jewelry.The color wheel is an invaluable tool for making decisions on mixing colors, whether it be in painting or in creating beaded jewelry. There a...
