Color Theory in Paintings
Color is light at certain wave lengths that stimulate the retina of our eyes and help define our world. A color wheel is used to help understand color and the relationships between each color. Color Theory is based on color harmonies or schemes that can be identified on the color wheel.
Hues
The hue is the name by which colors are identified. The primary colors are red, blue and yellow. They are positioned between the secondary colors violet, green and orange, which are formed by mixing primary colors. Primary colors are colors that can't be made by mixing. Tertiary colors are created by combining a primary and secondary color that are situated next to each other on the color wheel. They are yellow-green, blue-green, blue-violet, red-violet, yellow-orange and red-orange.
Color Schemes
Analogous colors are next to each other on the color wheel. Blue, blue-violet and violet are examples. They produce a soothing effect on the eyes.
Complimentary Colors
The complimentary colors are opposite on the color wheel. Orange and blue, or green-yellow and red-violet, are complimentary colors.
Saturation
Saturation is the concentration of pure color. To change the saturation of a color, you add white to make a tint or black to make a shade. Monochromatic color schemes use the same hue in varying shades and tints. Value is the relative darkness or lightness of a color's tints and shades.
Warm and Cool Colors
Blues, greens and violets are cool, calm colors. Reds, oranges and yellows are vibrant, warm colors.
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