The basic colors are those found in rainbows.
The basic tenets of where colors come from and how they interact are often taught during the first years of education. In a world full of color, color theory offers a way to bring the most pleasing hues and colors to just about anything. Research on color theory is bringing the ideas of colors to applications in business and architecture. However, the digital age poses some new problems that further color theory research needs to work around.
History
While the use of colors goes back to the earliest forms of man, science did not correctly understand color theory until the mid-1600s. In 1672, Isaac Newton published his research on the theory of the properties of light, namely that light contains all known colors. Dominant theories before Newton believed that colors came from a mix of black and white, according to WebExhibits.
Function
Color theory exists to tell us how colors work together and to bring harmony to physical appearance. The human mind strives for patterns and organization, claims ColorMatters.org. Things that are not pleasing, either too bland or too chaotic, are rejected by the mind. Researching the effects of color also has application outside of painting in fields such as marketing and design.
Significance
Research on how colors interact not only produces more enjoyable arrangements, but many people believe that color is the most important factor in business. A study conducted by the Secretary of the Seoul International Color Expo 2004 found 84.7 of people chose color as the most important factor when deciding on a purchase. This is especially important for in-store purchases where a product often has little time to make an impression. Research on color theory can give business an advantage over the competition and attract more customers.
Places To Study and Research Color Theory
The growing applications of color theory have motivated colleges to offer more classes dedicated solely to color theory. California has the most options for places to study and research color theory in the U.S., according to Jill Morton's database of color theory classes. If you plan on attending an art college, expect to spend $50,000 to $70,000, and up to $180,000 for the very best schools, according to Cathy Sivak of ArtSchools.com.
Potential
Future color theory research will need to find a way to incorporate traditional theory with computers and the limitations and medium of the computer monitor. Digital colors have fewer dimensions and less variability than physically painted colors, according to "Contemporary Color Theory and Use" by Steven Bleicher. Artists traditionally hand-mix their colors. Programs like Photoshop require you to choose pre-programmed colors. Also, the digital medium is flat and cannot offer the same textures of a real painting or fabric.
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