Understanding Color Theory
Color theory is both the science and art of using color. It explains how humans perceive color, how colors mix and match, and the visual effects of specific color combinations. Understanding these principles empowers artists to make intentional choices that evoke emotions and create visual impact.
Core Color Concepts
Primary Colors
Red, Blue, and Yellow are the foundation of color theory. These pure colors cannot be created by mixing other colors, and all other colors are derived from them.
Secondary Colors
Orange, Green, and Purple are created by mixing two primary colors. They sit between the primaries on the color wheel and form the basis of color harmony.
Tertiary Colors
Created by mixing a primary with an adjacent secondary color. Names like red-orange, yellow-green, and blue-violet describe these transitional hues.
Hue, Tint & Shade
Hue is the pure color. Add white to create a tint (lighter). Add black to create a shade (darker). These variations add depth to your palette.