The Color Theory

In 1666 it was Isaac Newton who first introduced the colorwheel, based on red, yellow and blue. Since that time there have been many scientists and artists making their own variation of this concept resulting in a lot of interesting debate.

So what is the problem?

Why is this important?

Well, the exact same color can appear totally different depending on the colors that surround it, so you always have to see any color in context with all the other colors.

See what I mean…

By using the color wheel [ or triangle like I do further down ] it becomes easier to understand the relationships between colors including locating one color’s compliment. Knowing the complimentary color is very helpful when painting in order to get a balanced and harmonious color scheme in a painting.

The color theory in a nutshell:

First we have the PRIMARY COLORS: Red, yellow and blue. These are the 3 pigment colors that can not be mixed or formed by any combination of other colors. All other colors are derived from these 3 hues

Then we have the SECONDARY COLORS: Green, orange and purple. Colors such as red-orange, red violet, yellow-green, yellow orange, blue-violet, and blue green, are mixed from primary and secondary colors and are called tertiary colors.

Complimentary Colors:

Colors directly opposite each other on the color wheel are complimentary colors, each the compliment of the other. As a color’s compliment is mixed with it, it will begin to gray the color, producing a “semi-neutral”. As more of the compliment is added, the mix will reach a point where they gray each other out, and neither color can be seen. This is termed “neutral”. Placing complimentary colors next to each other enhances both, making them seem more vibrant or intense.

So the complimentary color of blue is orange,

and of red it’s green etc.

When building up a painting you should always make a good use of the neutral colors just mentioned before. You always start with an underpainting of various shades and tones of grey, from very dark to very light, like a black and white photo. After that is done you finish with some brighter colors, so that you get a good and balanced contrast. See the difference here…

Do it like this:

Rather then this:

So this is what you need to know about the color wheel.

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