Color theory discusses how different color combinations work together based on concepts like color schemes, color wheels, and complementary/analogous colors. There are several types of color schemes including primary/secondary colors, complementary colors (across from each other on the wheel), analogous colors (next to each other), and monochromatic colors (one color plus tints and shades). Shape is also important, with organic shapes having curvy lines and geometric having straight lines. Balance can be symmetrical, asymmetrical, or radial. Asymmetrical balance means both sides are not identical. Positive space is the object area while negative space is around the object, and a good composition balances these spaces.

1. Color Color Theory and Color Schemes

2. Color: The result of light reflecting off of a surface.

3. Color Theory: A body of practical guidance to color mixing and the visual impacts of specific color combinations. (wikipedia.org)

4. According to color theory, certain color combinations work better than others. Using color schemes can help with the over all success of a composition.

5. Color Schemes: An arrangement or pattern of colors or colored objects conceived of as forming an integrated whole. (dictionary.com)

7. Primary: Red, Blue, Yellow

8. Secondary: Orange, Green, Purple

10. Complimentary Colors: Colors across from each other on the color wheel. Red and Green Orange and Blue Yellow and Violet

11. Orange and Blue…

12. Red and Green.

13. Spilt-Complimentary Colors: Triad of colors consisting of a compliment, plus the two tertiary/intermediate colors on each side of it’s compliment.

14. An example of split-complimentary…

16. Analogous Colors: Colors next to each other on the color wheel. Red, orange, and yellow. Green, Blue, Purple.

17. Examples of analogous compositions…

20. Monochromatic: Consisting of one color, plus its tints and shades (color + black and white = monochromatic)

21. Examples of monochromatic compositions…

24. Shape: An area enclosed by line.

25. There are two types of shape: Organic Geometric

26. Organic Shape: Characteristic of, pertaining to, or derived from living organisms (dictionary.com)

27. Organic shapes have curvy, natural lines.

28. Geometric Shape: Arrangement of objects in simple rectilinear or curvilinear form. (dictionary.com)

29. Geometric shapes are characterized by straight, rigid lines.

30. Balance: Equal distribution of weight (dictionary.com)

32. Asymmetrical Balance: Not identical on both sides of a central line; lacking symmetry

33. Both sides of the composition are not the same, but the shapes visually balance each other.

35. Positive and Negative Space: Positive Space: The object; the are the object occupies. Negative Space: The area around the object .

36. When creating a composition, the negative space and positive space should be about equal.

37. Try to avoid having too much negative space.