This document provides an overview of basic color theory concepts. It discusses the color wheel and primary, secondary, and tertiary colors. It explains that black absorbs all colors while white reflects all colors. Complementary colors are directly across from each other on the color wheel, while analogous colors are adjacent. Monochromatic color schemes use tints and shades of a single color. Warm colors tend to advance visually while cool colors recede. Color is influenced by its surroundings and can affect mood. The document also covers color systems for print versus screens, color meanings, and readability through color contrast.

1. Basic Color Theory
DATA Digital Imaging
www.DATA-Di.us
1

2. The Color Wheel
2
A color circle, based on red, yellow and blue, is traditional in the field of art. Sir Isaac Newton
developed the first circular diagram of colors in 1666. Since then, scientists and artists have
studied and designed numerous variations of this concept.

3. 3
The basic color wheel

4. 4
The 12 part color wheel

5. Primary
Colors?
5
The colors from which all other colors may be derived

6. 6
Red. Yellow, and Blue

7. Secondary
Colors?
7
A color resulting from the mixing of two primary colors.

8. 8
Orange, Purple, and Green

9. What about
Black and White?
9

10. Black
is
the
absence
of
color
White
is
the
blending
of all
colors
10
Black is not a color- Black objects absorb all the colors of the visible spectrum and reflects
none of them to our eyes.
White is a color- It reflects all the colors of the visible light spectrum to our eyes.

11. Color Harmony
What we find pleasing to the eye
11

12. Complementary
Colors?
12
Complementary colors are any two colors which are directly opposite each other on the color
wheel.

13. 13
Red / Green

14. 14
Purple / Yellow

15. 15
Green / Orange

16. Analogous
Colors?
16
Analogous colors are any three colors which are next to each other on the color wheel.

17. 17

18. Monochromatic
Colors?
18
A monochromatic color scheme uses variations in lightness and saturation of a single color.
HINT: Mono = ONE , Chroma = COLOR

19. 19
A monochromatic color scheme uses variations in lightness and saturation of a single color.

20. Mood
20
Color has a physical effect on the human body and can directly effect our moods.

21. Warm | Active
Colors?
21
Active colors will appear to advance when placed against passive hues.
Most often warm, saturated, light value hues are "active" and visually advance.

22. 22
Active colors will appear to advance when placed against passive hues.
Most often warm, saturated, light value hues are "active" and visually advance.

23. Cool | Passive
Colors?
23
Passive colors appear to recede when positioned against active hues.
Cool, low saturated, dark value hues are "passive" and visually recede.

24. 24
Active colors will appear to advance when placed against passive hues.
Most often warm, saturated, light value hues are "active" and visually advance.

25. Colors
from
Nature
25
The natural environment is a great place to find color combinations!

26. 26

27. Color
Effects
Color is effected by its environment or by colors it is next to.
27

28. 28
The yellow square looks darker and warmer with a white background and more brilliant and colder with a black
background.
Additionally, black backgrounds are considered more formal / white backgrounds tend to be informal.

29. 28
The yellow square looks darker and warmer with a white background and more brilliant and colder with a black
background.
Additionally, black backgrounds are considered more formal / white backgrounds tend to be informal.

30. 29
Red appears more brilliant against a black background and somewhat duller against the white background. In contrast
with orange, the red appears lifeless; in contrast with blue-green, it exhibits brilliance.
Notice that the red square appears larger on black than on other background colors.

31. 29
Red appears more brilliant against a black background and somewhat duller against the white background. In contrast
with orange, the red appears lifeless; in contrast with blue-green, it exhibits brilliance.
Notice that the red square appears larger on black than on other background colors.

32. 29
Red appears more brilliant against a black background and somewhat duller against the white background. In contrast
with orange, the red appears lifeless; in contrast with blue-green, it exhibits brilliance.
Notice that the red square appears larger on black than on other background colors.

33. 29
Red appears more brilliant against a black background and somewhat duller against the white background. In contrast
with orange, the red appears lifeless; in contrast with blue-green, it exhibits brilliance.
Notice that the red square appears larger on black than on other background colors.

34. What do you notice about the small square in the center?
They are actually the same color, just effected by the field around it.
30

35. What do you notice about the small square in the center?
They are actually the same color, just effected by the field around it.
30

36. Chromostereopsis?
31
Simultaneous contrast, or chromostereopsis, may occur when opposite colors are placed close to one another.

37. 32

38. 33

39. 34

40. Readability
35

41. Yellow text on a white background
36
The more an object contrasts with its field, the more visible it becomes.
When we create visuals that are intended to be read, offering the viewer enough contrast between the background
(paper or screen) and the text is VERY important.

42. Yellow text on a white background
Blue text on a black background
36
The more an object contrasts with its field, the more visible it becomes.
When we create visuals that are intended to be read, offering the viewer enough contrast between the background
(paper or screen) and the text is VERY important.

43. Yellow text on a white background
Blue text on a black background
Black text on a gray background
36
The more an object contrasts with its field, the more visible it becomes.
When we create visuals that are intended to be read, offering the viewer enough contrast between the background
(paper or screen) and the text is VERY important.

44. Yellow text on a white background
Blue text on a black background
Red text on a blue background
Black text on a gray background
36
The more an object contrasts with its field, the more visible it becomes.
When we create visuals that are intended to be read, offering the viewer enough contrast between the background
(paper or screen) and the text is VERY important.

45. Yellow text on a white background
Blue text on a black background
Red text on a blue background
Black text on a gray background
White text on a black background
36
The more an object contrasts with its field, the more visible it becomes.
When we create visuals that are intended to be read, offering the viewer enough contrast between the background
(paper or screen) and the text is VERY important.

46. Yellow text on a white background
Blue text on a black background
Red text on a blue background
Black text on a gray background
White text on a black background
Black text on a white background
36
The more an object contrasts with its field, the more visible it becomes.
When we create visuals that are intended to be read, offering the viewer enough contrast between the background
(paper or screen) and the text is VERY important.

47. Color Systems
37
There is a slight difference when working with color pigment vs. light

48. Subtractive
Color
38
When we mix colors using paint, or through the printing process, we are using the subtractive color method.
Subtractive color mixing means that one begins with white and adds color.

49. 39
The CMYK color system is the color system used for printing.
Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black

50. Additive
Color
40
If we are working on a computer, the colors we see on the screen are created with light using the additive color
method. Additive color mixing begins with black and ends with white; as more color is added.

51. 41
The RGB colors are light primaries and colors are created with light.
Red, Green, and Blue

52. Color Meaning
42

53. 43

54. Energy, war, danger, strength, power,
determination, passion, desire, and love
43

55. Energy, war, danger, strength, power,
determination, passion, desire, and love
Joy, enthusiasm, fascination, creativity,
attraction, success, & encouragement
43

56. Energy, war, danger, strength, power,
determination, passion, desire, and love
Joy, enthusiasm, fascination, creativity,
attraction, success, & encouragement
Intellect, cheerfulness, honor, & loyalty
43

57. Nature, growth, harmony, freshness,
fertility, healing, stability, & endurance
44

58. Nature, growth, harmony, freshness,
fertility, healing, stability, & endurance
Depth, trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence,
faith, truth, corporate America
44

59. Nature, growth, harmony, freshness,
fertility, healing, stability, & endurance
Depth, trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence,
faith, truth, corporate America
Royalty, power, luxury, ambition,
dignity, independence, mystery, & magic
44

60. Power, elegance, formality, death, evil,
strength, prestige, & sleekness
45

61. Power, elegance, formality, death, evil,
strength, prestige, & sleekness
Goodness, innocence, purity, simplicity,
sterility, charity, peace, & winter
45

62. Fun Facts :)
46
The following facts are all known to be true and accurate
(but you’ll have to check for yourself)

63. 7% of males are color deficient
47

64. 7% of males are color deficient
Most color blindness is the inability to
differentiate between reds and greens. The world
is a blend of blues, yellows & grays
47

65. 7% of males are color deficient
Most color blindness is the inability to
differentiate between reds and greens. The world
is a blend of blues, yellows & grays
Blue is America’s 1st choice of toothbrush
47

66. 7% of males are color deficient
Most color blindness is the inability to
differentiate between reds and greens. The world
is a blend of blues, yellows & grays
Blue is America’s 1st choice of toothbrush
Redheads need more anesthesia for surgery
47

67. 7% of males are color deficient
Most color blindness is the inability to
differentiate between reds and greens. The world
is a blend of blues, yellows & grays
Blue is America’s 1st choice of toothbrush
Redheads need more anesthesia for surgery
Ancient Aztecs valued red dye more then gold
47

68. Nokia offered the 1st color cell phone in 1992
48

69. Nokia offered the 1st color cell phone in 1992
Hippopotamus milk is pink
48

70. Nokia offered the 1st color cell phone in 1992
Hippopotamus milk is pink
Red is always the highest arc on a rainbow
48

71. Nokia offered the 1st color cell phone in 1992
Hippopotamus milk is pink
Red is always the highest arc on a rainbow
The color of the universe is beige (Cosmic Latte)
48

72. Nokia offered the 1st color cell phone in 1992
Hippopotamus milk is pink
Red is always the highest arc on a rainbow
The color of the universe is beige (Cosmic Latte)
Nothing rhymes with Purple or Orange
48

73. Assignments
1. Complete a creative 6 Part Color Wheel
w/ black & white at center
2. Apply basic Color Theory to your
Personal Logo for class critique
49
Color Theory: http://data-ml.wikispaces.com/Color+Theory
Personal Logo: http://data-ml.wikispaces.com/Personal+Logo

74. References
Color in Design | Triangle Park Creative
http://www.triangleparkcreative.com/tips/print/color
Color Wheel Pro: Color Meaning
http://www.color-wheel-pro.com/color-meaning.html
worqx.com
http://www.worqx.com/color/index.htm
Basic Color Theory
http://www.colormatters.com/color-and-design/basic-color-theory
50