Color Theory

The Circular Color Wheel

was designed by Sir Isaac Newton during the Renaissance.

Color Families: Groups of related hues. Hue is another name for color.

Warm Colors: Yellow, orange, red—colors of summer and fire.

Cool Colors: Green, blue, violet—colors of winter and water.

Contrasting Colors: Colors far apart on the color wheel, like red and blue.

Neutral Colors: Umber, sienna, and ochre, made by mixing two primary colors; brown, made by mixing complementary colors or all three primary colors; gray, made by adding black to white.

Muted Colors: Colors with their complements added.

Psychological Effects of Colors

Colors stimulate a response in the observer’s mind that may be chemically triggered or based on experience.

Black is the color of authority and sophistication, power, or mystery. It sometimes shows negative space.

White indicates innocence and purity, cleanliness and youth.

Red is an exciting color that can influence rage or anger. It represents strength, health, and vigor.

Blue represents peace, tranquility, and loyalty, but it can also show coldness and sadness. Blue was originally made from lapis lazuli, a semiprecious stone. It was once so valuable, in Christian art it was used only for painting the robe of the Virgin Mary.

Yellow attracts the eye. It is associated with warmth, happiness, optimism, and joy. It can also signify caution.

Green is a natural color, relaxing, masculine, and conservative. It implies health and prosperity. In ancient art, green was the color of spring, growth, and regeneration. It is the most well-liked color and the easiest color for the eyes to see.

Purple is the color of royalty and gives the impression of luxury, wealth, and sophistication. Once made from the shells of sea urchins, it was so expensive, only the Roman Emperors and senators could afford to use it.

For more information about color, visit www.colormatters.com/colortheory.html.