What is color? To have color there must be light. Sir Isaac Newton determined this fact in the mid-1600’s when he proved that light is the source of all color. –By placing light through a prism he produced a rainbow of colors from the bending light rays.

What is color? All objects contain Pigments substances that absorb some light rays and reflect others. When light strikes an object, you see only the colors that reflect or bounce back to your eyes. When light rays are absorbed, those colors are not seen. EX: blue fabric looks blue only because the blue rays are reflected and the fabric dye absorbs all other light rays along with their colors.

Color Wheel The color wheel is a system that places colors around a circle. Placement on the wheel shows how different colors relate to each other.

Primary Colors Basic Colors from which all other colors are made. These 3 colors are equally spaced on the color wheel. They are Blue, Red, and Yellow.

Secondary Colors Combining equal amounts of 2 primary colors creates a Secondary Color. These 3 colors appear halfway between the three primary colors. Blue + Yellow = Green Blue + Red = Purple Red + Yellow = ?

Intermediate Colors Combines a Primary Color with a neighboring Secondary Color Blue + Green = Blue-Green Red + Orange = Red-Orange What are the other intermediate colors on the color wheel?

Warm Colors Include: orange, yellow, and red. Considered warm because of their association with warm objects such as the sun and fire. Also called “advancing colors” because they make objects appear larger or closer.

Cool Colors Include: green, blue, and violet. Associated with water, grass, and trees. Cool colors are also called “receding colors” because they make objects appear smaller and farther away.

Neutral Colors Include: white, black, and grey. White is totally absent of color. Black is a mixture of all colors. Gray is a combination of white and black.

Color Variations Adding white or black to a color changes its VALUE. –A color that is lightened by adding white is called a TINT. –A color that is darkened by adding black is called a SHADE. INTENSITY is the brightness or dullness of a color. TINT  SHADE 

Creating a color wheel

Creating a color scheme Knowing what colors work well together takes an understanding of color and the differences between the many values and intensities. Experts have identified several color schemes to use as guidelines. A Color Scheme is a plan for using a color or combination of colors.

Monochromatic Mono means “one” Chromatic refers to “color” A monochromatic color scheme uses the values and intensities of just one color.

Analogous Uses 2 or more colors that are next to each other on the color wheel. Colors blend better if they are close in value and intensity.

Complementary Combines direct opposites on the color wheel. Bold Effect- combine two colors of equal intensity. Soft Effect- using different values and intensities

Split-Complimentary One color used with the Two colors on each side of its direct compliment. Often found in plaid or print fabric. Easier to wear and not as bold as complimentary.

Triadic Three colors equally spaced on the color wheel The primary colors of red, blue, and yellow are one example.

Neutral One, two, or three achromatic neutrals, may or may not vary in the degree of warmness or coolness, lightness or darkness, brightness or dullness Possible colors: black and white, combination of browns Effect: vary in mood depending on the degree of light and dark value contrast –Are most effective if the degree of lightness or darkness in your hair and/or skin coloring is repeated in the lightness or darkness of the clothing

Accented neutral One color added to other neutrals to form a scheme. Possible colors: black, white & red, browns with light blue Effect: draws attention to the one added hue

COLOR To maintain or decrease attention and apparent size, to appear taller and slimmer –Cooler hues –Darker values –Duller intensities –Close contrasts To increase attention and apparent size, to appear shorter and heavier –Warmer hues –Lighter values –Brighter intensities –Strong contrasts Examples: navy, khaki, grape, charcoal, mauve Examples: shocking pink, pumpkin, tangerine, raspberry

How to choose your colors pg. 167

Color Schemes Portfolio Pages –Explain which colors are in the design, and where the colors are. Tell what color scheme is created by the colors. –Explain the effect of the colors on the body. –Describe the effect of the scheme, does it draw attention, or is it calming? Two pictures of any two color schemes.

Color Schemes Portfolio Pages