Colour Theory

Introduction Colour plays an important part in Graphic Communication Colour can make a graphic look realistic Colour can create a mood or feeling

Primary Colours The primary colours are Yellow Red Blue These are mixed together to make all possible colours

Secondary Colours The secondary colours Orange Violet Green Are produced by mixing two Primary Colours in equal quantities

Tertiary Colours The tertiary colours are produced when a Primary Colour and a Secondary Colour are mixed in equal quantities They take their name from the 2 mixed colours

The Colour Wheel The Colour Wheel was designed as a way of showing how colours relate to each other The outside ring shows 3 primary, 3 secondary and 6 tertiary colours

Tints and Shades Tints Shades Add white to make a tint Pale pastel colours give the impression of softness Shades Add black or grey to make a shade Dark shades make objects appear heavy

Using Colour Designers use combinations of colours to create different effects and evoke a variety of feelings

Harmony Harmony is created when colours close to each other on the outside of the colour wheel are used together The effect is relaxing and sympathetic

Contrast Contrast is created when colours far apart on the colour wheel are used together Contrasting colours are described as complementary

Warm Colours Warm colours (reds, yellows and oranges) are known as advancing colours They appear closer to the viewer than other colours

Cool Colours Cool colours (blues, greens and violets) are known as receding colours They appear to be further away from the viewer

A Harmonious Colour Scheme Any colours within the same third of the colour wheel will work together to create a harmonious colour scheme. eg violet, red, red-orange

A Bold Colour Scheme Any two colours opposite each other on the colour wheel look good together and create a bold scheme eg violet and yellow

An Exciting Colour Scheme Any three colours equally spaced on the colour wheel work together to create an exciting scheme eg yellow, red and blue

Colour and Mood Different colours create different moods Designers choose colours to create an atmosphere Effects are created by using colour combinations

Colour and Mood Red Warm, exciting, vibrant, passionate, dangerous, revolutionary, active, aggressive, courageous, festive Orange Warm, happy, sunny, cheerful, appetising, full of flavour and energy Yellow Warm, happy, sunny, cheerful, glowing, sparkling, bright, most easily seen Green Cool, restful, natural, calm, soothing, fresh, quiet, informal Blue Cool, elegant, sophisticated, heavenly, formal, classy Purple Rich, pompous regal Violet Cool, peaceful, solitary Neutrals Greys; natural, restful, calm, elegant, dignified, comfortable Browns; natural, earthy, safe Black and White Dramatic, elegant, stylish, sophisticated, pure, opposing, contrasting

Colour and Communication Colour coding As a symbol Instructional Group identity Promote name Promote sales