1. Graphic Communication
Trinity High School
Graphic Communication
Colour Theory

2. Primary Colours
Red
Yellow
Blue

3. Secondary Colours
Green
Orange
Violet

4. Tertiary Colours Red-Orange Red-Violet Violet-Blue Blue-Green
Green-Yellow
Yellow-Orange

5. The Colour Wheel

6. Colours and Moods
Red
Warm
Exciting
Passionate
Dangerous
Angry

7. Colours and Moods
Orange
Warm
Happy
Sunny
Cheerful
Full of Energy

8. Colours and Moods Yellow Warm Happy Sunny Cheerful
Bright – Most Easily Seen

9. Colours and Moods
Green
Cool
Restful
Natural
Calm
Fresh

10. Colours and Moods
Blue
Cool
Conservative
Sophisticated
Formal
Elegant

11. Colours and Moods
Purple
Rich
Regal
Pompous
Luxurious

12. Colours and Moods
White
Hygienic
Clean
Pure

13. Harmony and Contrast Harmony
Colours close to each other on colour wheel
Easy on the eye
Creates a relaxing image

14. Harmony and Contrast Contrast Colours far apart on the colour wheel
Eye catching
Makes objects stand out
Complimentary
e.g. the green makes the red look redder, and the red makes the the green look greener

15. Warm and Cool Colours Warm Cool Reds, Yellows, Oranges
Advancing Colours
e.g. appear to be closer
Blues, Greens, Violets
Receding Colours
e.g. appear to be further away

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

17. Tips for Choosing a Colour Scheme
Any colours near each other (within any third of the colour wheel) will always work together to create a harmonious colour scheme or
Any two colours which are opposite each other on the colour wheel look good together and make a bold statement or
Any three colours which are equally spaced on the colour wheel work together to make an exciting scheme