Primary Colors - Red, Yellow, Blue cannot be created by mixing other colors

Secondary Colors Orange, Green, Purple made by mixing two primary colors

Tertiary Colors Also known as Intermediate colors; created by combining a primary color with a neighboring secondary color Blue-green, red-orange, etc.

Neutral Colors White, Black, Gray, Brown not on the wheel

Value: the amount of black or white Adding white to a hue raises it’s value, or lightens it. The result is a tint, a hue above normal color. Blue Adding black to a hue lowers it’s value, or darkens it. The result is a shade, a hue below it’s normal value. Blue

Intensity refers to brightness or dullness of a color; purity and strength are other terms for intensity. Pink, pink, pink

Hue specific name of a color; the feature of color that makes one color different from others. Each color on the wheel is a hue, neutral colors are not on the wheel because they have no hue.

Pigment substances that absorb some light rays and reflect others

Color Schemes There are certain groups of colors that work together very well…they might be referred to as Color Schemes. Make sure when using color schemes to select colors that you like. There are some basic color schemes that have worked well for many years…

Monochromatic A color scheme using one color, and tints, tones and shades of that color.

Analogous A color scheme using colors next to each other on the color wheel. Note that even though these are very bright hues of 5 colors next to each other on the color wheel, that they are analogous, even though they are bright.

Complementary A color scheme using colors opposite each other on the color wheel. Note again that even though the colors are dulled red and green, they are still complementary.

Double Complementary A Color scheme using two sets of complementary colors.

Split Complementary A color scheme using one color, and the colors on either side of it’s complement.

Triad A color scheme using three colors equal distance from each other on the color wheel.

Neutral A color scheme using whites, blacks, grays and beiges.

Warm Colors Colors on the warm side of the spectrum…red, yellow, orange.

Cool Colors Colors on the cool side of the spectrum…blue, violet, green.

Choosing Color Schemes… Select your favorite color Add to an established color scheme Select colors based on the feelings or mood you wish to create. Evaluate parts of the room that cannot be changed, then consider color choices that will complement existing furnishings. Select colors that complement a particular work of art (quilt, favorite picture, etc.) Select colors that complement a chosen fabric or wallpaper.