Colour is one of the most expressive elements in art Colour is used to convey ideas and meaning Colour can be tamed!!
An element in art derived from reflected light Light passing through a prism reflects light in the following order: RED-ORANGE-YELLOW- GREEN-BLUE-VIOLET
A red apple looks red because it absorbs most light, but reflects red light waves Colour receptors in our eyes allow us to sense/see colours
The Properties of Colour 1.Hue 2.Value 3.Intensity
HUE This is the name given to the spectral colours
RED, BLUE, YELLOW – Primary Colours (can’t be made by mixing any other colours together)
VIOLET, GREEN, ORANGE – Secondary Colours (made by combining 2 primary colours in equal amounts)
The Colour Wheel
VALUE Refers to the lightness or darkness of a colour The amount of light a colour reflects Yellow is the lightest hue Violet is the darkest hue Black (absorbs all light waves) White (reflects all light waves)
Any Hue can have its value changed by adding black or white Adding White = tinting Adding Black = shading
INTENSITY The brightness or dullness of a Hue Complementary colours are the colours opposite one another on the colour wheel
Offsetting of complements make for exciting/vibrant designs
By mixing a Hue with its Complement, the Hue begins to dull and eventually will become a muddy grey/brown.