1. Color Theory
Basic and Advanced

2. Definition
Color theory - A body of practical guidance to color mixing and the visual effects of specific color combination.
Color Wheel – A circle with different colored sectors used to show the relationship between colors.

3. Facts
In pigment, white is the absence of color and black is all colors combined. In light theory, the opposite is true.
The color wheel was invented by Sir Isaac Newton in 1666
Color can affect you physically and psychologically
Chromophobia is the irrational fear of color

4. Color break down Primary (3)– Red, Blue, Yellow
Mixed together to make secondary colors
CANNOT be made by mixing other colors
Secondary (3)– Orange, Violet, Green
Mixed with primaries to make Tertiary colors
Tertiary (6)– Red-orange, Red-violet, Yellow-orange, Yellow-green, Blue-violet, Blue-green
Primary ALWAYS comes before secondary in name.

5. Basic Color Theory Warm Colors – Red, Yellow, Orange
Cool Colors – Blue, Green, Violet
Neutral Colors – Black, White, Brown, Gray
Tint – Made by adding white to a color
Shade –Made by adding black or compliment to a color
Tone – Made by adding gray to a color

6. Basic Color Harmonies Complimentary Colors (2 Colors)
Any two colors on opposite sides of the color wheel (e.g. Red and Green)
USED TO MAKE BROWN!
Analogous Colors (4 colors)
Four colors that are next to each other on the color wheel (yellow, yellow-green, green, blue-green)
Triad (3 colors)
Three colors of equal distance from each other on the color wheel (Red, Blue, Yellow)
Monochromatic (1 Color)
The tints and shades of any single color (light blue, blue, dark blue)
Warm/cool color dominance (Varies)
Using primarily either warm or cool colors with only a little bit of the other for contrast

7. Advanced Color Harmonies
Double Compliment (4 color)
Two compliments used together
E.g. Red/Green and Blue/Orange
Split Compliment (3 color)
Color + the colors on either side of its compliment
E.g. Blue and Red-Orange and Yellow-Orange
Alternate Compliment (4 color)
A triad plus the compliment of one color
E.g. Red/Blue/Yellow + Orange (blue’s compliment)

8. Mixing Tips Mixing compliments will give you brown
Mixing multiple colors will give you black
You can mix on canvas by putting colors close together (optical mixing)
Dark colors will overpower light colors
When trying to match a color, think about what color it is closest to on the color wheel
Mix with a palette knife or other dedicated tool to avoid color contamination(unless that’s your intent)