Colour theory

Color Theory- Kabir Malkani

* This presentation has been compiled from references available from the Internet. This is meant purely

for educational purposes and the presenter does not claim to hold any ownership whatsoever; of the

content (textual or graphical) included in this presentation. The ownership and copyrights of the following

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Topics Covered1. The Science of Color

2. The Color Wheel (History)

3. Primary Colors

4. Secondary Colors

5. Tertiary Colors

6. Properties of Color

7. Color Systems

8. Color Schemes

9. Creating a Custom Color Scheme

10. Simultaneous Color contrast.

11. Color Psychology

12. The Social & Cultural Symbolism of Colors

13. Color Coding

14. Perceptual Disabilities

15. The Gender Connotations of Colors

16. Examples of Good Color Schemes

#1. The Science of Color

O Color doesn’t exist!

O Color is created only when our brain tries to make sense from light signals it receives from the outer world. In other words, it’s all in your head.

O Without that, our world is a monochromatic place bathing in electromagnetic radiation of varied intensity and wavelengths. Nothing fun about that, unless you’re into physics.

Deprived of color, our world would probably

look like a scene from Matrix.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Color


O Color is a property of light. Our eyes see only a small

part of the electromagnetic spectrum.


O White light can be divided into it's component parts by passing it through a prism. The light is separated by wavelength and a spectrum is formed.

O Sir Isaac Newton was the first to discover this phenomenon in the seventeenth century and he named the colors of the spectrum.


O If the ends of the spectrum are bent around and joined a

color circle (color wheel) is formed with purple at the

meeting place.

The Color

Wheel

#2. The Color Wheel

O The original color wheel is credited to Sir Isaac Newton who joined the red and violet ends of the visual spectrum into a circle.

Do you remember this School Project?

#2. The Color Wheel

O This is what the Modern Day Color Wheel looks like:

#3. Primary Colors

O The primary colors are Red, Yellow and

BlueThese colors cannot be mixed

from any other colors. The triangle

they form on the color wheel is

called the

primary triad.

#4. Secondary Colors

O The three secondary colors (Green, Orange and

Purple) are created by mixing two primary colors.

Red + Yellow =

Orange

Red + Blue = Purple

Yellow + Blue =

Green

#5. Tertiary Colors

O When a primary color is mixed with a secondary color

tertiary colors are made

Yellow + Green = Lime Green

Green + Blue = Turquoise

Blue +Purple = Violet

Purple + Red = Magenta

Red + Orange = Vermillion

Orange + Yellow = Light

Orange

#6. Properties of Color

O Color has three distinct properties: Hue, Value and Saturation. To

understand color you must understand how these three properties relate

to each other.

O Hue: When someone is talking about hue they are talking about the

actual color of an object. Green is a hue as are red, yellow, blue, purple,

etc.

O Value/Brightness: Is a measure of how light or dark a hue is. Adding

white to a hue makes it lighter and increases its value or brightness.

Consequently adding black makes it darker and lowers the value or

brightness.

O Saturation: is the degree of purity of a hue. Pure hues are highly

saturated. When gray is added the color becomes de-saturated.

#5. Properties of ColorUnderstanding

Hue, Value and

Saturation using

the Adobe

Photoshop Color

Picker

Try this out yourself to understand the difference between Value &

Saturation

Hu

e

SaturationV

alu

e / B

rig

htn

ess

#6. Properties of ColorO Shade: The result of adding black to a hue to

produce a darker hue

Hu

e

Saturation

Valu

e / B

rig

htn

ess

O Tint: The result of adding white to a hue to

produce a lighter hue

O Tone: A color tone is the result of adding gray

to a hue.

• Decreasing the Brightness of the hue results

in a different “Shade” of the hue

• Increasing the Brightness of the hue results

in a different “Tint” of the hue

• Increasing or Decreasing the Saturation of

the hue results in a different “Tone” of the

hue

#7. Color SystemsO There are two types of Color Systems OR Color Models that are commonly

used for color creation:

O When producing physical colors as in paint a Subtractive System (CMYK) is used and when producing colors digitally as on a computer an Additive System (RGB) is used.

#7. Color Systems

O Subtractive Colors (CMYK): When we

see colors in physical objects we’re

seeing reflective light. When we see

red it’s because all the other

wavelengths of light have been

absorbed and only the red is reflected.

This is a subtractive system, because

to produce color we’re removing all the

wavelengths of light who’s color we

don’t want to see.

O Subtractive systems start with white

and continue to add color until the

result is black.

(White = C0+M0+Y0+K0)

#7. Color Systems

O Additive Colors (RGB): To create colors

on a computer screen we have to add

light since the light source comes from

within instead of reflecting the light

coming from outside the system. When

there is no light we see black (Black =

R0+G0+B0) and we as we add more

color we move toward white.

(White = R255+G255+B255)

#7. Color Systems

PMS (PANTONE MATCHING SYSTEM)

O The Pantone Color Matching System is largely a standardized color reproduction system. By standardizing the colors, different manufacturers in different locations can all refer to the Pantone system to make sure colors match without direct contact with one another.

O There is a special subset of Pantone colors that can be reproduced using CMYK . However, most of the Pantone system’s 1,114 spot colors cannot be simulated with CMYK but with 13 base pigments (15 including white and black) mixed in specified amounts.

O The Pantone system also allows for many special colors to be produced, such as metallics and fluorescents.

#8. Color Schemes

Achromatic Color Scheme

O Any color that lacks strong chromatic content is said to be unsaturated,

achromatic, or neutral. Pure achromatic colors include black, white and all

grays.

Adobe Illustrator Color

Window displaying Pure

Achromatic Colors

Jesus preaching, known as The hundred Guilder Print

Rembrandt van Rijn

#8. Color SchemesChromatic Grays

O Also known as near neutral colors… these are almost like achromatic colors with a hint of color and brightness

The Magpie

Claude Monet

Advertising

Interior Design

#8. Color Schemes

Warm Colors

O The colors on the red – orange -

yellow side of the wheel are said

to be warm because they are

associated with warm phenomena.

e.g. Sunlight, Fire etc.

O Warm colors are vivid and

energetic, and tend to advance in

space.

Cool Colors

O The colors on the green - blue –

purple side of the wheel are said

to be cool because they are

associated with cool phenomena.

e.g. Water, Ice, Sky etc.

O Cool colors give an impression of

calm, and are said to recede --

they appear farther from the

observer

Warm & Cool Colors

The color circle can be divided into warm and cool colors

based on the Color Temperature

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Color_temperature

#8. Color SchemesWarm & Cool Colors

O Can you tell apart the compositions using Warm or Cool Color Schemes?

A Girl Asleep at Table

Johannes VermeerFemme Couchée Lisant

Pablo Picasso

#8. Color SchemesMonochromatic ColorsO Monochromatic color schemes are made up of different tones, shades and tints within a

specific hue. These are the simplest color schemes to create, as they’re all taken from the same hue, making it harder to create a jarring or ugly scheme (though both are still possible).

Monochromatic

Schemes can be

represented by a

single spoke of the

color wheel

Interiors following a

Monochromatic Color Scheme

Examples

#8. Color Schemes

Analogous ColorsO Analogous color schemes use colors that are next to each other on the

color wheel. They usually match well and create serene and comfortable

designs.

O Analogous color schemes are often found in nature and are harmonious

and pleasing to the eye.

O Make sure you have enough contrast when choosing an analogous color

scheme.

Interiors following a Analogous Color

Scheme

Examples

#8. Color Schemes

Complementary Colors

O Colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel are considered to be

complementary colors.

O The high contrast of complementary colors creates a vibrant look especially when

used at full saturation. This color scheme must be managed well so it is not jarring.

O Complementary color schemes are tricky to use in large doses, but work well when

you want something to stand out.

O Complementary colors are really bad for text.

Interiors following a Complementary Color

Scheme

Examples

#8. Color Schemes

Split-Complementary Colors

O The split-complementary color scheme is a variation of

the complementary color scheme. In addition to the base

color, it uses the two colors adjacent to its complement.

O This color scheme has the same strong visual contrast

as the complementary color scheme, but has less

tension.

O The split-complimentary color scheme is often a good

choice for beginners, because it is difficult to mess up.

Interiors following a Split-Complementary Scheme Photography

Examples

#8. Color Schemes

Triadic Colors

O A triadic color scheme uses colors that

are evenly spaced around the color

wheel.

O Triadic color schemes tend to be quite

vibrant, even if you use pale or

unsaturated versions of your hues.

O To use a triadic harmony successfully,

the colors should be carefully balanced -

let one color dominate and use the two

others for accent.

Interiors following a Triadic Color

Scheme

A Triadic Color Scheme

can be created by

drawing an Equilateral

Triangle on the Color

Wheel

Examples

#8. Color Schemes

Double Complementary (Tetradic) Colors

O The rectangle or tetradic color scheme uses four colors arranged into two

complementary pairs.

O This rich color scheme offers plenty of possibilities for variation.

O Tetradic color schemes works best if you let one color be dominant.

O You should also pay attention to the balance between warm and cool colors in your

design.

This painting

uses red as the

dominate color

with blue, yellow

and green as

accents.A Double Complementary

Color Scheme can be

created by drawing a

Rectangle on the Color

Wheel

Examples

#8. Color Schemes

Square

The square color scheme is similar to the

Double Complementary, but with all four

colors spaced evenly around the color circle.

O Square color schemes works best if you

let one color be dominant.

O You should also pay attention to the

balance between warm and cool colors

in your design.

Interiors following a Square Color

Scheme

A Square Tetrad Color

Scheme can be created

by drawing a Square on

the Color Wheel

Example

#8. Color SchemesO Can you Identify the Color Schemes used in the following visuals?

Use the Color

Wheel

for reference

#9. Creating a Custom Color Scheme

O Custom color schemes are the hardest to create. Instead of following the

predefined color schemes discussed above, a custom scheme isn’t

based on any formal rules. Keep in mind things like Hue / Chroma, value,

and saturation when creating these kinds of color schemes.

The colors here all have similar Hue and

saturation levels.

There are several online tools available

to create your own custom color

schemes:

Using one color with a high Chroma /

Hue among other colors with lower

chromas is another effective method (the

higher Chroma color can act as an accent).

http://colorschemedesigner.com/

http://colorschemedesigner.com/

https://kuler.adobe.com/

https://kuler.adobe.com/

#10. Simultaneous Color Contrast

Light colors appear larger

than dark colors on the same

background.

The same color looks clearer

against a dark background than it

does against a light background.

Any color appears more

dynamic when it is displayed

against a background of gray.


The purple squares, although identical

seem to vary in color and size on

different colored backgrounds.

A brilliant, vibrant color will not show

much change despite different

surroundings.

The gray sample appears to be

different against different backgrounds


The same color will appear to change in

value, depending upon the surrounding

color. Green on white appears to be

brighter than the green on black.

The Green Hue appears to be different

in both these samples.

#11. Color PsychologyO "Warm colors" (yellow, orange, red) evoke pleasant, often dynamic,

reactions.

O "Cool colors" (green, blue, purple) evoke a quieter mood, and are

considered less outgoing than the warm

#11. Color PsychologyO Colors can have different effects on people and can even hold different

cultural meanings beyond what may be naturally intuitive.

#12. The Social & Cultural Symbolism of Colors

O Understand the Social & Cultural Symbolism of Colors. Colors carry a strong emotional

weight for most people, due to the social connotations that are often associated with them.

By GeographyAustralian Aboriginals: Land, EarthChina: Good Luck, Celebration, SummoningIsrael: Sacrifice, SinIndia: PuritySouth Africa: Color Of MourningRussia: Bolsheviks And CommunismEastern: Worn By Brides, Happiness And ProsperityWestern: Excitement, Danger, Love, Passion, Stop, Christmas (With Green), Valentine’s Day

Other SymbolismAstrology: GeminiFeng Shui: Yang, Fire, Good Luck, Money, Respect, Recognition, VitalityPsychology: Stimulates Brain Wave Activity, Increases Heart Rate, Increases Blood PressureRoses: Love, Respect — Red And Yellow Together Means Gaiety, Joviality.

Red


By Geography

Korea: Trust

Eastern: Marriage

Western: Love, Babies, Especially Female Babies, Valentine’s Day

Other Symbolism

Feng Shui: Yin, Love

Psychology: Used In Diet Therapy As An Appetite Suppressant, Relaxes

Muscles, Soothing

Roses: Gratitude And Appreciation (Deep Pink) Or Admiration & Sympathy (Light

Pink)

Pink

By Geography

Ireland: Religious (Protestants)

Netherlands: House Of Orange

Western: Halloween (With Black), Creativity, Autumn

Other Symbolism

Astrology: Sagittarius

Feng Shui: Yang, Earth, Strengthens Conversation, Purpose, Organization

Psychology: Energizes, Stimulates Appetite

Roses: Enthusiasm, Desire

Orange


By Geography

Eastern: Wealth, Strength

Western: Wealth

Other Symbolism

Astrology: Leo (Golden Yellow/Orange)

Feng Shui: Yang, Metal, God Consciousness

Gold

By Geography

Thailand: Mourning, Widows

Eastern: Wealth Western: Royalty

Other Symbolism

Astrology: Gemini, Sagittarius, And Pisces

Feng Shui: Yin, Spiritual Awareness, Physical And Mental Healing

Purple


By Geography

China: Nourishing, Royalty

Egypt: Mourning

India: Merchants

Japan: Courage

Eastern: Proof Against Evil, For The Dead, Sacred, Imperial

Western: Hope, Hazards, Coward, Weakness, Taxis

Other Symbolism

Astrology: Taurus

Feng Shui: Yang, Earth, Auspicious, Sun Beams, Warmth, Motion

Psychology: Energizes, Relieves Depression, Improves Memory, Stimulates

Appetite Roses: Sociability, Friendship, Joy, Gladness

Yellow

By Geography

Western: Babies, Especially Male Babies

Other Symbolism

Astrology: Virgo

Baby

Blue


By Geography

China: Green Hats Imply A Man’s Wife Is Cheating On Him, Exorcism

India: Islam

Ireland: Symbol Of The Entire Country, Religious (Catholics)

Islam: Perfect Faith

Japan: Life

Eastern: Eternity, Family, Health, Prosperity, Peace

Western: Spring, New Birth, Go, Money, Saint Patrick’s Day, Christmas (With

Red)

Other Symbolism

Astrology: Cancer (Bright Green)

Feng Shui: Yin, Wood, Growing Energy, Nurturing, Balancing, Healing, Health,

Calming Psychology: Soothing, Relaxing Mentally And Physically, Helps With

Depression, Anxiety And Nervousness

Green

By Geography

Eastern: Helpers, Travel

Western: Boring, Dull, Plain, Sad

Other Symbolism

Feng Shui: Yin, Metal, Dead, Dull, Indefinite

Gray


By Geography

China: Immortality

Iran: Color Of Heaven And Spirituality, Mourning

Eastern: Wealth, Self-cultivation

Western: Depression, Sadness, Conservative, Corporate, "Something Blue"

Bridal Tradition

Other Symbolism

Astrology: Capricorn And Aquarius (Dark Blue)

Feng Shui: Yin, Water, Calm, Love, Healing, Relaxing, Peace, Trust, Adventure,

Exploration

Psychology: Calming, Lowers Blood Pressure, Decreases Respiration

Blue

By Geography

Australian Aboriginals: Color Of The Land

Western: Wholesome, Earthy, Dependable, Steadfast, Health

Other Symbolism

Astrology: Capricorn And Scorpio (Reddish Brown)

Feng Shui: Yang, Earth, Industry, Grounded

Brown


By Geography

China: Death, Mourning

India: Unhappiness, Mourning, Peace

Japan: White Carnation Symbolizes Death

Eastern: Funerals, Helpful People, Children, Marriage, Mourning, Peace, Travel

Western: Brides, Angels, Good Guys, Hospitals, Doctors, Peace (White Dove)

Other Symbolism

Astrology: Aries And Pisces

Feng Shui: Yang, Metal, Death, Mourning, Spirits, Ghosts, Poise, Confidence

Roses: Reverence, Humility, Truce

White

Other Symbolism

Astrology: Virgo And Libra

Psychology: Suppresses Appetite, Peaceful Environment, Good For Migraines

Violet


By Geography

Australian Aboriginals: Color Of The People

China: Color For Young Boys

Thailand: Bad Luck, Unhappiness, Evil

Eastern: Career, Evil, Knowledge, Mourning, Penance

Western: Funerals, Death, Halloween (With Orange), Bad Guys, Rebellion

Other Symbolism

Feng Shui: Yin, Water, Money, Income, Career Success, Emotional Protection,

Power, Stability, Bruises, Evil

Psychology: Self-confidence, Strength, Power

Black

Other Symbolism

Western: Stylish, Money

Feng Shui: Yin, Metal, Trust, Romance

Silver

#13. Color Coding

O Use Color Codes to Denote Relationships & Hierarchy

#14. Perceptual Disabilities

O Never Rely on Color Alone. Consider Perceptual Disabilities such as color blindness. Males are ten times more likely to be color blind than females. The disability is especially pronounced among male Caucasians: 8% suffer some form of color blindness.

Ishihara Test for color

vision problems.

Someone with a red-

green color deficiency

may not see the red

number in this example.

Imagine a color blind

person operating

these switches

without the “Start /

Stop” Labels

#15. The Gender Connotations of Colors

O In general, women are more sensitive to color than men.

O Men are ten times as likely to be color blind

O Studies also show gender differences in color memories and color preferences.

O Preferentially, women list shades of red first; men list shades of blue. The social associations of pink and blue may be largely responsible.

O Be Aware of the Gender Connotations of Colors

#16. Examples of Good Color Schemes

Analogous, Warm Analogous, Cool

Traditional Art Interior Decor


Triadic

Split

Complementary

Monochromatic

Logo Design Fashion Design Jewelry Design


Monochromatic Achromatic


Complementary Analogous

Colour theory

Education

Transcript of Colour theory