Color Theory Part II

Now that we understand the elements of color, let’s look at the principles of using color.

COLOR HARMONIES:

The placement of the hues on the color wheel determines the relationship that they have to each other. Some relationship are more harmonious than others. Here, I’ve included some of the most harmonious combinations:

COMPLEMENTARY:

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

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.

Complementary color schemes are tricky to use in large doses, but work well when you want to create something dynamic

RED+GREEN

BLUE + ORANGE

PURPLE + YELLOW

ANALOGOUS:

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.

Analogous color schemes are often found in nature and are harmonious and pleasing to the eye.

Make sure you have enough contrast when choosing an analogous color scheme.

TRIADS:

A triadic color scheme uses colors that are evenly spaced around the color wheel.

Triadic color schemes tend to be quite vibrant, even if you use pale or unsaturated versions of your hues.

To use a triadic harmony successfully, the colors should be carefully balanced – let one color dominate and use the two others for accent.

YELLOW, RED, BLUE,

YELLOW GREEN, RED ORANGE, BLUE PURPLE

GREEN, ORANGE, PURPLE

BLUE GREEN, YELLOW ORANGE, PURPLE RED

SPLIT COMPLEMENTARITY:

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.

This color scheme has the same strong visual contrast as the complementary color scheme, but has less tension.

{All graphics from poeticmind.co.uk}