Color Theory: application in your artmaking

What is color theory?

In short, it helps explain how human process and perceive color. It does encompass a variety of means, concepts, and design principles. It helps us to create a logical framework for color.

The Color Wheel

In the art world, this is typically based on red, yellow, and blue. In the digital world this is typically magenta, yellow, and cyan. It is a circular diagram of colors that was created by Sir Isaac Newton in 1666.

Since its original conception, there have been countless variations. Typically, the wheels are broken down to tertiary colors and a variety of shades in said color.

To explain further, the typical color wheel includes the primary colors that when mixed created the secondary colors. When you mix secondary colors that fall on the opposite side of the wheel together that will create the tertiary colors.

Example Color Wheel. (source: Understanding the Artist's Color Wheel (and the Theory Behind it)

Color Harmony

Typically, in the visual art this means to create a color combination that is pleasing to the eye. There are many different theories as to how one creates harmony. However, the visual goal is to create something the is not visually boring but also not too visually stimulating.

The use of color harmony provides the viewer with something interesting while also providing a sense of order.

Some examples of formulas that create color harmony include:

Analogous Colors: this is colors that are next to each other on the color wheel.

Example of Analogous Color Scheme. (source: Color Theory: A Complete Guide for Artists and Designers)

Complimentary Colors: these are colors found opposite of each other on the color wheel.

The use of color harmony although helpful, is just one option for helping to create visual interest.

Contrary to this concept, nature often provides the perfect of example of color schemes that are dynamic but show a departure from color harmony.

Color Contrast & Color Context

Contrast refers to distinct differences that seen between colors. The use of high contrast or low contrast can assist in shaping the emotional impact of the piece.

Context refers to the purpose or environment in which the colors are used. This can shape how the colors are perceived and their emotional impact.

Hue, Shade, Tint, Tone

A hue is the dominant color family of the specific color. White, black, and gray are never referred to as a hue.

The shade of a hue is when black is added.

When white is added to the hue, it called a tint.

Lastly, when the hue has gray added to it, you will have a tone.

Looking Deeper

The above was a brief description of the most basic concepts of Color Theory.

Now let's go deeper and talk about impact.

Color can greatly impact the psychological meaning of art. A great deal of research has been done the color's psychology and emotional impact.

I recommend the below peer reviewed article specifically addressing some of the research and popular theories:

Elliot AJ. Color and psychological functioning: a review of theoretical and empirical work. Front Psychol. 2015 Apr 2;6:368. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00368. PMID: 25883578; PMCID: PMC4383146.

Now what does or can that mean in our work?

It typically means in the broad sense that we should be intentional with our color choices. Specifically, this is important when you are conveying a specific message to your audience. You need to be cognizant to both the meaning of your color choice as well as how the context impacts that meaning.

Does this mean you have to follow these principles all the time?

Absolutely not. Experiment. Be bold. Try uncomfortable color palettes (that might be the point in the right piece).

It is good to have knowledge of the principles and theories of creating art... that never means we have to follow them. We can also pick and choose when it is appropriate to apply classical principles and when rebellion seems necessary.

It is the same as the tools that are used in art making. Learn how to use the tool such as a camera or a printing press, then see how you use them in new and unconventional ways.

Now, go make something.

Never stop creating.