Colour Theory

1
Colour Theory
2
Introduction

• Colour plays an important part in Graphic
  Communication
• Colour can make a graphic look realistic
• Colour can create a mood or feeling

3
Primary Colours

• The primary colours are
• Yellow
• Red
• Blue
• These are mixed together to make all possible
  colours

4
Secondary Colours

• The secondary colours
• Orange
• Violet
• Green
• Are produced by mixing two Primary Colours in
  equal quantities

5
Tertiary Colours

• The tertiary colours are produced when a Primary
  Colour and a Secondary Colour are mixed in equal
  quantities
• They take their name from the 2 mixed colours

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The Colour Wheel

• The Colour Wheel was designed as a way of showing
  how colours relate to each other
• The outside ring shows 3 primary, 3 secondary and
  6 tertiary colours

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Tints and Shades

• Tints
• Add white to make a tint
• Pale pastel colours give the impression of
  softness

• Shades
• Add black or grey to make a shade
• Dark shades make objects appear heavy

8
Using Colour

• Designers use combinations of colours to create
  different effects and evoke a variety of feelings

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Harmony

• Harmony is created when colours close to each
  other on the outside of the colour wheel are used
  together
• The effect is relaxing and sympathetic

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Contrast

• Contrast is created when colours far apart on the
  colour wheel are used together
• Contrasting colours are described as complementary

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Warm Colours

• Warm colours (reds, yellows and oranges) are
  known as advancing colours
• They appear closer to the viewer than other
  colours

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Cool Colours

• Cool colours (blues, greens and violets) are
  known as receding colours
• They appear to be further away from the viewer

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A Harmonious Colour Scheme

• Any colours within the same third of the colour
  wheel will work together to create a harmonious
  colour scheme.
• eg violet, red, red-orange

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A Bold Colour Scheme

• Any two colours opposite each other on the colour
  wheel look good together and create a bold scheme
• eg violet and yellow

15
An Exciting Colour Scheme

• Any three colours equally spaced on the colour
  wheel work together to create an exciting scheme
• eg yellow, red and blue

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Colour and Mood

• Different colours create different moods
• Designers choose colours to create an atmosphere
• Effects are created by using colour combinations

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Colour and Mood
Red Warm, exciting, vibrant, passionate,
dangerous, revolutionary, active, aggressive,
courageous, festive Orange Warm, happy, sunny,
cheerful, appetising, full of flavour and
energy Yellow Warm, happy, sunny, cheerful,
glowing, sparkling, bright, most easily
seen Green Cool, restful, natural, calm,
soothing, fresh, quiet, informal Blue Cool,
elegant, sophisticated, heavenly, formal,
classy Purple Rich, pompous regal Violet Cool,
peaceful, solitary Neutrals Greys natural,
restful, calm, elegant, dignified,
comfortable Browns natural, earthy, safe Black
and White Dramatic, elegant, stylish,
sophisticated, pure, opposing, contrasting
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Colour and Communication

• Colour coding

• Instructional

• As a symbol

• Group identity

• Promote name

• Promote sales