The Basics of Colour Theory

Basic colour theory is a set of principles used to understand how colours interact and how they can be used to create effective visual design.

The colour wheel

One key principle is the color wheel, which arranges colors in a circle according to their relationships. There are primary colors (red, blue, and yellow), secondary colors (green, orange, and purple) that are created by mixing primary colors, and tertiary colors that are created by mixing primary and secondary colors.

Another principle is the use of complementary colors, which are colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel. These colors can create a strong contrast and visual interest when used together. For example, blue and orange, or red and green.

Colour temperature is another aspect of color theory. It refers to the warm or cool feeling of a color. Warm colors like red, yellow and orange are associated with feelings of warmth, energy, and excitement, while cool colors like blue, green, and purple are associated with feelings of calmness, tranquility, and relaxation.

Lastly, colour value refers to the lightness or darkness of a color. High value color schemes, like black and white, create a strong contrast, while low value color schemes, like shades of grey, create a more subtle and soothing effect.

Overall, basic colour theory provides a framework for understanding how colors can be used to create effective visual design and how they can evoke different emotions and feelings in the viewer.

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