Colour Theory

Colour theory is a multitude of colour theories, concepts and designs. The three main colour theories are the colour wheel, the colour harmony and colour context. This can all be found in Josef Albers 'Interaction of Colour'.

The Colour Wheel

The colour wheel is based on the primary colours, red, yellow and blue. Isaac Newton was the first to complete a colour wheel in 1666, since then, many artists have designed their own based on this concept. 

There are also categories based on the colour wheel. These consist of the 3, 6 and 12 colours. 

The first wheel on the left, consists of the primary colours, red, blue and yellow. These three colours cannot be made by mixing any other colours. All other colours are derived from these three. 

The circle in the middle shows 6 colours, green, orange and purple, as well as the primary colours. These can be made by mixing the primary colours, and are known as secondary colours. 

The third wheel on the right consists of 12 different colours, these are colours made by mixing a primary colour and a secondary colour. For example, blue-green, red-orange etc. 

The Colour Harmony 

A harmony is a pleasing arrangement, whether it be for the ears through music or eyes through colour. It creates an inner sense of order, and engages the viewer. If something is not harmonious, it can either be boring or chaotic, in these situations the brain rejects them. 

Some formulas for colour harmony include:

Analogous 

These are colours next to each other on the colour wheel. These colours are often found in nature, and are visually comforting for the eye. When choosing your analogous colour scheme, it is important to have enough contrast. One colour colour should dominate, the second should support, and the third should be an accent. 

Complementary

A complementary colour scheme consists of two colours that are opposite of each other on the colour wheel. This scheme works well at high saturation, to achieve a vibrant outcome. You must be careful not to use the colours in large doses, but work well when you want to achieve bold look. 

Achromatic 

An achromatic colour is that which has no saturation and therefore no hue. This includes neutral greys, white and black. Achromatic simply means 'without colour'. You have to be very careful with using this scheme on its own, as it can look very dull, so using it with one bright colour can be very effective and dramatic for the eye. 

Chromatic 

Chromatic colours are any colour the predominate in their wavelength. White, Grey and Black are achromatic as they do not contain a dominant hue. 

Monochromatic

Monochromatic colours are any shade, tint, colour of a hue. 

Colour Context

How a colour behaves in relation to other colours and shapes. 

Two colours side by side can change our perceptions of the colours instantly. They behave differently upon the eye to if they were next to white. 

In the square on the left, the purple seems to have a reddish tinge to it, when infact, it is the same colour in the other square. This clearly shows how our perception changes when colours interact. 

(Josef Albers, Published 3 March 2006, 'Interaction Of Colour', Publisher: Yale University Press, [viewed 17/10/2014])