Introduction to Color Theory

Color theory is the study of how color works alone and with other colors to produce visual effects and convey emotions.

The Color Wheel

The color wheel is a visual representation of the color spectrum. Primary and secondary colors are directly across from each other on the color wheel and are complementary.

Primary Colors

Primary colors are red, yellow and blue. These colors go together to make all other colors.

Secondary Colors

Secondary colors are green, purple and orange. They are created by combining two primary colors.

Tertiary Colors

Tertiary colors are made from combining a secondary color with a primary color. The names of tertiary colors are made up of the two colors that combined to make them, such as orange-red and blue-violet.

Complementary Colors

Complementary colors are always located across from each other on the color wheel. When painting, one can add a little bit of a color's complement to darken the color.

Tints and Shades

Tints are made up of any color and white. Shades are made up of any color and black.