​What is color theory?

Color theory is both the science and art of using color. It explains how humans perceive color; and the visual effects of how colors mix, match or contrast with each other. Color theory also involves the messages colors communicate; and the methods used to replicate color.

What is a Color Wheel?

The color wheel was invented in 1666 by Isaac Newton, who mapped the color spectrum onto a circle. The color wheel is the basis of color theory, because it shows the relationship between colors.

Primary Colors - red, blue and yellow (cannot be made by mixing other colors).

Secondary Colors - orange, green and purple. Are created by mixing primary colors.

Complementary - the colors opposite to each other on the color wheel.

Analogous - hues that are next to one another on the color wheel.

Tertiary Colors - are created by mixing primary colors with secondary colors.

(ex: yellow green, primary color always goes first)

Split Compliment - is a complimentary color and the two colors on either side of its compliment.

Triadic - uses 3 colors that are equally spaced apart on the color wheel.

Monochromatic - having one color.

Tint - a hue that has been mixed with white.

Tone - a hue that has been mixed with black and white.

Shade - a hue that has been mixed with black.

Cool - the colors on the green-blue side of the color wheel.

Warm - the colors on the yellow-orange side of the color wheel.