Colour Theory
Introduction
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Colour plays an
important part in
Graphic Communication
Colour can make a
graphic look realistic
Colour can create a
mood or feeling
Primary Colours
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The primary colours are
Yellow
Red
Blue
These are mixed
together to make all
possible colours
Secondary Colours
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The secondary colours
Orange
Violet
Green
Are produced by mixing
two Primary Colours in
equal quantities
Tertiary Colours
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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
The Colour Wheel
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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
Tints and Shades
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Tints
Add white to make a
tint
Pale pastel colours
give the impression
of softness
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Shades
Add black or grey to
make a shade
Dark shades make
objects appear
heavy
Using Colour
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Designers
use
combinations
of colours to
create
different
effects and
evoke a
variety of
feelings
Harmony
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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
Contrast
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Contrast is created when
colours far apart on the
colour wheel are used
together
Contrasting colours are
described as complementary
Warm Colours
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Warm colours (reds, yellows
and oranges) are known as
advancing colours
They appear closer to the
viewer than other colours
Cool Colours
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Cool colours (blues, greens
and violets) are known as
receding colours
They appear to be further
away from the viewer
A Harmonious Colour Scheme
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Any colours within
the same third of
the colour wheel will
work together to
create a harmonious
colour scheme.
eg violet, red, redorange
A Bold Colour Scheme
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Any two colours
opposite each other
on the colour wheel
look good together
and create a bold
scheme
eg violet and yellow
An Exciting Colour Scheme
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Any three colours
equally spaced on
the colour wheel
work together to
create an exciting
scheme
eg yellow, red and
blue
Colour and Mood
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Different colours create different moods
Designers choose colours to create an
atmosphere
Effects are created by using colour
combinations
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
Colour and Communication
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Colour
coding
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As a symbol
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Promote sales
Group identity
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Promote name
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Instructional