Understanding the Color Wheel

The color wheel is a circular diagram of colors arranged by their chromatic relationship. The basic color wheel includes:

• Primary colors: Red, blue, yellow (cannot be created by mixing other colors)
• Secondary colors: Green, orange, purple (created by mixing primary colors)
• Tertiary colors: Red-orange, yellow-orange, etc. (created by mixing primary and secondary colors)

Color Harmony Principles

Color harmony creates visually pleasing combinations:

Complementary Colors

Colors opposite each other on the color wheel (e.g., red and green)

Analogous Colors

Colors next to each other on the color wheel (e.g., blue, blue-green, green)

Triadic Colors

Three colors evenly spaced around the color wheel (e.g., red, yellow, blue)

Monochromatic Colors

Variations in lightness and saturation of a single color

Color Temperature

Colors are often described as having temperature:

• Warm colors: Reds, oranges, yellows (evoke warmth, energy)
• Cool colors: Blues, greens, purples (evoke calm, relaxation)

Color Models

RGB (Red, Green, Blue)

Used for digital displays, additive color model

CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black)

Used for printing, subtractive color model

HSL/HSV (Hue, Saturation, Lightness/Value)

More intuitive for color selection and manipulation

Psychology of Color

Colors can evoke emotional responses:

• Red: Energy, passion, danger
• Blue: Trust, calm, professionalism
• Green: Nature, growth, health
• Yellow: Happiness, optimism, caution
• Purple: Luxury, creativity, mystery

Practical Color Selection Tips

• Limit your palette to 2-4 main colors
• Use neutral colors (white, black, gray) for balance
• Consider color contrast for readability
• Test colors in different lighting conditions
• Be aware of cultural color associations