Theory and use of colour

1. Theory and use of colour • Colour plays an important part of our environment and everyday life. • Colour is very important in illustration and graphics design Standard Grade exam: • Part of the Knowledge and Interpretation questions • Part of your G.C. folio

2. Primary colours • These can be mixed to give all the other colours Yellow Blue Red

3. Secondary colours • These are made by mixing two of the primary colours in equal quantity (e.g. yellow and blue make green) Orange Green Violet

4. Tertiary colours • These are made by one primary colour and one secondary colour in equal quantity (e.g. blue and green make blue-green) Blue-green Red-orange

5. Colours combined • The colour wheel was created to show how colours relate to each other. • By using the colour wheel you will be able to create feelings and moods appropriate for the situation. • Tints: Add white to a colour to make a tint • Shades: Add black or grey to make a shade + + Tint Shade

6. Harmony Harmony is created when colours close to each other on the outer edge of the colour wheel are used together Green and blue create a relaxing image, easy on the eye

7. Contrast Contrast is created when colours are far apart on the colour wheel. Contrasting colours are known as complimentary. One colour will make another stand out Orange and blue create a striking image. The blue makes the orange stand out

8. Colour Scheme Hint 1: Use only 2 or 3 main colours together with tints and shades of these Hint 2: Use one of the following options • Harmony: Any colours near each other (within any third of the colour wheel) • Bold: Any two colours which are opposite each other • Exciting: Any three colours which are equally spaced on the colour wheel