Color Schemes

Because we do not see in black and white, our perception of the world is based on various color schemes. While the basic color wheel begins with the three primary hues of red, yellow, and blue, others are generated through the mixture of certain color combination's. Along with a wide range of different colors the concept of contrast and value can be applied to manufacture difference in tones and shades of hues.



For instance in the picture to the left there is not a great deal of variety in color but instead, a distinct range of value within two colors that are next to each other on the color wheel. While applying and integrating colors that are closely related in hues and are adjacent to each other on the color wheel, we understand that the color scheme is analogous. By only being able to select two hues, for instance blue and purple our range of colors is limited. Because this creates restrictions within mixing we apply black and white, generating further options. While looking at the painting we can see the difference in values that were created by adding small amount of black and white to certain mixtures created by mixing the blue and purple together. Along with generating multiple varieties in hues, tones and values, the placement of these colors creates a vivid composition. By placing lighter tones next to darker ones creates depth within the artwork, allowing lighter colors to move toward to the surface and suppressing darker tones to the back. Since certain hues relate to emotion artist use analogous colors to express feelings through certain color schemes.

By mixing the three primaries together in different amounts neutralizing the intensity of the hues we create tertiary colors. Through using red, yellow and blue mixed together our hues become more natural connecting more to the environment and our surroundings. In the art piece to the right we can see that the hues on the color wheel are not present. But we can still acquaint these new colors with the originals through the percentage of how much is mixed into each color. Along with perceiving original colors within the tertiary colors we can see the use of complimentary colors reacting with each other. Even though we have neutralized the hues into colors such as midnight blue and rustic orange by combine them creates a pleasing contrast within the composition. Because warmer colors such as reds, yellows and oranges are brighter they become more presentable, standing out against the cooler tones such as blue, green and purple. Since tertiary colors resemble nature many artist utilize this color scheme creating landscape and environmental artworks.

Art work by me: Holly Hathaway, Spring 2009 Color Theory