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Color Theory
                                                                   - Kabir Malkani

*   This presentation has been compiled from references available from the Internet. This is meant purely
    for educational purposes and the presenter does not claim to hold any ownership whatsoever; of the
    content (textual or graphical) included in this presentation. The ownership and copyrights of the following
    content belong to the respective brands /agencies / artists showcased in this presentation.
Topics Covered
1.    The Science of Color
2.    The Color Wheel (History)
3.    Primary Colors
4.    Secondary Colors
5.    Tertiary Colors
6.    Properties of Color
7.    Color Systems
8.    Color Schemes
9.    Creating a Custom Color Scheme
10.   Idiosyncrasies of Color
11.   Color Psychology
12.   The Social & Cultural Symbolism of Colors
13.   Color Coding
14.   Perceptual Disabilities
15.   The Gender Connotations of Colors
16.   Examples of Good Color Schemes
#1. The Science of Color
O Color doesn’t exist!

O Color is created only when
  our brain tries to make
  sense from light signals it
  receives from the outer
  world. In other words, it’s all
  in your head.

O Without that, our world is a
  monochromatic place
  bathing in electromagnetic        Deprived of color, our world would probably
  radiation of varied intensity            look like a scene from Matrix.
  and wavelengths. Nothing
  fun about that, unless you’re
  into physics.
#1. The Science of Color
O Color is a property of light. Our eyes see only a small
  part of the electromagnetic spectrum.
#1. The Science of Color
O   White light can be divided into it's component parts by passing it
    through a prism. The light is separated by wavelength and a
    spectrum is formed.




O   Sir Isaac Newton was the first to discover this phenomenon in the
    seventeenth century and he named the colors of the spectrum.
#1. The Science of Color
O If the ends of the spectrum are bent around and joined a
  color circle (color wheel) is formed with purple at the
  meeting place.


                                                  


                                                   The Color
                                                    Wheel
#2. The Color Wheel
O   The original color wheel is credited to Sir Isaac Newton who joined
    the red and violet ends of the visual spectrum into a circle.




                                       Do you remember this School Project?
#2. The Color Wheel
O This is what the Modern Day Color Wheel looks like:
#3. Primary Colors
O The primary colors are Red, Yellow and
 Blue
                          These colors cannot be mixed
                          from any other colors. The triangle
                          they form on the color wheel is
                          called the
                          primary triad.
#4. Secondary Colors
O The three secondary colors (Green, Orange and
  Purple) are created by mixing two primary colors.

                                     Red + Yellow =
                                     Orange
                                     Red + Blue = Purple
                                     Yellow + Blue =
                                     Green
#5. Tertiary Colors
O When a primary color is mixed with a secondary color
  tertiary colors are made

                                    Yellow + Green = Lime Green
                                    Green + Blue = Turquoise
                                    Blue +Purple = Violet
                                    Purple + Red = Magenta
                                    Red + Orange = Vermillion
                                    Orange + Yellow = Light
                                    Orange
#6. Properties of Color
O   Color has three distinct properties: Hue, Value and Saturation. To
    understand color you must understand how these three properties relate
    to each other.

O   Hue: When someone is talking about hue they are talking about the
    actual color of an object. Green is a hue as are red, yellow, blue, purple,
    etc.

O   Value/Brightness: Is a measure of how light or dark a hue is. Adding
    white to a hue makes it lighter and increases its value or brightness.
    Consequently adding black makes it darker and lowers the value or
    brightness.

O   Saturation: is the degree of purity of a hue. Pure hues are highly
    saturated. When gray is added the color becomes de-saturated.
#5. Properties of Color
                                                                     Understanding
                                                                     Hue, Value and
                                                                     Saturation using
                                                                     the Adobe
                                                                     Photoshop Color
               Saturation                                            Picker


                                                   Hue
                              Value / Brightness




Try this out yourself to understand the difference between Value &
Saturation
#6. Properties of Color
                                                                O   Shade: The result of adding black to a hue to
                                                                    produce a darker hue

                  Saturation




                                                          Hue
                                     Value / Brightness

                                                                O   Tint: The result of adding white to a hue to
                                                                    produce a lighter hue




•   Decreasing the Brightness of the hue results
    in a different “Shade” of the hue                           O   Tone: A color tone is the result of adding gray
                                                                    to a hue.
•   Increasing the Brightness of the hue results
    in a different “Tint” of the hue

•   Increasing or Decreasing the Saturation of
    the hue results in a different “Tone” of the
    hue
#7. Color Systems
O   There are two types of Color Systems OR Color Models that are commonly
    used for color creation:

O   When producing physical colors as in paint a Subtractive System (CMYK) is
    used and when producing colors digitally as on a computer an Additive
    System (RGB) is used.
#7. Color Systems
O   Subtractive Colors (CMYK): When we
    see colors in physical objects we’re
    seeing reflective light. When we see
    red it’s because all the other
    wavelengths of light have been
    absorbed and only the red is reflected.
    This is a subtractive system, because
    to produce color we’re removing all the
    wavelengths of light who’s color we
    don’t want to see.

O   Subtractive systems start with white
    and continue to add color until the
    result is black.
    (White = C0+M0+Y0+K0)
#7. Color Systems
O   Additive Colors (RGB): To create colors
    on a computer screen we have to add
    light since the light source comes from
    within instead of reflecting the light
    coming from outside the system. When
    there is no light we see black (Black =
    R0+G0+B0) and we as we add more
    color we move toward white.
    (White = R255+G255+B255)
#7. Color Systems
       PMS (PANTONE MATCHING SYSTEM)
       O The Pantone Color Matching System is
         largely a standardized color reproduction
         system. By standardizing the colors, different
         manufacturers in different locations can all
         refer to the Pantone system to make sure
         colors match without direct contact with one
         another.

       O   There is a special subset of Pantone colors
           that can be reproduced using CMYK .
           However, most of the Pantone system’s 1,114
           spot colors cannot be simulated with CMYK
           but with 13 base pigments (15 including white
           and black) mixed in specified amounts.

       O   The Pantone system also allows for many
           special colors to be produced, such as
           metallics and fluorescents.
#8. Color Schemes
Achromatic Color Scheme
O Any color that lacks strong chromatic content is said to be unsaturated,
  achromatic, or neutral. Pure achromatic colors include black, white and all
  grays.




 Adobe Illustrator Color
 Window displaying Pure
 Achromatic Colors




                                  Jesus preaching, known as The hundred Guilder Print
                                                                Rembrandt van Rijn
#8. Color Schemes
   Chromatic Grays
   O Also known as near neutral colors… these are almost like achromatic
      colors with a hint of color and brightness
Advertising




Interior Design




                                                                      The Magpie
                                                                   Claude Monet
#8. Color Schemes
                  Warm & Cool Colors
                  The color circle can be divided into warm and cool colors
                  based on the Color Temperature


Warm Colors                                Cool Colors
O The colors on the red – orange -         O The colors on the green - blue –
  yellow side of the wheel are said          purple side of the wheel are said
  to be warm because they are                to be cool because they are
  associated with warm phenomena.            associated with cool phenomena.
  e.g. Sunlight, Fire etc.                   e.g. Water, Ice, Sky etc.

O   Warm colors are vivid and              O   Cool colors give an impression of
    energetic, and tend to advance in          calm, and are said to recede --
    space.                                     they appear farther from the
                                               observer
#8. Color Schemes
Warm & Cool Colors
O Can you tell apart the compositions using Warm or Cool Color Schemes?




        A Girl Asleep at Table                         Femme Couchée Lisant
          Johannes Vermeer                                   Pablo Picasso
#8. Color Schemes
         Monochromatic Colors
         O   Monochromatic color schemes are made up of different tones, shades and tints within a
             specific hue. These are the simplest color schemes to create, as they’re all taken from the
             same hue, making it harder to create a jarring or ugly scheme (though both are still possible).




     Monochromatic
   Schemes can be
   represented by a
single spoke of the
        color wheel


                         Examples



                                                                                         Interiors following a
                                                                                Monochromatic Color Scheme
#8. Color Schemes
Analogous Colors
O   Analogous color schemes use colors that are next to each other on the
    color wheel. They usually match well and create serene and comfortable
    designs.
O   Analogous color schemes are often found in nature and are harmonious
    and pleasing to the eye.
O   Make sure you have enough contrast when choosing an analogous color
    scheme.


Examples




                                                 Interiors following a Analogous Color
                                                 Scheme
#8. Color Schemes
   Complementary Colors
   O   Colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel are considered to be
       complementary colors.
   O   The high contrast of complementary colors creates a vibrant look especially when
       used at full saturation. This color scheme must be managed well so it is not jarring.
   O   Complementary color schemes are tricky to use in large doses, but work well when
       you want something to stand out.
   O   Complementary colors are really bad for text.




Examples




                                                     Interiors following a Complementary Color
                                                     Scheme
#8. Color Schemes
   Split-Complementary Colors
   O   The split-complementary color scheme is a variation of
       the complementary color scheme. In addition to the base
       color, it uses the two colors adjacent to its complement.
   O   This color scheme has the same strong visual contrast
       as the complementary color scheme, but has less
       tension.
   O   The split-complimentary color scheme is often a good
       choice for beginners, because it is difficult to mess up.




Examples




                       Interiors following a Split-Complementary Scheme   Photography
#8. Color Schemes
     Triadic Colors
     O    A triadic color scheme uses colors that
          are evenly spaced around the color
          wheel.
     O    Triadic color schemes tend to be quite
          vibrant, even if you use pale or
          unsaturated versions of your hues.
     O    To use a triadic harmony successfully,
          the colors should be carefully balanced -
          let one color dominate and use the two
          others for accent.
 Examples




A Triadic Color Scheme
      can be created by
 drawing an Equilateral                               Interiors following a Triadic Color
   Triangle on the Color                              Scheme
                  Wheel
#8. Color Schemes
     Double Complementary (Tetradic) Colors
     O   The rectangle or tetradic color scheme uses four colors arranged into two
         complementary pairs.
     O   This rich color scheme offers plenty of possibilities for variation.
     O   Tetradic color schemes works best if you let one color be dominant.
     O   You should also pay attention to the balance between warm and cool colors in your
         design.




Examples
                                                                                     This painting
                                                                                     uses red as the
                                                                                     dominate color
                                                                                     with blue, yellow
           A Double Complementary                                                    and green as
           Color Scheme can be                                                       accents.
           created by drawing a
           Rectangle on the Color
           Wheel
#8. Color Schemes
Square
The square color scheme is similar to the
Double Complementary, but with all four
colors spaced evenly around the color circle.
O   Square color schemes works best if you
    let one color be dominant.
O   You should also pay attention to the
    balance between warm and cool colors
    in your design.



Example




                          A Square Tetrad Color
                          Scheme can be created    Interiors following a Square Color
                          by drawing a Square on
                                                                              Scheme
                              the Color Wheel
#8. Color Schemes
O   Can you Identify the Color Schemes used in the following visuals?




                                                   Use the Color
                                                   Wheel
                                                   for reference
#9. Creating a Custom Color
          Scheme
O   Custom color schemes are the hardest to create. Instead of following the
    predefined color schemes discussed above, a custom scheme isn’t
    based on any formal rules. Keep in mind things like Hue / Chroma, value,
    and saturation when creating these kinds of color schemes.




                                                  There are several online tools available
    The colors here all have similar Hue and      to create your own custom color
    saturation levels.                            schemes:




     Using one color with a high Chroma /
     Hue among other colors with lower
     chromas is another effective method (the     Click on the logos to jump to the respective URLs
     higher Chroma color can act as an accent).
#10. Idiosyncrasies of Color
              Light colors appear larger than
              dark colors on the same
              background.




              The same color looks clearer
              against a dark background than it
              does against a light background.




               Any color appears more dynamic
               when it is displayed against a
               background of gray.
#10. Idiosyncrasies of Color
              The purple squares, although identical
              seem to vary in color and size on different
              colored backgrounds.




              A brilliant, vibrant color will not show
              much change despite different
              surroundings.




              The gray sample appears to be different
              against different backgrounds
#10. Idiosyncrasies of Color
              The same color will appear to change in
              value, depending upon the surrounding
              color. Green on white appears to be
              brighter than the green on black.




              The Green Hue appears to be different in
              both these samples.
#11. Color Psychology
O   "Warm colors" (yellow, orange, red) evoke pleasant, often dynamic,
    reactions.

O   "Cool colors" (green, blue, purple) evoke a quieter mood, and are
    considered less outgoing than the warm
#11. Color Psychology
O   Colors can have different effects on people and can even hold different
    cultural meanings beyond what may be naturally intuitive.
#12. The Social & Cultural
      Symbolism of Colors
O   Understand the Social & Cultural Symbolism of Colors. Colors carry a strong emotional
    weight for most people, due to the social connotations that are often associated with them.




    Red        By Geography
               Australian Aboriginals: Land, Earth
               China: Good Luck, Celebration, Summoning
               Israel: Sacrifice, Sin
               India: Purity
               South Africa: Color Of Mourning
               Russia: Bolsheviks And Communism
               Eastern: Worn By Brides, Happiness And Prosperity
               Western: Excitement, Danger, Love, Passion, Stop, Christmas (With Green),
               Valentine’s Day

               Other Symbolism
               Astrology: Gemini
               Feng Shui: Yang, Fire, Good Luck, Money, Respect, Recognition, Vitality
               Psychology: Stimulates Brain Wave Activity, Increases Heart Rate,
               Increases Blood Pressure
               Roses: Love, Respect — Red And Yellow Together Means Gaiety, Joviality.
#12. The Social & Cultural
   Symbolism of Colors
         By Geography
 Pink    Korea: Trust
         Eastern: Marriage
         Western: Love, Babies, Especially Female Babies, Valentine’s Day

         Other Symbolism
         Feng Shui: Yin, Love
         Psychology: Used In Diet Therapy As An Appetite Suppressant, Relaxes
         Muscles, Soothing
         Roses: Gratitude And Appreciation (Deep Pink) Or Admiration & Sympathy (Light
         Pink)


         By Geography
Orange   Ireland: Religious (Protestants)
         Netherlands: House Of Orange
         Western: Halloween (With Black), Creativity, Autumn

         Other Symbolism
         Astrology: Sagittarius
         Feng Shui: Yang, Earth, Strengthens Conversation, Purpose, Organization
         Psychology: Energizes, Stimulates Appetite
         Roses: Enthusiasm, Desire
#12. The Social & Cultural
  Symbolism of Colors
Gold     By Geography
         Eastern: Wealth, Strength
         Western: Wealth

         Other Symbolism
         Astrology: Leo (Golden Yellow/Orange)
         Feng Shui: Yang, Metal, God Consciousness




Purple
         By Geography
         Thailand: Mourning, Widows
         Eastern: Wealth Western: Royalty

         Other Symbolism
         Astrology: Gemini, Sagittarius, And Pisces
         Feng Shui: Yin, Spiritual Awareness, Physical And Mental Healing
#12. The Social & Cultural
  Symbolism of Colors
Yellow   By Geography
         China: Nourishing, Royalty
         Egypt: Mourning
         India: Merchants
         Japan: Courage
         Eastern: Proof Against Evil, For The Dead, Sacred, Imperial
         Western: Hope, Hazards, Coward, Weakness, Taxis

         Other Symbolism
         Astrology: Taurus
         Feng Shui: Yang, Earth, Auspicious, Sun Beams, Warmth, Motion
         Psychology: Energizes, Relieves Depression, Improves Memory, Stimulates
         Appetite Roses: Sociability, Friendship, Joy, Gladness




Baby     By Geography
Blue     Western: Babies, Especially Male Babies

         Other Symbolism
         Astrology: Virgo
#12. The Social & Cultural
  Symbolism of Colors
        By Geography
Green   China: Green Hats Imply A Man’s Wife Is Cheating On Him, Exorcism
        India: Islam
        Ireland: Symbol Of The Entire Country, Religious (Catholics)
        Islam: Perfect Faith
        Japan: Life
        Eastern: Eternity, Family, Health, Prosperity, Peace
        Western: Spring, New Birth, Go, Money, Saint Patrick’s Day, Christmas (With
        Red)

        Other Symbolism
        Astrology: Cancer (Bright Green)
        Feng Shui: Yin, Wood, Growing Energy, Nurturing, Balancing, Healing, Health,
        Calming Psychology: Soothing, Relaxing Mentally And Physically, Helps With
        Depression, Anxiety And Nervousness


        By Geography
Gray    Eastern: Helpers, Travel
        Western: Boring, Dull, Plain, Sad

        Other Symbolism
        Feng Shui: Yin, Metal, Dead, Dull, Indefinite
#12. The Social & Cultural
  Symbolism of Colors
        By Geography
Blue    China: Immortality
        Iran: Color Of Heaven And Spirituality, Mourning
        Eastern: Wealth, Self-cultivation
        Western: Depression, Sadness, Conservative, Corporate, "Something Blue"
        Bridal Tradition

        Other Symbolism
        Astrology: Capricorn And Aquarius (Dark Blue)
        Feng Shui: Yin, Water, Calm, Love, Healing, Relaxing, Peace, Trust, Adventure,
        Exploration
        Psychology: Calming, Lowers Blood Pressure, Decreases Respiration




        By Geography
Brown   Australian Aboriginals: Color Of The Land
        Western: Wholesome, Earthy, Dependable, Steadfast, Health

        Other Symbolism
        Astrology: Capricorn And Scorpio (Reddish Brown)
        Feng Shui: Yang, Earth, Industry, Grounded
#12. The Social & Cultural
  Symbolism of Colors
White    By Geography
         China: Death, Mourning
         India: Unhappiness, Mourning, Peace
         Japan: White Carnation Symbolizes Death
         Eastern: Funerals, Helpful People, Children, Marriage, Mourning, Peace, Travel
         Western: Brides, Angels, Good Guys, Hospitals, Doctors, Peace (White Dove)

         Other Symbolism
         Astrology: Aries And Pisces
         Feng Shui: Yang, Metal, Death, Mourning, Spirits, Ghosts, Poise, Confidence
         Roses: Reverence, Humility, Truce




Violet
         Other Symbolism
         Astrology: Virgo And Libra
         Psychology: Suppresses Appetite, Peaceful Environment, Good For Migraines
#12. The Social & Cultural
  Symbolism of Colors
Black    By Geography
         Australian Aboriginals: Color Of The People
         China: Color For Young Boys
         Thailand: Bad Luck, Unhappiness, Evil
         Eastern: Career, Evil, Knowledge, Mourning, Penance
         Western: Funerals, Death, Halloween (With Orange), Bad Guys, Rebellion

         Other Symbolism
         Feng Shui: Yin, Water, Money, Income, Career Success, Emotional Protection,
         Power, Stability, Bruises, Evil
         Psychology: Self-confidence, Strength, Power




Silver
         Other Symbolism
         Western: Stylish, Money
         Feng Shui: Yin, Metal, Trust, Romance
#13. Color Coding
O   Use Color Codes to Denote Relationships & Hierarchy
#14. Perceptual Disabilities
O    Never Rely on Color Alone. Consider Perceptual Disabilities such as color
     blindness. Males are ten times more likely to be color blind than females. The
     disability is especially pronounced among male Caucasians: 8% suffer some
     form of color blindness.


                                                                     Imagine a color blind
                                                                     person operating these
                                                                     switches without the
                                                                     “Start / Stop” Labels




     Ishihara Test for color vision
    problems. Someone with a red-
    green color deficiency may not
       see the red number in this
                example.
#15. The Gender Connotations
          of Colors
 O   Be Aware of the Gender Connotations of Colors


                                     O   In general, women are more
                                         sensitive to color than men.

                                     O   Men are ten times as likely to be
                                         color blind

                                     O   Studies also show gender
                                         differences in color memories and
                                         color preferences.

                                     O   Preferentially, women list shades of
                                         red first; men list shades of blue. The
                                         social associations of pink and blue
                                         may be largely responsible.
#16. Examples of Good Color
             Schemes
Traditional Art   Interior Decor




Analogous, Warm   Analogous, Cool
#16. Examples of Good Color
         Schemes
 Logo Design     Fashion Design      Jewelry Design




   Triadic                           Monochromatic

               Split Complementary
#16. Examples of Good Color
         Schemes




   Monochromatic   Achromatic
#16. Examples of Good Color
         Schemes




   Complementary   Analogous
Assignment
O   Create an artwork following any one of the color schemes
    discussed in this presentation

    O   Choose from projects listed below:

        O Poster Design (For a Social Cause)
        O Magazine Cover Design (Fashion / Business)
        O Brochure Cover (for an Exclusive Resort)
        O Portfolio Website (for a Model or Artist)


* Final Date for submitting this assignment is the 31st of
March 2013

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Color Theory

  • 1. Color Theory - Kabir Malkani * This presentation has been compiled from references available from the Internet. This is meant purely for educational purposes and the presenter does not claim to hold any ownership whatsoever; of the content (textual or graphical) included in this presentation. The ownership and copyrights of the following content belong to the respective brands /agencies / artists showcased in this presentation.
  • 2. Topics Covered 1. The Science of Color 2. The Color Wheel (History) 3. Primary Colors 4. Secondary Colors 5. Tertiary Colors 6. Properties of Color 7. Color Systems 8. Color Schemes 9. Creating a Custom Color Scheme 10. Idiosyncrasies of Color 11. Color Psychology 12. The Social & Cultural Symbolism of Colors 13. Color Coding 14. Perceptual Disabilities 15. The Gender Connotations of Colors 16. Examples of Good Color Schemes
  • 3. #1. The Science of Color O Color doesn’t exist! O Color is created only when our brain tries to make sense from light signals it receives from the outer world. In other words, it’s all in your head. O Without that, our world is a monochromatic place bathing in electromagnetic Deprived of color, our world would probably radiation of varied intensity look like a scene from Matrix. and wavelengths. Nothing fun about that, unless you’re into physics.
  • 4. #1. The Science of Color O Color is a property of light. Our eyes see only a small part of the electromagnetic spectrum.
  • 5. #1. The Science of Color O White light can be divided into it's component parts by passing it through a prism. The light is separated by wavelength and a spectrum is formed. O Sir Isaac Newton was the first to discover this phenomenon in the seventeenth century and he named the colors of the spectrum.
  • 6. #1. The Science of Color O If the ends of the spectrum are bent around and joined a color circle (color wheel) is formed with purple at the meeting place.    The Color Wheel
  • 7. #2. The Color Wheel O The original color wheel is credited to Sir Isaac Newton who joined the red and violet ends of the visual spectrum into a circle. Do you remember this School Project?
  • 8. #2. The Color Wheel O This is what the Modern Day Color Wheel looks like:
  • 9. #3. Primary Colors O The primary colors are Red, Yellow and Blue These colors cannot be mixed from any other colors. The triangle they form on the color wheel is called the primary triad.
  • 10. #4. Secondary Colors O The three secondary colors (Green, Orange and Purple) are created by mixing two primary colors. Red + Yellow = Orange Red + Blue = Purple Yellow + Blue = Green
  • 11. #5. Tertiary Colors O When a primary color is mixed with a secondary color tertiary colors are made Yellow + Green = Lime Green Green + Blue = Turquoise Blue +Purple = Violet Purple + Red = Magenta Red + Orange = Vermillion Orange + Yellow = Light Orange
  • 12. #6. Properties of Color O Color has three distinct properties: Hue, Value and Saturation. To understand color you must understand how these three properties relate to each other. O Hue: When someone is talking about hue they are talking about the actual color of an object. Green is a hue as are red, yellow, blue, purple, etc. O Value/Brightness: Is a measure of how light or dark a hue is. Adding white to a hue makes it lighter and increases its value or brightness. Consequently adding black makes it darker and lowers the value or brightness. O Saturation: is the degree of purity of a hue. Pure hues are highly saturated. When gray is added the color becomes de-saturated.
  • 13. #5. Properties of Color Understanding Hue, Value and Saturation using the Adobe Photoshop Color Saturation Picker Hue Value / Brightness Try this out yourself to understand the difference between Value & Saturation
  • 14. #6. Properties of Color O Shade: The result of adding black to a hue to produce a darker hue Saturation Hue Value / Brightness O Tint: The result of adding white to a hue to produce a lighter hue • Decreasing the Brightness of the hue results in a different “Shade” of the hue O Tone: A color tone is the result of adding gray to a hue. • Increasing the Brightness of the hue results in a different “Tint” of the hue • Increasing or Decreasing the Saturation of the hue results in a different “Tone” of the hue
  • 15. #7. Color Systems O There are two types of Color Systems OR Color Models that are commonly used for color creation: O When producing physical colors as in paint a Subtractive System (CMYK) is used and when producing colors digitally as on a computer an Additive System (RGB) is used.
  • 16. #7. Color Systems O Subtractive Colors (CMYK): When we see colors in physical objects we’re seeing reflective light. When we see red it’s because all the other wavelengths of light have been absorbed and only the red is reflected. This is a subtractive system, because to produce color we’re removing all the wavelengths of light who’s color we don’t want to see. O Subtractive systems start with white and continue to add color until the result is black. (White = C0+M0+Y0+K0)
  • 17. #7. Color Systems O Additive Colors (RGB): To create colors on a computer screen we have to add light since the light source comes from within instead of reflecting the light coming from outside the system. When there is no light we see black (Black = R0+G0+B0) and we as we add more color we move toward white. (White = R255+G255+B255)
  • 18. #7. Color Systems PMS (PANTONE MATCHING SYSTEM) O The Pantone Color Matching System is largely a standardized color reproduction system. By standardizing the colors, different manufacturers in different locations can all refer to the Pantone system to make sure colors match without direct contact with one another. O There is a special subset of Pantone colors that can be reproduced using CMYK . However, most of the Pantone system’s 1,114 spot colors cannot be simulated with CMYK but with 13 base pigments (15 including white and black) mixed in specified amounts. O The Pantone system also allows for many special colors to be produced, such as metallics and fluorescents.
  • 19. #8. Color Schemes Achromatic Color Scheme O Any color that lacks strong chromatic content is said to be unsaturated, achromatic, or neutral. Pure achromatic colors include black, white and all grays. Adobe Illustrator Color Window displaying Pure Achromatic Colors Jesus preaching, known as The hundred Guilder Print Rembrandt van Rijn
  • 20. #8. Color Schemes Chromatic Grays O Also known as near neutral colors… these are almost like achromatic colors with a hint of color and brightness Advertising Interior Design The Magpie Claude Monet
  • 21. #8. Color Schemes Warm & Cool Colors The color circle can be divided into warm and cool colors based on the Color Temperature Warm Colors Cool Colors O The colors on the red – orange - O The colors on the green - blue – yellow side of the wheel are said purple side of the wheel are said to be warm because they are to be cool because they are associated with warm phenomena. associated with cool phenomena. e.g. Sunlight, Fire etc. e.g. Water, Ice, Sky etc. O Warm colors are vivid and O Cool colors give an impression of energetic, and tend to advance in calm, and are said to recede -- space. they appear farther from the observer
  • 22. #8. Color Schemes Warm & Cool Colors O Can you tell apart the compositions using Warm or Cool Color Schemes? A Girl Asleep at Table Femme Couchée Lisant Johannes Vermeer Pablo Picasso
  • 23. #8. Color Schemes Monochromatic Colors O Monochromatic color schemes are made up of different tones, shades and tints within a specific hue. These are the simplest color schemes to create, as they’re all taken from the same hue, making it harder to create a jarring or ugly scheme (though both are still possible). Monochromatic Schemes can be represented by a single spoke of the color wheel Examples Interiors following a Monochromatic Color Scheme
  • 24. #8. Color Schemes Analogous Colors O Analogous color schemes use colors that are next to each other on the color wheel. They usually match well and create serene and comfortable designs. O Analogous color schemes are often found in nature and are harmonious and pleasing to the eye. O Make sure you have enough contrast when choosing an analogous color scheme. Examples Interiors following a Analogous Color Scheme
  • 25. #8. Color Schemes Complementary Colors O Colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel are considered to be complementary colors. O The high contrast of complementary colors creates a vibrant look especially when used at full saturation. This color scheme must be managed well so it is not jarring. O Complementary color schemes are tricky to use in large doses, but work well when you want something to stand out. O Complementary colors are really bad for text. Examples Interiors following a Complementary Color Scheme
  • 26. #8. Color Schemes Split-Complementary Colors O The split-complementary color scheme is a variation of the complementary color scheme. In addition to the base color, it uses the two colors adjacent to its complement. O This color scheme has the same strong visual contrast as the complementary color scheme, but has less tension. O The split-complimentary color scheme is often a good choice for beginners, because it is difficult to mess up. Examples Interiors following a Split-Complementary Scheme Photography
  • 27. #8. Color Schemes Triadic Colors O A triadic color scheme uses colors that are evenly spaced around the color wheel. O Triadic color schemes tend to be quite vibrant, even if you use pale or unsaturated versions of your hues. O To use a triadic harmony successfully, the colors should be carefully balanced - let one color dominate and use the two others for accent. Examples A Triadic Color Scheme can be created by drawing an Equilateral Interiors following a Triadic Color Triangle on the Color Scheme Wheel
  • 28. #8. Color Schemes Double Complementary (Tetradic) Colors O The rectangle or tetradic color scheme uses four colors arranged into two complementary pairs. O This rich color scheme offers plenty of possibilities for variation. O Tetradic color schemes works best if you let one color be dominant. O You should also pay attention to the balance between warm and cool colors in your design. Examples This painting uses red as the dominate color with blue, yellow A Double Complementary and green as Color Scheme can be accents. created by drawing a Rectangle on the Color Wheel
  • 29. #8. Color Schemes Square The square color scheme is similar to the Double Complementary, but with all four colors spaced evenly around the color circle. O Square color schemes works best if you let one color be dominant. O You should also pay attention to the balance between warm and cool colors in your design. Example A Square Tetrad Color Scheme can be created Interiors following a Square Color by drawing a Square on Scheme the Color Wheel
  • 30. #8. Color Schemes O Can you Identify the Color Schemes used in the following visuals? Use the Color Wheel for reference
  • 31. #9. Creating a Custom Color Scheme O Custom color schemes are the hardest to create. Instead of following the predefined color schemes discussed above, a custom scheme isn’t based on any formal rules. Keep in mind things like Hue / Chroma, value, and saturation when creating these kinds of color schemes. There are several online tools available The colors here all have similar Hue and to create your own custom color saturation levels. schemes: Using one color with a high Chroma / Hue among other colors with lower chromas is another effective method (the Click on the logos to jump to the respective URLs higher Chroma color can act as an accent).
  • 32. #10. Idiosyncrasies of Color Light colors appear larger than dark colors on the same background. The same color looks clearer against a dark background than it does against a light background. Any color appears more dynamic when it is displayed against a background of gray.
  • 33. #10. Idiosyncrasies of Color The purple squares, although identical seem to vary in color and size on different colored backgrounds. A brilliant, vibrant color will not show much change despite different surroundings. The gray sample appears to be different against different backgrounds
  • 34. #10. Idiosyncrasies of Color The same color will appear to change in value, depending upon the surrounding color. Green on white appears to be brighter than the green on black. The Green Hue appears to be different in both these samples.
  • 35. #11. Color Psychology O "Warm colors" (yellow, orange, red) evoke pleasant, often dynamic, reactions. O "Cool colors" (green, blue, purple) evoke a quieter mood, and are considered less outgoing than the warm
  • 36. #11. Color Psychology O Colors can have different effects on people and can even hold different cultural meanings beyond what may be naturally intuitive.
  • 37. #12. The Social & Cultural Symbolism of Colors O Understand the Social & Cultural Symbolism of Colors. Colors carry a strong emotional weight for most people, due to the social connotations that are often associated with them. Red By Geography Australian Aboriginals: Land, Earth China: Good Luck, Celebration, Summoning Israel: Sacrifice, Sin India: Purity South Africa: Color Of Mourning Russia: Bolsheviks And Communism Eastern: Worn By Brides, Happiness And Prosperity Western: Excitement, Danger, Love, Passion, Stop, Christmas (With Green), Valentine’s Day Other Symbolism Astrology: Gemini Feng Shui: Yang, Fire, Good Luck, Money, Respect, Recognition, Vitality Psychology: Stimulates Brain Wave Activity, Increases Heart Rate, Increases Blood Pressure Roses: Love, Respect — Red And Yellow Together Means Gaiety, Joviality.
  • 38. #12. The Social & Cultural Symbolism of Colors By Geography Pink Korea: Trust Eastern: Marriage Western: Love, Babies, Especially Female Babies, Valentine’s Day Other Symbolism Feng Shui: Yin, Love Psychology: Used In Diet Therapy As An Appetite Suppressant, Relaxes Muscles, Soothing Roses: Gratitude And Appreciation (Deep Pink) Or Admiration & Sympathy (Light Pink) By Geography Orange Ireland: Religious (Protestants) Netherlands: House Of Orange Western: Halloween (With Black), Creativity, Autumn Other Symbolism Astrology: Sagittarius Feng Shui: Yang, Earth, Strengthens Conversation, Purpose, Organization Psychology: Energizes, Stimulates Appetite Roses: Enthusiasm, Desire
  • 39. #12. The Social & Cultural Symbolism of Colors Gold By Geography Eastern: Wealth, Strength Western: Wealth Other Symbolism Astrology: Leo (Golden Yellow/Orange) Feng Shui: Yang, Metal, God Consciousness Purple By Geography Thailand: Mourning, Widows Eastern: Wealth Western: Royalty Other Symbolism Astrology: Gemini, Sagittarius, And Pisces Feng Shui: Yin, Spiritual Awareness, Physical And Mental Healing
  • 40. #12. The Social & Cultural Symbolism of Colors Yellow By Geography China: Nourishing, Royalty Egypt: Mourning India: Merchants Japan: Courage Eastern: Proof Against Evil, For The Dead, Sacred, Imperial Western: Hope, Hazards, Coward, Weakness, Taxis Other Symbolism Astrology: Taurus Feng Shui: Yang, Earth, Auspicious, Sun Beams, Warmth, Motion Psychology: Energizes, Relieves Depression, Improves Memory, Stimulates Appetite Roses: Sociability, Friendship, Joy, Gladness Baby By Geography Blue Western: Babies, Especially Male Babies Other Symbolism Astrology: Virgo
  • 41. #12. The Social & Cultural Symbolism of Colors By Geography Green China: Green Hats Imply A Man’s Wife Is Cheating On Him, Exorcism India: Islam Ireland: Symbol Of The Entire Country, Religious (Catholics) Islam: Perfect Faith Japan: Life Eastern: Eternity, Family, Health, Prosperity, Peace Western: Spring, New Birth, Go, Money, Saint Patrick’s Day, Christmas (With Red) Other Symbolism Astrology: Cancer (Bright Green) Feng Shui: Yin, Wood, Growing Energy, Nurturing, Balancing, Healing, Health, Calming Psychology: Soothing, Relaxing Mentally And Physically, Helps With Depression, Anxiety And Nervousness By Geography Gray Eastern: Helpers, Travel Western: Boring, Dull, Plain, Sad Other Symbolism Feng Shui: Yin, Metal, Dead, Dull, Indefinite
  • 42. #12. The Social & Cultural Symbolism of Colors By Geography Blue China: Immortality Iran: Color Of Heaven And Spirituality, Mourning Eastern: Wealth, Self-cultivation Western: Depression, Sadness, Conservative, Corporate, "Something Blue" Bridal Tradition Other Symbolism Astrology: Capricorn And Aquarius (Dark Blue) Feng Shui: Yin, Water, Calm, Love, Healing, Relaxing, Peace, Trust, Adventure, Exploration Psychology: Calming, Lowers Blood Pressure, Decreases Respiration By Geography Brown Australian Aboriginals: Color Of The Land Western: Wholesome, Earthy, Dependable, Steadfast, Health Other Symbolism Astrology: Capricorn And Scorpio (Reddish Brown) Feng Shui: Yang, Earth, Industry, Grounded
  • 43. #12. The Social & Cultural Symbolism of Colors White By Geography China: Death, Mourning India: Unhappiness, Mourning, Peace Japan: White Carnation Symbolizes Death Eastern: Funerals, Helpful People, Children, Marriage, Mourning, Peace, Travel Western: Brides, Angels, Good Guys, Hospitals, Doctors, Peace (White Dove) Other Symbolism Astrology: Aries And Pisces Feng Shui: Yang, Metal, Death, Mourning, Spirits, Ghosts, Poise, Confidence Roses: Reverence, Humility, Truce Violet Other Symbolism Astrology: Virgo And Libra Psychology: Suppresses Appetite, Peaceful Environment, Good For Migraines
  • 44. #12. The Social & Cultural Symbolism of Colors Black By Geography Australian Aboriginals: Color Of The People China: Color For Young Boys Thailand: Bad Luck, Unhappiness, Evil Eastern: Career, Evil, Knowledge, Mourning, Penance Western: Funerals, Death, Halloween (With Orange), Bad Guys, Rebellion Other Symbolism Feng Shui: Yin, Water, Money, Income, Career Success, Emotional Protection, Power, Stability, Bruises, Evil Psychology: Self-confidence, Strength, Power Silver Other Symbolism Western: Stylish, Money Feng Shui: Yin, Metal, Trust, Romance
  • 45. #13. Color Coding O Use Color Codes to Denote Relationships & Hierarchy
  • 46. #14. Perceptual Disabilities O Never Rely on Color Alone. Consider Perceptual Disabilities such as color blindness. Males are ten times more likely to be color blind than females. The disability is especially pronounced among male Caucasians: 8% suffer some form of color blindness. Imagine a color blind person operating these switches without the “Start / Stop” Labels Ishihara Test for color vision problems. Someone with a red- green color deficiency may not see the red number in this example.
  • 47. #15. The Gender Connotations of Colors O Be Aware of the Gender Connotations of Colors O In general, women are more sensitive to color than men. O Men are ten times as likely to be color blind O Studies also show gender differences in color memories and color preferences. O Preferentially, women list shades of red first; men list shades of blue. The social associations of pink and blue may be largely responsible.
  • 48. #16. Examples of Good Color Schemes Traditional Art Interior Decor Analogous, Warm Analogous, Cool
  • 49. #16. Examples of Good Color Schemes Logo Design Fashion Design Jewelry Design Triadic Monochromatic Split Complementary
  • 50. #16. Examples of Good Color Schemes Monochromatic Achromatic
  • 51. #16. Examples of Good Color Schemes Complementary Analogous
  • 52. Assignment O Create an artwork following any one of the color schemes discussed in this presentation O Choose from projects listed below: O Poster Design (For a Social Cause) O Magazine Cover Design (Fashion / Business) O Brochure Cover (for an Exclusive Resort) O Portfolio Website (for a Model or Artist) * Final Date for submitting this assignment is the 31st of March 2013