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HomeHome ColorColor Basic Color Theory

Basic Color TheoryColor theory encompasses a multitude of definitions, concepts and designapplications. All the information would fill several encyclopedias. As anintroduction, here are a few basic concepts.

The Color Wheel

A color circle, based on red, yellow and blue, is traditional in the field of art. SirIsaac Newton developed the first circular diagram of colors in 1666. Since thenscientists and artists have studied and designed numerous variations of thisconcept. Differences of opinion about the validity of one format over anothercontinue to provoke debate. In reality, any color circle or color wheel whichpresents a logically arranged sequence of pure hues has merit.

PRIMARY COLORSRed, yellow and blue

In traditional color theory, these are the 3 pigment colors that can not be mixedor formed by any combination of other colors. All other colors are derived fromthese 3 hues.

SECONDARY COLORSGreen, orange and purple

These are the colors formed by mixing the primary colors.

TERTIARY COLORSYellow-orange, red-orange, red-purple, blue-purple, blue-green and yellow-

green.

These are the colors formed by mixing a primary and a secondary color. That'swhy the hue is a two word name, such as blue-green, red-violet, and yellow-orange.

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Basic Color Theory http://www.colormatters.com/color-and-design/basic-color-theory

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Basic Color Theory http://www.colormatters.com/color-and-design/basic-color-theory

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Basic Color Theory http://www.colormatters.com/color-and-design/basic-color-theory

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Basic Color Theory http://www.colormatters.com/color-and-design/basic-color-theory

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