Graphic Communication

Colour Theory

Primary Colours

Red

Yellow

Blue

Secondary Colours Green

Orange

Violet

Yellow-Orange

Tertiary Colours Red-Orange

Red-VioletViolet-Blue

Blue-GreenGreen-Yellow

The Colour Wheel

Colours and Moods Red

Warm

Exciting

Passionate

Dangerous

Angry

Warm

Happy

Sunny

Cheerful

Full of Energy

Orange

Colours and Moods

Colours and Moods Yellow

Warm

Happy

Sunny

Cheerful

Bright – Most Easily Seen

Colours and Moods Green

Cool

Restful

Natural

Calm

Fresh

Colours and Moods Blue

Cool

Conservative

Sophisticated

Formal

Elegant

Colours and Moods Purple

Rich

Regal

Pompous

Luxurious

Colours and Moods White

Hygienic

Clean

Pure

Harmony and Contrast Harmony

Colours close to each other on colour wheel

Easy on the eye

Creates a relaxing image

Harmony and Contrast Contrast

Colours far apart on the colour wheel

Eye catching

Makes objects stand out

Complimentarye.g. the green makes the red look redder, and the red makes the the green look greener

Warm and Cool Colours

Warm Cool

Blues, Greens, Violets

Receding Colours

e.g. appear to be further away

Reds, Yellows, Oranges

Advancing Colours

e.g. appear to be closer

Tints and Shades

Tint ShadeAdd black or grey to add a shade

Dark shades make objects appear heavy

Add white to make a tint

Pale pastel colours give the impression of softness

Tips for Choosing a Colour Scheme

Any colours near each other (within any third of the colour wheel) will always work together to create a harmonious colour scheme

or Any two colours which are opposite each other on the

colour wheel look good together and make a bold statement

or Any three colours which are equally spaced on the

colour wheel work together to make an exciting scheme