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 Covered1. The Science of Color2. The Color Wheel (History)3. Primary Colors4. Secondary Colors5. Tertiary Colors6. Properties of Color7. Color Systems8. Color Schemes9. Creating a Custom Color Scheme10. Idiosyncrasies of Color11. Color Psychology12. The Social & Cultural Symbolism of Colors13. Color Coding 14. Perceptual Disabilities15. The Gender Connotations of Colors16. 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 radiation of varied intensity and wavelengths. Nothing fun about that, unless you’re into physics.

Deprived of color, our world would probably look like a scene from

Matrix.

#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 WheelO 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 WheelO This is what the Modern Day Color Wheel looks

like:

#3. Primary ColorsO 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 ColorsO 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 ColorsO When a primary color is mixed with a secondary

color tertiary colors are made

Yellow + Green = Lime GreenGreen + Blue = TurquoiseBlue +Purple = VioletPurple + Red = MagentaRed + Orange = VermillionOrange + Yellow = Light Orange

#6. Properties of ColorO 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 ColorUnderstanding Hue, Value and Saturation using the Adobe Photoshop Color Picker

Try this out yourself to understand the difference between Value & Saturation

Hu

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SaturationV

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Bri

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#6. Properties of ColorO Shade: The result of adding black to a

hue to produce a darker hue

Hu

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Saturation

Valu

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tness

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

O Tone: A color tone is the result of adding gray to a hue.

• Decreasing the Brightness of the hue results in a different “Shade” of the 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 SystemsO 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 SystemsO 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 SystemsO 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 SystemsPMS (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 SchemesAchromatic Color SchemeO 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 SchemesChromatic GraysO Also known as near neutral colors… these are almost like

achromatic colors with a hint of color and brightness

The MagpieClaude Monet

Advertising

Interior Design

#8. Color Schemes

Warm ColorsO The colors on the red – orange

- yellow side of the wheel are said to be warm because they are associated with warm phenomena. e.g. Sunlight, Fire etc.

O Warm colors are vivid and

energetic, and tend to advance in space.

Cool ColorsO The colors on the green - blue

– purple side of the wheel are said to be cool because they are associated with cool phenomena. e.g. Water, Ice, Sky etc.

O Cool colors give an impression of calm, and are said to recede -- they appear farther from the observer

Warm & Cool ColorsThe color circle can be divided into warm and cool colors based on the Color Temperature

#8. Color SchemesWarm & Cool ColorsO Can you tell apart the compositions using Warm or Cool Color

Schemes?

A Girl Asleep at TableJohannes Vermeer

Femme Couchée LisantPablo Picasso

#8. Color SchemesMonochromatic ColorsO 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

Interiors following a Monochromatic Color

Scheme

Examples

#8. Color SchemesAnalogous ColorsO 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.

Interiors following a Analogous Color Scheme

Examples

#8. Color SchemesComplementary ColorsO 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.

Interiors following a Complementary Color Scheme

Examples

#8. Color SchemesSplit-Complementary ColorsO 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.

Interiors following a Split-Complementary Scheme Photography

Examples

#8. Color SchemesTriadic ColorsO 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.

Interiors following a Triadic Color Scheme

A Triadic Color Scheme can be

created by drawing an Equilateral Triangle on

the Color Wheel

Examples

#8. Color SchemesDouble Complementary (Tetradic) ColorsO 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.

This painting uses red as the dominate color with blue, yellow and green as accents.

A Double Complementary Color Scheme can be created by drawing a Rectangle on the Color Wheel

Examples

#8. Color SchemesSquare 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.

Interiors following a Square Color Scheme

A Square Tetrad Color Scheme can be

created by drawing a Square on the Color

Wheel

Example

#8. Color SchemesO Can you Identify the Color Schemes used in the following

visuals?

Use the Color Wheelfor 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.

The colors here all have similar Hue and saturation levels.

There are several online tools available to create your own custom color schemes:

Using one color with a high Chroma / Hue among other colors with lower chromas is another effective method (the higher Chroma color can act as an accent).

Click on the logos to jump to the respective URLs

#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 PsychologyO "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 PsychologyO 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.

By GeographyAustralian Aboriginals: Land, EarthChina: Good Luck, Celebration, SummoningIsrael: Sacrifice, SinIndia: PuritySouth Africa: Color Of MourningRussia: Bolsheviks And CommunismEastern: Worn By Brides, Happiness And ProsperityWestern: Excitement, Danger, Love, Passion, Stop, Christmas (With Green), Valentine’s Day

Other SymbolismAstrology: GeminiFeng Shui: Yang, Fire, Good Luck, Money, Respect, Recognition, VitalityPsychology: Stimulates Brain Wave Activity, Increases Heart Rate, Increases Blood PressureRoses: Love, Respect — Red And Yellow Together Means Gaiety, Joviality.

Red

#12. The Social & Cultural Symbolism of Colors

By GeographyKorea: Trust Eastern: Marriage Western: Love, Babies, Especially Female Babies, Valentine’s Day

Other SymbolismFeng 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)

Pink

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

Other SymbolismAstrology: SagittariusFeng Shui: Yang, Earth, Strengthens Conversation, Purpose, Organization Psychology: Energizes, Stimulates Appetite Roses: Enthusiasm, Desire

Orange

#12. The Social & Cultural Symbolism of Colors

By GeographyEastern: Wealth, Strength Western: Wealth

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

Gold

By GeographyThailand: Mourning, Widows Eastern: Wealth Western: Royalty

Other SymbolismAstrology: Gemini, Sagittarius, And Pisces Feng Shui: Yin, Spiritual Awareness, Physical And Mental Healing

Purple

#12. The Social & Cultural Symbolism of Colors

By GeographyChina: Nourishing, Royalty Egypt: MourningIndia: MerchantsJapan: Courage Eastern: Proof Against Evil, For The Dead, Sacred, Imperial Western: Hope, Hazards, Coward, Weakness, Taxis

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

Yellow

By GeographyWestern: Babies, Especially Male Babies

Other SymbolismAstrology: Virgo

Baby Blue

#12. The Social & Cultural Symbolism of Colors

By GeographyChina: 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 SymbolismAstrology: 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

Green

By GeographyEastern: Helpers, Travel Western: Boring, Dull, Plain, Sad

Other SymbolismFeng Shui: Yin, Metal, Dead, Dull, Indefinite

Gray

#12. The Social & Cultural Symbolism of Colors

By GeographyChina: Immortality Iran: Color Of Heaven And Spirituality, Mourning Eastern: Wealth, Self-cultivation Western: Depression, Sadness, Conservative, Corporate, "Something Blue" Bridal Tradition

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

Blue

By GeographyAustralian Aboriginals: Color Of The LandWestern: Wholesome, Earthy, Dependable, Steadfast, Health

Other SymbolismAstrology: Capricorn And Scorpio (Reddish Brown) Feng Shui: Yang, Earth, Industry, Grounded

Brown

#12. The Social & Cultural Symbolism of Colors

By GeographyChina: Death, Mourning India: Unhappiness, Mourning, PeaceJapan: White Carnation Symbolizes Death Eastern: Funerals, Helpful People, Children, Marriage, Mourning, Peace, Travel Western: Brides, Angels, Good Guys, Hospitals, Doctors, Peace (White Dove)

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

White

Other SymbolismAstrology: Virgo And LibraPsychology: Suppresses Appetite, Peaceful Environment, Good For Migraines

Violet

#12. The Social & Cultural Symbolism of Colors

By GeographyAustralian 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 SymbolismFeng Shui: Yin, Water, Money, Income, Career Success, Emotional Protection, Power, Stability, Bruises, Evil Psychology: Self-confidence, Strength, Power

Black

Other SymbolismWestern: Stylish, Money Feng Shui: Yin, Metal, Trust, Romance

Silver

#13. Color CodingO 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.

Ishihara Test for color vision problems. Someone

with a red-green color deficiency may not see the red number in this example.

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

#15. 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.

O Be Aware of the Gender Connotations of Colors

#16. Examples of Good Color Schemes

Analogous, Warm Analogous, Cool

Traditional Art Interior Decor

#16. Examples of Good Color Schemes

Triadic

Split Complementary

Monochromatic

Logo Design Fashion Design Jewelry Design

#16. Examples of Good Color Schemes

Monochromatic Achromatic

#16. Examples of Good Color Schemes

Complementary Analogous

AssignmentO 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