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LESSON 2 THE LANGUAGE OF COLOURS

STRUCTURE

2.0 OBJECTIVES

2.1 INTRODUCTION

2.2 THE COLOUR WHEEL

2.2.1 HUE 2.2.2 VALUE 2.2.3 INTENSITY

2.3 COLOUR SCHEMES

2.4 MIXED MEDIUM

2.5 ASSIGNMENTS

2.5.1 CLASS ASSIGNMENTS 2.5.2 HOME ASSIGNMENTS

2.6 SUMMING UP

2.7 POSSIBLE ANSWERS TO SELF-CHECK QUESTIONS

2.8 TERMINAL QUESTIONS

2.9 REFERENCES AND SUGGESTED FURTHER READING

2.10 GLOSSARY

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2. THE LANGUAGE OF COLOURS

In the previous lesson we were introduced to colours and colour media. In this lesson we will study about the colour wheel, the three primary colours and how manipulating them into three dimensions, viz. Hue, Value and Intensity can open up a wonderful world of dazzling colours. Finally in the third lesson in this unit, we will be introduced to different colour families.

2.0 Objectives

After going through this lesson you will be able to:

• Understand the primary colours and Make a colour wheel using them.

• Describe the colour in terms of Hue, value and intensity.

• Make different colour schemes.

• Understand about mixed blend and contrast colours.

2.1 Introduction

Colour can be used as a synonym of happiness and prosperity in life. The term ‘Colorful’ in itself is a representation pleasant in dialect. This means that there is a special language of colours.

Generally we are aware of only seven colours of the rainbow. But as we go through different lighter and darker shades of the spectrum of each of these seven colours, a huge number of colours will be obtained. There is a predefined terminology for different lighter, darker and blends of colours in the language of colours that will be discussed in detail in this lesson.

2.2 Colour Wheel

The colour wheel is based on Red, Yellow and Blue. These three colours are called the Primary Colours. They cannot be formed by any combination of other colours. All other colours are derived from these three colours.

These three colours are manipulated into three dimensions - Hue, Value and Intensity.

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2.2.1 Hue

The term ‘Hue’ is used to describe the actual colour. On a colour wheel the hues are yellow, yellow-green, green, blue-green, blue, blue-violet, violet, red-violet, red, red-orange, orange and orange-yellow. Of these, yellow, blue, and red are primary colours (Fig. 2.1). Green, violet and orange are secondary colours and the rest are intermediate or tertiary colours.

2.2.2 Value

The term ‘value’ refers to the relative lightness or brightness of colours (Fig. 2.2). Each of the primary, secondary and intermediate colours described is at a level of full saturation or brightness, when there is no black, white or grey added to it. When white is added in increments to any of the twelve colours, it results in lighter values of the hues called Tints. For example, pink is the tint of the primary colour red (Fig. 2.2). The incremental addition of black or grey to a hue results in darker values of the hue known as Shades. A shade of red is burgundy or maroon.

2.2.3 Intensity

The term ‘intensity’ describes the colour’s brilliance or purity. Whether the colour is in its original state or it has been mixed with another hue. It is very important to understand these dimensions of colour to help manipulate them to your advantage. There are several rules that apply when you want to change a colour hue.

The twelve segments of the colour wheel (Fig. 2.3) consist of primary, secondary and tertiary hues, and their specific tints and shades. With red at the top, the colour wheel

Fig. 2.2 Colour Value

Tint of Red-Pink

Shade of Red-Maroon

Primary Colour Red

Value of Colours

Fig. 2.1 Hues

Fig. 2.3 The Colour Wheel

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identifies the three primary hues of red, yellow and blue. These three primary colours form an equilateral triangle within the circle. The three secondary hues of orange, violet and green are located between each primary hue and form another triangle. Yellow-green, blue-green, blue-violet, red-violet, red-orange and orange-yellow are the six tertiary hues. They result from the combination of a primary and secondary hue.

Constructed in an orderly progression, the colour wheel enables the user to see the sequence of colour balance and harmony.

Self-check Questions

1. Fill in the blanks:

i) Red, Yellow and Blue are called the ___________________. ii) Colours are manipulated into three dimensions _________, ________

and __________. iii) ___________ is the term used to describe the actual colour. iv) _________, _________ and ___________ are secondary colours and

the rest are intermediate or _____________ colours. v) _____________ describes the colour’s brilliance or purity.

2. State whether the following statements are true or false.

i) Lighter values of the hues are called Tints. True / False ii) Incremental addition of black or grey to a hue results in lighter values of

the hue. True / False iii) A shade of red is burgundy or maroon. True / False iv) Pink is the shade of the primary colour red. True / False

1.3 Colour Schemes

The basis for choice of colours and colour schemes in drawing and painting is very wide. Some guiding rules for choice of colours are:

1. Always choose colours that are personally pleasing (Fig. 2.4). Choose subtle and calm colours if you prefer a restful atmosphere and intense colours if you like liveliness and cheer.

2. Don't be afraid of colour. Experimenting on paper will give confidence. But remember, larger batches of colour are more intense. Try out various colour combinations (Fig. 2.5).

3. Colours should harmonize with the theme of the design (Fig. 2.6).

4. Colours chosen should be colourful and definite

Fig. 2.4 Colour

pleasing personally

Fig. 2.5 Various colour combinations

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and not dull (Fig. 2.7).

5. Generally darkest colours are used in small areas of a design and dullest tones for the largest areas (Fig. 2.8).

Activity

1. Collect some different coloured objects and examine them with respect to the kind of hues and colour schemes that you observe. Write down your observations.

2.4 Mixed Medium

To use more than one medium at one time is called mixed medium work. The use of colours helps to achieve the following three effects:

• Contrast- Here different colours are used as foils or background to flatter each other(Fig. 2.9)

• Blend - Here various shades and tint of one colour are used. (Fig. 2.10)

• Accent - Here gradations of one colour plus one sharp contrasting colour for shock value is used. (Fig. 2.11) This contrast effect may be obtained by use of complementary colours, light and shades, bright and dull, warm and cool colours, pure and grayed down colours.

Fig. 2.8 Combination of dull and dark colours Fig. 2.7 Colourful

Fig. 2.6 Colour with harmonizing theme of design

Fig. 2.10 Blend Fig. 2.11 Accent Fig. 2.9 Contrasting Colours

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2.5 Assignments

2.4.1 Class assignments

Collect swatches of complimentary and dark colours and make a presentation of them on a sheet.

2.4.2 Home assignments

Collect some coloured fabric pieces or other objects of different shades of primary colours and arrange them in a file.

2.6 Summing Up

The salient points covered in this lesson are:

• Explanations of three primary colours, Red, Yellow and Blue and .the colour wheel, comprising them.

• The three dimensions of colours that are Hue, Value and Intensity.

• Valuable tips on the choice of colour schemes.

• The use of colours can help to achieve three visual effects, viz. Contrast, Blend and Accent

2.7 Possible answers to Self-check Questions

1. Fill in the blanks:

i) Primary colours ii) Hue, value and intensity iii) hue iv) Green, violet and orange are secondary colours and the rest are

intermediate or tertiary colours. v) intensity

2. State whether the following statements are true or false.

i) True ii) False iii) True iv) False

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2.8 Terminal Questions

1. Which are the three primary colours?

2. Which are the three dimensions of colour?

3. Define the terms Hue, Value and Intensity, Tone, Shades in relation to colours.

4. What is meant by mixed media?

5. What is the significance of mixed medium work?

2.9 References and Suggested Further Reading

1. Sutton, T. and Brides, M. 2003. The Complete Colour Harmony. Whelen Rockport Publications, Massachusetts.

2.10 Glossary

1. Increment process of becoming larger

2. Intense (of color) having the highest saturation

3. Contrast The perceptual effect of the juxtaposition of

very different colors

4. Blend An occurrence of thorough mixing, intermingle

5. Accent Speech pattern, to stress, single out as important

6. Progression The act of moving forward toward a goal