[Nfb-krafters-korner] FW: more about colors and matching colors

[Annette Carr]

Here is another e-mail from Lisa Maria.

HTH,
Annette


-----Original Message-----
From: Nfb-krafters-korner [mailto:nfb-krafters-korner-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Lisamaria Martinez via Nfb-krafters-korner
Sent: Friday, November 21, 2014 5:03 PM
To: nfb-krafters-korner
Subject: [Nfb-krafters-korner] more about colors and matching colors

Hi,

I've pasted below, and attached, some text about basic color theory.
It talks about primary, secondary and tertiary colors, tints and shades and
how to put it all together. I've also attached a file on how to match
colors. It is a lot longer. Both attachments have illustrations but I think
they both do a decent job at describing things. One thing that could be done
better though is a description of the color wheel. I'm going to take a stab
at it in a separate email to keep this one short-ish.

LM

###

Basic color schemes
http://www.tigercolor.com/color-lab/color-theory/color-theory-intro.htm

Introduction to Color Theory
With colors you can set a mood, attract attention, or make a statement. You
can use color to energize, or to cool down. By selecting the right color
scheme, you can create an ambiance of elegance, warmth or tranquility, or
you can convey an image of playful youthfulness. Color can be your most
powerful design element if you learn to use it effectively.
Content
The Color Wheel
Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Colors
Warm and cool colors
Tints, Shades, and Tones
Color Harmonies - basic techniques for creating color schemes
- Complementary
- Analogous
- Triadic
- Split-Complementary
- Rectangle (tetradic)
- Square

Colors affect us in numerous ways, both mentally and physically. A strong
red color has been shown to raise the blood pressure, while a blue color has
a calming effect.
Being able to use colors consciously and harmoniously can help you create
spectacular results.
The Color Wheel

The color wheel or color circle is the basic tool for combining colors. The
first circular color diagram was designed by Sir Isaac Newton in 1666.
The color wheel is designed so that virtually any colors you pick from it
will look good together. Over the years, many variations of the basic design
have been made, but the most common version is a wheel of
12 colors based on the RYB (or artistic) color model.
Traditionally, there are a number of color combinations that are considered
especially pleasing. These are called color harmonies or color chords and
they consist of two or more colors with a fixed relation in the color wheel.
ColorImpact is designed to dynamically create a color wheel to match your
base color.
Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Colors
In the RYB (or subtractive) color model, the primary colors are red, yellow
and blue.
The three secondary colors (green, orange and purple) are created by mixing
two primary colors.
Another six tertiary colors are created by mixing primary and secondary
colors.

(note: The six tertiary colors are: red-orange, yellow-orange, yellow-green,
blue-green, blue-purple, red purple.)

Warm and cool colors
The color circle can be divided into warm and cool colors.
Warm colors are vivid and energetic, and tend to advance in space.
Cool colors give an impression of calm, and create a soothing impression.
White, black and gray are considered to be neutral.
Tints, Shades, and Tones
These terms are often used incorrectly, although they describe fairly simple
color concepts. If a color is made lighter by adding white, the result is
called a tint. If black is added, the darker version is called a shade. And
if gray is added, the result is a different tone.
Tints - adding white to a pure hue:

________________________________________
Shades - adding black to a pure hue:

________________________________________
Tones - adding gray to a pure hue:

________________________________________

Color Harmonies
- basic techniques for creating color schemes Below are shown the basic
color chords based on the color wheel.
________________________________________
 	Complementary color scheme
Colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel are considered to be
complementary colors (example: red and green).
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.
Complementary color schemes are tricky to use in large doses, but work well
when you want something to stand out.
Complementary colors are really bad for text.


________________________________________
 	Analogous color scheme
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.
Analogous color schemes are often found in nature and are harmonious and
pleasing to the eye.
Make sure you have enough contrast when choosing an analogous color scheme.
Choose one color to dominate, a second to support. The third color is used
(along with black, white or gray) as an accent.


________________________________________
 	Triadic color scheme
A triadic color scheme uses colors that are evenly spaced around the color
wheel.
Triadic color schemes tend to be quite vibrant, even if you use pale or
unsaturated versions of your hues.
To use a triadic harmony successfully, the colors should be carefully
balanced - let one color dominate and use the two others for accent.


________________________________________
 	Split-Complementary color scheme
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.
This color scheme has the same strong visual contrast as the complementary
color scheme, but has less tension.
The split-complimentary color scheme is often a good choice for beginners,
because it is difficult to mess up.

________________________________________
 	Rectangle (tetradic) color scheme
The rectangle or tetradic color scheme uses four colors arranged into two
complementary pairs.
This rich color scheme offers plenty of possibilities for variation.
Tetradic color schemes works best if you let one color be dominant.
You should also pay attention to the balance between warm and cool colors in
your design.

________________________________________
 	Square color scheme
The square color scheme is similar to the rectangle, but with all four
colors spaced evenly around the color circle.
Square color schemes works best if you let one color be dominant.
You should also pay attention to the balance between warm and cool colors in
your design.
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