Color Harmony and Color Theory

• Primary colors are the three pigment colors that cannot be mixed or formed by any combination of other colors.
• Secondary colors are the colors formed by mixing the primary colors.
• Tertiary colors are the colors formed by mixing a primary and a secondary color.
• Color harmony is a pleasing arrangement of parts, whether it be music, poetry, color, or even an ice cream sundae.
• In visual experiences, harmony is something that is pleasing to the eye.
• When something is not harmonious, it's either boring or chaotic.
• At one extreme is a visual experience that is so bland that the viewer is not engaged. The human brain will reject under-stimulating information. At the other extreme is a visual experience that is so overdone, so chaotic that the viewer can't stand to look at it.
• The human brain rejects what it cannot organize, what it cannot understand.
• Color harmony delivers visual interest and a sense of order.
• In summary, extreme unity leads to under-stimulation, extreme complexity leads to over-stimulation.
• Harmony is a dynamic equilibrium.

1. Colors on a color wheel are organized in relation to each other.
2. Color schemes can be based on analogous colors (side by side on a 12-part color wheel), complementary colors (directly opposite each other), or natural colors (found in nature).
3. When designing with color, it is important to consider the context in which it will be used.
4. There are many formulas for creating harmony, but the most important thing is to experiment and find what works best for the particular situation.
5. When working with color, it is important to keep in mind the different effects it will have on different backgrounds and elements.

• Colors can be perceived as different colors when viewed from different angles or distances.
• The relationship of values, saturations, and the warmth or coolness of respective hues can cause noticeable differences in our perception of color.
• Colors can be named after their primary colors or after other elements that are associated with them.
• The most common color mistakes are choosing colors that are not appropriate for the environment or the person.

Test your knowledge of color theory and harmony with this quiz. Learn about primary, secondary, and tertiary colors, as well as different color schemes, perception of color, and common color mistakes.