Color Theory PDF

CLASS 1 COLOUR THEORY Light & its importance Light: Light, a form of electromagnetic energy emitted by the sun, comes in diverse wavelengths. This variability results in both visible light and invisible light. a. Visible...

CLASS 1 COLOUR THEORY Light & its importance Light: Light, a form of electromagnetic energy emitted by the sun, comes in diverse wavelengths. This variability results in both visible light and invisible light. a. Visible light: Visible light refers to the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that is perceptible to the human eye, typically ranging from violet to red. b. Invisible light: invisible light encompasses electromagnetic radiation beyond this range, including ultraviolet, infrared, and other non- visible wavelengths. What is Colour ? Color is a fundamental aspect of visual perception. Color is a form of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths between approximately 380-780 nanometers, perceived by the human eye and brain as a range of hues, saturations, and lightness levels. What a ‘Colour’ can do ? 1. Influence spatial perception and ambiance. 2. Evoke emotions and psychological responses. 3. Create visual hierarchy and emphasis. 4. Connect to cultural, historical, and contextual references. 5. Interact with natural and artificial light sources. 6. Affect the perceived size, shape, and texture of spaces and forms What is colour system ? Color systems provide a way to effectively communicate about color by graphically organizing all possible color percepts and notating the relationships of those colors in a quantitative way. This organization makes accurate specification and matching of colors possible in science, art, and industry. Munsell Colour theory 1898: Albert A. Munsell organized Sir Isaac Newton's discoveries into a comprehensive color charting system. Global Recognition: Widely acknowledged and endorsed by the Bureau of Weights and Standards. Universal Acceptance: Embraced by artists and colorists worldwide, making it the most widely accepted color system. Three-Dimensional Space: Represented as a 3D space with axes for Hue, Value, and Chroma. Comprehensive Understanding: Colors located in 3D space based on unique combinations of attributes, enabling a deep understanding of color relationships. Munsell Colour theory The Munsell system finds applications in various fields, including art, design, geology, and agriculture. The Munsell notation system uniquely identifies each color with a combination of letters and numbers. The notation consists of three parts: the hue, value, and Chroma. Ex: 5YR 6/8 would mean a color with a hue of 5YR, a value of 6, and a Chroma of 8. Munsell used initials as symbols to signify the ten hue sectors that are made up of the principle and intermediate hues: R, YR, Y, GY, G, BG, B, PB, P, and RP. Hues can be broken down further and identified on a scale of 0 to 100. Hue The actual color is known as hue, enables distinct identification by name. In the Munsell system, hues form a circular arrangement, creating a visual spectrum. Primary hues like red, yellow, green, blue, and purple encircle the circle, with intermediary hues gracefully bridging the gaps between them. Hue Cycle: Munsell organized hues in a circular cycle, with 10 major hue sectors: R (Red), YR (Yellow-Red), Y (Yellow), GY (Green-Yellow), G (Green), BG (Blue-Green), B (Blue), PB (Purple- Blue), P (Purple), and RP (Red-Purple). Hue Notation: Each hue sector is designated by a symbol (e.g., R, YR, Y), and further divided into 10 sub-sectors (e.g., R1, R2,..., R10). Chroma Chroma measures how bright or dull a color is, ranging from bright (high Chroma) to dull (low Chroma). (Or) Saturation or intensity, refers to the purity or vividness of a color. It measures the amount of gray present in a color. A low chroma indicates a more muted or desaturated color, while a high chroma represents a more vibrant and saturated color. Chroma Scale: Chroma is measured on a scale of 0 (neutral gray) to 16 (maximum chroma), with higher numbers indicating more vivid colors. Chroma and Hue: Chroma is closely related to hue, as different hues have varying levels of chroma. For example, yellows tend to have higher chroma than blues. Chroma and Value: Chroma also interacts with value (lightness), as colors with high chroma tend to appear more vibrant when at higher values (lighter). Value Value represents the lightness or darkness of a color. (Or) Value refers to the lightness or darkness of a color, ranging from pure black (minimum value) to pure white (maximum value). Value refers to the lightness or darkness of a color, ranging from pure black (minimum value) to pure white (maximum value). Value Scale: The Munsell system uses a scale from 0 to 10, where 0 is black, 5 is a middle gray, and 10 is white. Colors with the same hue but different values are considered variations of that hue in terms of lightness. This makes hundreds of more colours from the basic 12 colours of the wheel. Value and Hue: Value is independent of hue, meaning that any hue can have a range of values, from very light to very dark.  Tints are lightened colors, achieved by adding white. This process softens the color, resulting in a delicate, pastel-like shade. To create a tint, start with white and gradually add color until the desired lightness is achieved. A Tone is created by adding black and white to a pure colour, desaturating it, and making it more muted and less intense, similar to graying down. Shades are darkened colours. A shade is created by adding black to a color, resulting in a darker and more subdued version of the original hue. Classification of ‘Colours’ Based on the formation and blending of hues, colours are categorized as primary, secondary, and tertiary. This scheme was developed by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, a German philosopher and scientist, in his book "Theory of Colors" (Farbenlehre) in 1810. However, the scheme was further refined and popularized by other artists and educators, including: 1. Philipp Otto Runge (1777-1810), a German painter 2. Ewald Hering (1834-1918), a German physiologist 3. Albert Munsell (1858-1918), an American artist Colour Wheel  Classification of ‘Colours’ Primary colours Secondary colours Tertiary colours Primary colors are Secondary colors are formed by Tertiary colors are created by fundamental hues that mixing two primary colors. combining a primary color with cannot be created by mixing Secondary colors occupy the an adjacent secondary color. other colors. middle position between their Red-Orange = Vermilion In traditional color theory, constituent primary colors on Yellow-Orange = Amber the primary colors are red, the color wheel. Yellow-Green = Chartreuse blue, and yellow. Red + Blue = Violet Blue-Green = Teal These colors serve as the Red + yellow = Orange foundation for creating a Blue-Purple = Violet Blue + Yellow = Green wide range of colors in Red-Purple = Magenta various art forms and design applications.  Traditional Colour schemes Monochromatic colours Achromatic colours A monochromatic color scheme uses A scheme is one that is colourless, using different shades of a single color, black, white and grey. It can be defined creating a cohesive and harmonious as neutral colour scheme. visual effect. Neutral color schemes involve using The scheme involves varying the neutral colors such as whites, grays, and lightness of the single color by adding blacks. white, gray, or black to create different They provide a clean, sophisticated, and shades, tints, and tones. timeless look.  Traditional Colour schemes 1. Complementary colour schemes involve colors that are directly opposite each other on the color wheel. This creates a high contrast and vibrant look. Red and green Blue and orange Yellow and violet 2. Analogous colour scheme is made of three to five colours next to each other in the colour wheel. It involve colours that are adjacent to each other on the colour wheel. It creates a serene and unified appearance and this combination of colours provide very little contrast. 3. Triadic colour scheme involve three colors that are evenly spaced around the colour wheel. It provides a balance between contrast and colour richness. 1. Red-Blue-Yellow 2. Orange-Green-Violet Traditional Colour schemes 4. Split-complementary colour schemes use a base color and the two colors adjacent to its complementary color. It offers high contrast while maintaining some harmony. Blue, Yellow-Green, and Orange-Red Red, Blue-Green, and Yellow-Orange Yellow, Blue-Violet, and Red-Orange 5. Tetradic colour schemes involve two sets of complementary colors. It offers a wide range of color possibilities but requires careful balance. Combining red and green with orange and blue for a rich and varied palette.  Colour temperature The concept of warm and cool colors is related to colour temperature. Color temperature is a measure of the warmth or coolness of a color, typically expressed in Kelvin (K). It describes the color's tendency to lean towards warm (red, orange, yellow) or cool (blue, green, purple) hues. This metaphorical association influences how we perceive and respond to different color schemes. Warm colors have a higher color temperature (above 5000K) & Cool colors have a lower color temperature (below 5000K). Warm Colors (Red, Orange, Yellow): 1. Evoke Emotions: Warm colors tend to stimulate emotions, increase energy, and create a sense of excitement, warmth, and comfort. 2. Stimulate Action: Warm colors can encourage action, stimulate appetite, and increase heart rate, making them suitable for call-to-actions, food branding, and sports. Cool Colors (Blue, Green, Purple): 1. Calm Emotions: Cool colors tend to calm emotions, reduce stress, and create a sense of relaxation, serenity, and tranquility. 2. Promote Trust: Cool colors can convey trust, loyalty, and professionalism, making them suitable for corporate branding, healthcare, and technology. Warm & Cool colour scheme According to Josef Albers' book "The Interaction of Color" (1963), the concept of warm and cool colors was not invented by a single person, but rather evolved through the contributions of various artists, scientists, and philosophers throughout history. Albers mentions that the ancient Greeks, particularly Aristotle, discussed the warm and cool properties of colors. Later, in the 18th century, the German philosopher Johann Wolfgang von Goethe wrote extensively on color theory, including the warm and cool aspects of colors. Warm colours Warm colours evoke a sense of warmth, energy, and vibrancy. They are typically associated with elements like fire, sunlight, and heat. Common warm colours include reds, oranges, yellows, and variations like warm browns. Warm colours are often used to create a lively and energetic atmosphere in art and design. They tend to advance visually and can make objects or spaces feel closer or more prominent. Red is considered as psychologically dominant warm colour. Cool colours Cool colours impart a sense of calmness, tranquility, and serenity. They are often associated with nature, water, and cooler environments. Common cool colors include blues, greens, and purples. Cool colors tend to recede visually and can create a sense of depth and openness. They are frequently used to establish a calming and soothing ambiance in various visual compositions. Blue is considered as dominant cool colour. Colour Psychology Colour is a potent and multifaceted tool that plays a profound role in human communication, emotion, and physiology. It has the power to: - Inspire action and motivate behavior - Evoke emotions and influence mood - Stimulate physiological responses, such as: Increased blood pressure Boosted metabolism Eyestrain and visual fatigue “Colors, like features, follow the changes of the emotions," - Pablo Picasso  What Is Colour Psychology? Colour psychology is the study of how different colours affect human mood and behavior. It explores how colours can influence emotional responses, as well as how responses to colour are affected by factors such as age and cultural background. Red Orange Yellow Green Grey 1. Passion 1. Creativity 1. Happiness 1. Nature 1. Neutrality 2. Energy 2. Warmth 2. Optimism 2. Growth 2. Balance 3. Love 3. Playfulness 3. Caution 3. Harmony 3. Sophistication 4. Anger 4. Vibrancy 4. Sunshine 4. Balance 4. Boredom 5. Warning 5. Excitement 5. Hope 5. Freshness 5. Technology Blue Purple Pink Brown Black 1. Calmness 1. Luxury 1. Softness 1. Earthiness 1. Power 2. Trust 2. Imagination 2. Femininity 2. Stability 2. Elegance 3. Loyalty 3. Wisdom 3. Sweetness 3. Warmth 3. Death 4. Serenity 4. Creativity 4. Innocence 4. Comfort 4. Mystery 5. Confidence 5. Grandeur 5. Playfulness 5. Reliability 5. Formality One 2020 study that surveyed the emotional associations of 4,598 people from 30 different countries found that people commonly associate certain colours with specific emotions. According to the study results Black: 51% of respondents associated black with sadness Fact: White: 43% of people associated white with relief Our feelings about colour Red: 68% associated red with love are often deeply personal and rooted in our own Blue: 35% linked blue to feelings of relief experience or culture. For Green: 39% linked green to contentment example, while the colour Yellow: 52% felt that yellow means joy white is used in many Western countries to Purple: 25% reported they associated purple with pleasure represent purity and Brown: 36% linked brown to disgust innocence, it is seen as a Orange: 44% associated orange with joy symbol of mourning in many Eastern countries. Pink: 50% linked pink with love Source: Jonauskaite D, Abu-Akel A, Dael N, et al. Universal patterns in color-emotion associations are further shaped by linguistic and geographic proximity. Psychol Sci. 2020;31(10):1245-1260. doi:10.1177/0956797620948810  Importance of colour psychology in architecture Colour psychology plays a crucial role in architecture as it can significantly impact the emotional, cognitive, and behavioral responses of building occupants. Here are some ways colour psychology is important in architecture: 1. Mood and Atmosphere: Colours can create a specific mood or atmosphere in a space, influencing how occupants feel and interact. Example: The Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai uses a warm, golden colour scheme to create a luxurious and opulent atmosphere, evoking feelings of grandeur and sophistication. 2. Way finding and Navigation: Colours can be used to guide people through a building, highlighting important features, and creating visual hierarchies. 3. Branding and Identity: Example: The Amsterdam Schiphol Airport uses a clear and consistent Colours can reinforce a building's brand color scheme to guide passengers through the terminal, with different or identity, creating recognition and colors indicating different zones and facilities consistency. Example: The Coca-Cola headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, features a distinctive red and white color scheme that reinforces the company's iconic brand identity. The building's design, including the use of red accents and a white wave pattern, creates a visual connection to the Coca-Cola logo and reinforces the brand's recognition and consistency. 4. Emotional Connection: Colours can create an emotional 5. Physiological Responses: connection between occupants and a space, fostering a sense of Colours can impact physiological belonging or community. responses, such as heart rate, blood Example: The Maggie's Centre in Edinburgh, a cancer care facility, pressure, and cortisol levels, uses a warm and comforting color scheme to create a sense of calm influencing occupant well-being. and tranquility, helping patients feel more at ease. Example: The use of blue lighting in the bedrooms of the Marriott Hotel chain is designed to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality, as blue light has been shown to lower cortisol levels. 6. Space Perception: Colours can alter the perceived size, shape, and proportions of a space, affecting how occupants experience and interact with it. Example: The use of white and light-colored finishes in the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao creates a sense of spaciousness and airiness, making the museum feel larger than it actually is. 7. Cultural Significance: Colours can hold different meanings in various cultures, requiring consideration in design to avoid misinterpretation. Example: The use of red in the Beijing National Stadium (the "Bird's Nest") is a nod to China's cultural significance, as red is a symbol of good luck and prosperity in Chinese culture.  Impact of colours on Mental health Colors can significantly impact mental health by influencing emotions, mood, and behavior. 1. Calming Colors: a. Blue: Associated with feelings of serenity, tranquility, and relaxation. Light blue and pale blue shades can reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. b. Green: Balances emotions, reduces eye strain, and promotes relaxation. Darker greens can also represent growth, harmony, and stability. c. Purple: Encourages creativity, calms the mind, and promotes problem-solving. Softer purples can reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. 2. Stimulating Colors: a. Red: Increases energy, alertness, and stimulation. Can boost mood, but excessive exposure can lead to anxiety and agitation. b. Orange: Enhances creativity, enthusiasm, and excitement. Can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. c. Yellow: Stimulates memory, cognitive function, and mood. Can help reduce symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD).  Impact of colours on Mental health 3. Neutral Colours: a. Beige: Provides a sense of balance, stability, and calmness. Can reduce visual stimulation and promote relaxation. b. Grey: Neutral and balancing, can reduce anxiety and stress. Can also represent sophistication and elegance. c. White: Represents clarity, purity, and simplicity. Can reduce visual stimulation, promote calmness, and support individuals with sensory sensitivities. Color Psychology in Mental Health: 1. Mood Disorders: Colors can influence mood, with calming colors reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. 2. Anxiety Disorders: Calming colors can reduce anxiety, while stimulating colors can exacerbate it. 3. Sensory Processing: Colors can affect individuals with sensory sensitivities, with neutral colors providing relief. 4. Cognitive Function: Colors can influence cognitive performance, memory, and attention. THANK YOU