Colour theory………what is it exactly? and how can you use it effectively and to your advantage when painting and creating art? Well recently I have been on a mission to find out more and I wanted to share some images and videos that have helped me understand it that I think will be of help to others. Having a good understanding of colour theory can help you when mixing colours for your art, craft or even other professions like hairdressing and interior design.
This is an updated post from last year. To see the original post click here.
To get your FREE copy of a blank colour wheel that you can colour in to help you in your own work/craft, click the link below. FREE blank Colour Wheel
I have also included a free pdf available courtesy of from www.nbacademy.org.uk/Homework/Art/. Click the link below to get a copy of this too FREE colour_theory_work_sheet
So let’s dive into the theory and get started!
The Basics
There are 3 primary colours red, blue and yellow. You cannot ‘make’ the primary colours. All colours are made from a combination of these 3 colours (which is why it’s really useful to know about colour theory!). From the primary colours, you can make the 3 secondary colours which are made by:
Red + Yellow = Orange
Yellow + Blue = Green
Blue + Red= Violet
You can mix any colour of the rainbow, by using the 3 primaries in varying quantities.
How to neutralise colours/ or make a neutral brown:
Red neutralises Green (and vice versa)
Blue neutralises Orange (and vice versa)
Yellow neutralises Violet (and vice versa)
These colour combinations are also known as complementary colours (red+ green, yellow+violet, blue+orange). We use complementary colours to either enhance or minimise a colours presence.
Example:
If you mix red with green (depending on the individual shade/tint of colour) they will neutralise each other and you will get a neutral brown. That is, a brown with no tone. If you mix red and green together in unequal quantities you will get either a warm brown (if more red is added than green) or a cool brown (if more green is added than red), as to get a neutral brown, the quantities of each colour must be the same, otherwise one colour will dominate over the other.
Other images that are helpful…….
If you want a visual aid that will help you to understand colour theory more and also help you when mixing colours, get a colour wheel. They are easy to use and will last a log time if you look after them, plus you can purchase the pocket colour wheel as pictured above from Amazon here. The pocket colour wheels are a good size and cost less than £5! A very useful item that doesn’t cost too much and will help you in your art or craft when mixing colours.
I have included some good Youtube videos below that show colour theory in more depth should you want more information than what is listed here.
Hope this has helped you! I would love to know if the free pdf’s have been of help to you. Please leave me a comment below and tell me if you have enjoyed these pdf’s as I am always looking for ways of helping out my readers! That includes you 🙂
If there is a particular topic or area of art that you would like help with, or you would just like to see more free pdf’s, please shout out and let me know either here or by email (nicolaannerowe@gmail.com).
Happy colouring!
