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Colour Theory

Updated: May 19, 2020

We're able to perceive objects and colour via light bouncing off of surfaces.

Light contains all colour and each colour is a different wave length.

Additive Spectrum (light)

























Addition of all colours = white

Subtractive Spectrum (pigment)














Subtraction of all colours = purity


Colour can be described in 3 ways:

Hue

Value

Chroma


Hue

Pigment or The actual wavelength we perceive
















Chroma

The intensity or Saturation of Hue





Value

Black or white





3 stages of colour wheel

Primary

Secondary

Tertiary


Complimentary

The use of complimentary colours in this image make them appear brighter. The artist also uses complimentary colours as shadows.

Analogous

Analogous colours work well together and create natural harmony.

Vincent uses analogous colours to create a natural harmony in the sky while still having motion in the stars.

Triadic

The use of triadic colours in this image is harmonious and vibrant. By using triadic colours the flowers remain pleasing to the eye while still being vibrant.


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