Art basics – Color: Categories and Harmonies

Categories of Color

I remember in grade school learning about primary colors (red, yellow, blue), secondary colors (orange, violet, green) and complementary colors (colors opposite each other on a color wheel). I don’t remember these details however:

Intermediate colors (red orange, yellow green, blue violet, etc.) are made by mixing a primary color with a secondary color.

Complementary colors look bright next to each other, but when mixed together neutralize each other.

Analogous colors are next to each other on a color wheel, such as red, red orange, orange.
Monochromatic color is one color used in different values and intensities.

Color Harmonies

Color Harmonies is combinations of colors to create different looks or feelings.

When 3 equally spaced colors on the color wheel are used it is called a Triadic Harmony.

Warm colors give the feeling of warmth. Cool colors give the feeling of coolness or cold.