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. Read more!

Art basics - Color

Color has hue, intensity and value.

Hue is the color name, i.e. red or blue.

Intensity refers to the purity of color. Intensity is reduced by the amount of black or white mixed in – this quality of intensity is often referred to as tint or shade.

Value refers to the amount of black or white mixed into the pure color.

Color Transitions – i.e. from dark to lighter – are called blends. It’s a gradual transition from one color to another—a blending of one color to another. Read more!

Art basics - Texture and Light

Texture is the surface quality of the object. In two dimensional art it is implied texture—how objects look like they would feel if you could touch them.

Textured items reflect light differently. The more texture the less reflection of light.

Light in a painting can be dramatic, mysterious, cold, hot, dappled, rainy, and can make patterns, shapes, etc. The direction of light, where the light source is coming from, influences how the shadows in picture will be formed. There are 3 categories of shadow: the shadow side of the object, the shadow cast by the object, and proximity shadows caused when objects touch or nearly touch each other.

The contrast between dark and light not only defines space and form, but it also conveys feelings and drama. Light can express good while dark can express evil. Read more!

Art basics – Space

Space is the distance or area around, between, above, below or within places. It can be two dimensional or three dimensional.

In two dimensional work artists often use techniques that create the illusion of depth or distance. Some of these techniques are:

Linear perspective – distant objects are proportionally smaller than close objects

Atmospheric perspective – distant objects and spaces are less detailed and less intense

Placement of objects – distant shapes are placed higher on the picture plane and closer shapes are placed lower. Overlapping objects on the plane can also suggest space. Read more!