Color Wheel Chart

Red, blue and yellow are the basic three colors of the color wheel. Let us look at the color wheel in detail, and find out how to use a color wheel chart for various purposes in day-to-day life.
"Colors must fit together as pieces in a puzzle or cogs in a wheel." says Hans Hofmann. But, if you are a total beginner to color wheel, then this statement made by Hans Hofmann, may seem insignificant to you. If you feel the same way, then look at the two pictures below. Look closely at those two pictures, for a minute.... The first picture is of the moon while the other is of the sun. The picture of the sun looks very warm and bright, while the second picture of the moon is a cool and soothing one to the eyes. Now, let us look at the color wheel and the various types of colors that constitute the it.
Cool Colors Warm Colors
Basics of the Color Wheel

The Primary Colors
There are three primary colors which form the foundation of the color wheel, which are RED, BLUE and YELLOW. Imagine a three wheeled vehicle, which are supported by its wheels. Similarly, these three colors support the color wheel. These are also the three primary pigments, mixing which you can create all the possible colors you can think of.
Primary Colors

The Secondary Colors
As mentioned above, the three primary colors when mixed together form some more colors. So, when these three primary colors are mixed together we get the secondary colors. Here are the equations that will help you understand the mixing of colors, and the new secondary colors which it produces, that is purple, green and orange.

Yellow + Red = Orange

Red + Blue = Purple

Blue + Yellow = Green
Secondary Colors

The Tertiary Colors
Now come the tertiary colors, which are the colors created by mixing the primary and secondary colors. One can't call all the colors by name, as they differ according to the primary pigments used. So, calling them yellow-orange, blue-green, yellow-green is better. Here is the tertiary paint color wheel.
Tertiary Colors

Understand the Terminology

Once you know mixing what colors, what new colors you can create, then you can even work with 3 basic pigments and go on creating more and more colors. So, remember the above mixing of primary and secondary colors, to create new colors. Many times you will come across different terms. The terms can be used while painting on canvas, painting on walls, when photographing, when shopping, etc. So, understanding these terms will help you to paint or do your normal activities better.

Shades and Tones

Shade: Shade is a color which is mixed with black, the more black the darker the shade.

Tone: Tone is created by mixing a color with gray.

Tint: Tint is a color which is mixed with white, the more white used the lighter the tint is.

Hue: Hue is the actual intensity of the color, this means the more the hue it means the more the purity of the color.

Cool Colors: The cool colors are greens, blues, purple, etc. These colors have a soothing and calming effect on us.

Warm Colors: These are colors are reds, yellows, and oranges. Warm colors indicate energy, and give a cozy feeling.

Neutral Color: Neutral colors are those which are not warm or cool colors, but belong to the neutral palette. For example, gray, white, black, beige, and cream.

Complementary Color: These are colors which are opposite to the each other in the color wheel. For example, red and blue.

Tips on Using the Color Wheel

A color wheel is very important to any artist. It helps the person to use the color wheel, to create different moods, effects and emotions through the paintings. However, the use of color wheel is not just limited to artists, anybody can use the color wheel basics in their life.

Pigment Mixing

For example you want to go to the stylist to color your hair, so which is the right hair color for you. A look at the hair color wheel will help to decide a suitable color for you. You will be able to choose a cool or warm hair color depending upon your skin tone.

Color wheel for kids will help them paint better, color better, and also decorate better. Having an understanding of the various available shades can also help them to distinguish between different items, also they can use the various colors to organize things.

People who want to get their house painted, can use the meaning of various color, to try out some interior paint colors and ideas. Color wheel chart for interior designing or coloring is very useful. You can paint a room cool and soothing one with blues, or a room cozy with warm colors, or neutral. You can also mix two or three colors to create interesting color schemes. Or mix and match different types of colors to create a unique looking room.

This was the color wheel explained, different terms associated with it, and its applications. Now, look again at the above two pictures and the above picture and you will be able to understand those pictures better.
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Published: 12/30/2010
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