Colour theory
Colour theory encompasses a multitude of definitions,
concepts and design applications. As an introduction, here are a
few basic concepts.
A colour circle, based on red, yellow and blue, is traditional in the field of art. Sir Isaac Newton developed the first
circular diagram of colours in 1666.
Primary colours – red, yellow and blue. In traditional colour theory, these are the 3 pigment colours that can not be
mixed or formed by any combination of other colours. All other
colours are derived from these 3 hues. Secondary colours –
green, orange and purple. These are the colours formed by mixing the primary colours. Tertiary colours – yellow-orange, redorange, red-purple, blue-purple, blue-green and yellow-green.
These are the colours formed by mixing one primary and one
secondary colour.
Colour harmony
There are many theories for harmony. Here are some basic
formulas.
1) A colour scheme based on analogous colours. Analogous
colours are any three colours which are side by side on a 12 part colour wheel, such as yellow-green, yellow, and yelloworange. Usually one of the three colours predominates.
2) A colour scheme based on complementary colours. Complementary colours are any two colours which are directly opposite each other, such as red and green and red-purple and yellow-green.
3) A colour scheme based on nature. Nature provides a perfect
departure point for colour harmony.
When you choose a colour scheme, you’re also choosing a
mood. Research shows that colours can have a powerful effect
on your state of mind: choose the wrong colour for a room and
it could make you feel depressed, sluggish, irritable or anxious
every time you walk into it. To make your home work for you,
it’s a good idea to decide which particular feelings and activities you’d like each room to encourage, and then choose your
colour schemes accordingly.
White provides a blank canvas and allows your feelings
full play. Choose it, if you want to feel open to new ideas and
need space to think. Avoid it, if you’re feeling unsure or insecure.
Like those one-size clothes, cream fits everyone but only
really suits a few. Choose it as a calm backdrop to an intense
lifestyle. Avoid it, if you feel uninteresting or lacking in sparkle.
Red is a stimulating colour if you’re confident and versatile, overpowering if you’re not. Bright reds spell sexiness.
Choose it, if you’re an extrovert in all areas of life. Avoid it, if
you tire easily, often feel pressured or irritable or if you suffer
from claustrophobia.
Orange is impulsive and friendly. It is often chosen by fatalists who take life as it comes. Choose it if you’re outgoing
and want to create a sociable atmosphere. Avoid it if you’re
under stress. Pink blends caring and passion, hence its romantic associations. Choose it in warm shades for the bedroom. Avoid it in
cool pastel tones, if you don’t want to blunt your drive and energy.
Yellow is the colour of sunshine and optimism. Yellow is
the choice of those who want to compensate for a lack of control in the outside world. Choose it, if you’re feeling depressed
or mentally sluggish. Avoid it, if you tend to be impulsive or
slapdash.
Green is extremely restful and can have a deadening effect
in activity areas. Choose it, if you’re introverted or bookish.
Avoid it, if you’re lethargic or withdrawn.
Turquoise combines a soothing effect with a great sense
of renewal and energy. Choose it to promote positive relaxation
and to help fight insomnia. Avoid it: hardly ever. Such a wellbalanced colour can be used anywhere.
Blue appeals to conventional and conformist types.
Choose it to bring relaxation and harmony, to calm a driven
nature. Avoid it, if you feel passive and unambitious about life.
Violet is a spiritual and meditative colour. Paler shades indicate emotional immaturity. Choose it, if you’re extrovert and
to create grand impressions. Avoid it, if you’re an introvert in
any way.
Brown is colour of achievement, but it can be depressing
if the shade is too dark. Choose it, if you’re insecure, but
lighten it with bright colour accents. Avoid it, if you’re easily
depressed.
Black is ultimate achievement colour. For those whose
lives and personalities are completely formed. Choose it, if
you’re assured and successful or well on the way there. Avoid
it, if you’re low on self-confidence or anxious in any way.
Grey expresses achievement if used in darker tones.
Lighter ones suggest a need to impress. Choose it in small
quantities to make a confident statement. Avoid it over large
areas, if you feel uninspired.

1. Answer the questions:
1) What groups of colours are there according to the colour
theory?
2) How can you define the word “harmony”?
3) Why is harmony vital in our world?
4) Give an example of a harmonious colour scheme.
5) What colours make you feel secure, confident, calm?
6) Which of the above mentioned colours inspire energy, passion, friendliness, optimism?
7) What is your favourite colour? Why?