Color Schemes and More about Color

Analogous color scheme

Analogous color schemes use colors that are next to each other on the color wheel. They usually match well and create serene and comfortable designs. (example:red, red orange, orange, yellow orange) Analogous color schemes are often found in nature and are harmonious and pleasing to the eye. Choose one color to dominate, a second to support. The third color is used as an accent.

Discord Color Scheme

Colors that are next to each other on the color wheel with an accent of a color opposite on the color wheel. (example: blue violet, blue, blue green, green, orange) This color scheme is brings your eye to an emphasis area very quickly with the contrasting color used to draw you into a focal point.

Complementary color scheme

Colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel are considered to be complementary colors (example: red and green). The high contrast of complementary colors creates a vibrant look especially when used at full saturation. Complementary color schemes work well when you want something to stand out.

Secondary Colors

Orange, Green, Violet

Primary Colors

Red, Blue, Yellow

Triadic color scheme

Three colors equally spaced on the color wheel, The easiest way to place them on the wheel is by using a triangle of equal sides. (example: red, yellow, blue) This scheme is very popular among artists because it offers strong visual contrast while retaining balance, and color richness. Triadic color schemes tend to be quite vibrant, even if you use pale or unsaturated versions of your hues. To use a triadic harmony successfully, the colors should be carefully balanced - let one color dominate and use the two others for accent.

Split-Complementary color scheme

Variation of the complementary color scheme. In addition to the base color, it uses the two colors adjacent to its complement. (example: Yellow. red violet, blue violet) This color scheme has the same strong visual contrast as the complementary color scheme, but has less tension.

Monochromatic Color Scheme

Varying values of one color within the Color Wheel. (example: Light blue, blue, dark blue) This color scheme gives the feeling of simplicity, elegance, and cleanliness. This scheme is easy to manage, and producing a soothing and calming effect.

Tertiary Colors

sometimes called intermediate colors RED-ORANGE, YELLOW-ORANGE, YELLOW-GREEN, BLUE-GREEN, BLUE-VIOLET, and RED-VIOLET

Chroma

the quality of a color's purity, intensity or saturation. For example: A gray color is a neutral -- an extreme low chroma. Fire-engine red may be a high-chroma red. Brick red may be a middle-chroma red.