Colour Theory Introduction for Beginner Artists

Colour is one of the most fun parts of making art! When you start painting or drawing, playing with all the beautiful colours can be magical. However, combining colours nicely isn’t always easy for beginners. This is where learning colour theory can really help take your art to the next level.

So what exactly is colour theory?

Colour theory is the guidance system that shows us how colours work together. It teaches us which colours look nice side by side.

For example, blue placed next to orange makes both colours appear brighter. On the flip side, some colour neighbours don’t get along quite as nicely. Colour theory guides us around these rocky relationships, ensuring our colour choices sing together in harmony.

Understanding these connections between colours allows us to make informed decisions as we create. You can feel confident combining vibrant shades without having mud.

Your sunset pictures will illuminate the sky with radiance. Colour theory brings order to the chaotic rainbow, giving every artist a framework for colour success.

In the art world, the term colour theory refers to working with pigments – that is, paints and other physical colour mediums.

Digital artists deal more with light and colour, which we won’t cover here but I will touch on the subject briefly when necessary. This introduction focuses specifically on colour theory for painting. We’ll explore all the core concepts to give traditional artists a solid foundation.

So why learn colour theory as a beginner?

Well, colour can make or break a painting. A smart grasp of colour relationships leads to prettier paintings. You’ll find colours mix better, combinations glow with vibrance and your art draws the viewer in.

Let’s get started building your colour confidence!

What is Colour Theory?

Colour theory guides how to mix and match colours. It’s a set of principles designed to help artists understand relationships between colours. Learning colour theory allows you to make informed colour choices so your artworks look amazing!

At first glance, colour theory may seem complicated – a complex web of colour meanings, schemes and connections. However, the foundations are actually quite simple. Colour theory boils down to three main areas:

1. The Colour Wheel

This handy visual tool organises colours into a circular diagram. It demonstrates colour relationships in an easy-to-grasp format. We’ll delve deeper into the colour wheel shortly.

2. Colour Harmonies

These are specific colour combinations that complement one another beautifully. They provide tried-and-tested colour schemes you can safely use in your art.

3. Colour Context

This examines how colour meaning can change depending on placement. For example, red placed on green may symbolise Christmas. Understanding context allows you to use colour strategically.

While more complex aspects of colour theory exist, these core foundations unlock a world of possibility! Even basic colour knowledge empowers your mixing and colour choices.

So in summary, colour theory deconstructs the vast rainbow into bite-sized pieces. It offers every artist guidance for combining colours effectively. A splash of colour confidence awaits – let’s continue our colour theory adventure!

History of Colour Theory

Before we dive into all the exciting colour theory tools, let’s go back in time to understand where colour theory came from. Understanding the origin story gives us deeper insight into how colour theory works its magic!

Isaac Newton

Many credit Isaac Newton for being the original colour theory pioneer. His curious mind discovered that white light actually contains the colours of the rainbow!

Here’s a quick peek at Newton’s game-changing colour experiments:

–      He used a prism to break up a beam of sunlight into separate colours

–      This demonstrated that white light combines all wavelength colours

–      These colours range from red to violet, which we now know forms the visible part of the  electromagnetic spectrum

Newton realised our eyes perceive these wavelengths as different colours. With this discovery, he recognised that colour is intrinsically linked to light and wavelength. These groundbreaking experiments laid the foundations of colour science as we know it!

After Newton, other scientists built upon his work to deepen our understanding of colour and vision. But it was truly the artists who transformed this knowledge into the practical framework we call colour theory today.

They realised combining Newton’s colour science with art opened up endless creative possibilities!

Over centuries, artists and theorists developed colour relationship guidelines. They mixed colours and analysed combinations that sang in harmony.

This experimental knowledge led to the building blocks we use – the colour wheel and colour schemes. Through trial and error, they translated the science into understandable guidance.

So while Newton uncovered the origins of colour using prisms and light, artists shaped this into a theory of how pigments interact. Together, their contributions gift us the colour wisdom we utilize in art today!

The first documented colour wheel is credited to Claude Boutet, a French artist and theorist active in the early 18th century.

In 1708, Boutet introduced a pioneering circular diagram showcasing colour relationships, featuring seven distinct hues arranged in a symmetric pattern. This initial colour wheel was strongly influenced by Sir Isaac Newton’s contemporary research on optics and colour perception.

Following Newton’s framework, Boutet’s wheel sequentially displayed the colours of the visible spectrum: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet.

Now you know the brief history behind colour theory’s conception. Let’s start exploring the colour theory tools birthed from history’s experiments! Onwards with our colour adventure!

Colour Wheel Models

Now comes the fun part – delving into colour wheels! Colour wheels visualise colour relationships in an easy-to-grasp circular format. They form the backbone of colour theory for artists.

When beginning colour theory, the abundance of colour wheels seems overwhelming. You might be wondering – why are there so many?! Which one is best?!

Fear not, in this section we’ll briefly overview the main colour wheel models and explain why we’ll focus our journey on RYB theory.

RGB and CMY Colour Wheels

The RGB (red, green, blue) and CMY (cyan, magenta, yellow) wheels are used primarily in digital art and print design. Since we’re talking fine art painting, we won’t examine these colour models in detail but it is worth mentioning the following:

RGB colour wheel

RGB is the colour model used for electronic displays like computer monitors, TVs and smartphones. RGB is also used in digital cameras, digital art and web design.

In short, the RGB colour model combines light wavelengths for digital screens.

It combines red, green and blue light in varying intensities to create a wide spectrum of colours. When all three colours (or lights) are at maximum intensity, we get white; when all are off, we get black.

CMY colour wheel

CYM uses ink pigments for colour printing. It starts with a white surface (like paper) and subtracts colour by overlaying cyan, magenta and yellow inks. The more ink, the darker the colour.

Graphic designers work in CMYK (adding black) for print projects.

Feel free to explore these further if you work across digital and traditional art forms. But for painting purposes, we’ll set these aside for now.

RYB Colour Wheel

The RYB (red, yellow, blue) colour wheel illuminates the world of painting pigments. This makes it perfect for grasping colour theory for fine arts and crafts.

Unlike RGB and CMY, RYB deals with subtractive colour mixing. This is the blending process artists do when mixing paint shades. Making RYB an excellent foundation for painting mastery!

For beginner artists exploring colour relationships, RYB delivers colour truth in a simple package.

Additive and Subtractive Colour Models

I want to touch briefly on this subject as part of the overall Colour Theory.

Additive colour system

Additive colour involves combining different wavelengths of light to create new colours. The primary colours in this model are red, green and blue (RGB).

When you mix these colours in varying intensities, you produce secondary colours. By adding all the different wavelengths of natural light, our eyes perceive white light. Conversely, when no light is present, we perceive black.

Subtractive colour system

Subtractive colour involves mixing physical materials like paint pigments, printing inks and dyes. The more colour materials you mix, the darker the resulting colour becomes.

It’s called “subtractive” because certain wavelengths are absorbed or subtracted from white light.

• CMY and CMYK:

CMY is a subtractive colour system. Cyan, Magenta and Yellow are the primary colours of inks in the printing industry. It was found that mixing those three primary colours produced muddy brown colours and, therefore, a fourth colour, black, was added to the primary colours and became known as CYMK in the printing industry.

• RYB:

RYB is also a subtractive colour system.

Note the different applications of colour: as pigments, as lights and as inks.

Now that you understand the most common colour models, let’s dive deeper into RYB colour theory!

What is RYB Colour Wheel?

The RYB colour wheel is vital for grasping colour theory fundamentals. The following diagrams demonstrate how red, yellow and blue paint pigments interact.

Primary Colours

In RYB theory, red, yellow and blue are primary colours. This means you can’t create these colours by mixing others. We must start with pre-made paint pigments for pure red, yellow and blue.

Secondary Colours

By mixing two primary colours, we get the secondary colours:

• Red + Yellow = Orange
• Yellow + Blue = Green
• Blue + Red = Violet

Trying this yourself allows you to witness RYB colour theory in action!

Tertiary Colours

We get tertiary colours by mixing a primary with a secondary. For example:

• Red + Orange = Red-Orange
• Yellow + Orange = Yellow-Orange
• Yellow + Green = Yellow-Green

And so forth, to create a range of blended tertiary tones.

Unlocking Paint Potential

As you explore blending primary paint pigments, a world of exciting new shades unlocks before your eyes. You witness first-hand how to transform a basic palette into a vibrant rainbow.

Understanding these intermixing relationships is key for intentional colour choices. With RYB wisdom, you gain complete control over the colour potential at your fingertips!

Now let’s dig into some real art examples that rely on masterful RYB colour theory…

Warm vs Cool Colours

Beyond the colour wheel, another vital aspect of colour theory is understanding temperature. We categorise colours as either warm or cool.

This may seem odd at first – after all, paint pigments don’t actually feel hot or cold! But imagining temperature is an incredibly handy way to conceptualize colour personalities.

What are Warm Colours?

Warm colours like red, orange and yellow remind us of things like fire and sunlight. In nature, think of fiery sunsets, crackling flames and desert sand. These colours feel lively, passionate and bursting with heat energy.

In art, warm colours jump forward in a painting, feeling very active and attention-grabbing. Their bold vibrancy creates excitement and intensity.

What are Cool Colours?

Alternatively, cool colours seem calmer and more serene. They make us think of things like lakes, snow or mint. Tranquil blue skies, icy mountain peaks and lush forest shades evoke this cooler feeling. 

In painting, cool colours recede gently into the distance rather than assault the eye. Their hushed hues create gentle atmospheres of whispering breezes.

Using Temperature Intentionally

Understanding this concept allows intentional colour use:

• Warm focal point = dynamism
• Cool background = soothing mood
• Contrasting temperatures = visual tension

This emotional temperature language helps inform harmonious colour choices. Now let’s see temperature colour theory applied through real artwork…

Defining Colour Terminology

Now that we’ve explored the foundations, let’s clearly define some key colour theory terms.

Having a vocabulary for discussing colour specifics makes it easier to dissect colours used in art. It allows precise conversations about the exact shades and blends we see.

Hue

Hue refers to a pure colour tone. We can point to a hue located on the colour wheel. For example red, yellow and blue are hues.

Tint

A tint happens when we add white paint to a hue. This lightens the colour pigment, desaturating towards pale pastel shades. Adding white to blue makes a soft sky blue.

Tone

Grey added to a colour generates a tone. Tones mute and subdue the vividness of a hue. A burgundy tone might incorporate purple, red wine and grey.

Shade

On the flip side, adding black paint creates a shade. This darkens and intensifies the depth of the hue. Mixing black with red gives a vampiric blood-red shade.

Colour Harmony

We’ve built solid foundations exploring colour theory fundamentals. Now we bring all this knowledge together by applying it through colour schemes!

Colour schemes provide tried-and-tested colour combination formulas we can use for painting success. They take the guesswork out of wondering which colours play nicely together.

Let’s overview some popular harmonious colour plans:

Complementary Colours

This scheme uses opposite colours on the colour wheel. For example:

• Red and green
• Yellow and purple
• Blue and orange

When paired, they create maximum contrast and vibrance. But use a dominant colour and accent complement to prevent overpowering tension.

Analogous Colours

Analogous means neighbouring colours on the wheel. Think of a gradient triad like:

• Red, red-orange, orange
• Blue, blue-violet, violet

This creates a sense of visual continuity that’s peaceful and harmonious.

Triadic Colours

Triadic uses three colours spaced evenly around the wheel. For example, vivid primary trios like:

• Blue, yellow, red
• Violet, orange, green

This vibrant combo offers dynamic energy through diversity.

Split Complementary Colours

A split complementary trio contains a main hue, plus the colours adjacent to its complement. For example:

• Orange
• Blue-green
• Blue-violet

This twist allows more nuance than straight complementary colours.

Tetradic Colours

In a tetradic colour scheme, four hues are used, forming either a rectangle or a square on the colour wheel. The hues are typically two sets of complementary colours. The tetradic scheme is best used when one of the hues naturally dominates the others.

For example:

• Blue, green, red, orange

Square Colours

A square colour wheel harmony uses a combination of four hues equally spaced around the colour wheel, forming a square, with each hue being spaced two hues apart from the other hues. The square scheme works best when the four hues are more naturally in balance.

For example:

• Yellow-green, blue, red-violet, orange

Monochromatic Colours

Monochromatic sticks to tints, tones and shades of a single hue. Different saturations of one colour give cohesion yet depth.

Now you have a paint-by-numbers formula to harmonise dazzling colour schemes! Let your artwork sing with confidence.

Achromatic Colours

An achromatic colour scheme consists solely of neutral colours derived from black, white and grey. These colours lack hues and saturation and are not found on the colour wheel.

This colour scheme typically includes only whites, greys and blacks.

With endless colour schemes to try, have fun mixing and matching beautifully harmonious palettes! Use colour theory as your trusty guide as you decorate canvases.

Colour in Abstract Art

As an abstract artist, I rely heavily on colour when creating my abstract paintings. Colour is one of the vital elements of abstract art that allows me to infuse meaning and emotion into my works. All famous abstract artists leverage colour theory principles to intentionally influence viewer experience.

Mastering colour relationships has been crucial in my own development as an abstract painter. Taking the time to dive deep into colour theory directly elevated the visual impact of my paintings.

I can strategically curate palettes aligned with the creative vision I want to manifest. Understanding this foundational framework has allowed my unique voice to flourish through my art.

For any aspiring abstract artist, prioritising colour study is essential. It may take time to grasp the nuances, but investing in colour theory is infinitely worthwhile.

The principles illuminate an intentional pathway for making colour choices that evoke desired responses. Whether aiming for bold dynamism or delicate tranquillity, colour mastery empowers every brushstroke.

I encourage all artists and abstract artists to embrace colour theory as a guiding light. Allow it to deepen your relationship with colour while sharpening your distinctive palette.

Mastering colour theory will only expand your capacity for engaging viewers through the impactful use of this potent abstract element.

I’ve also written other blog posts about Exploring the Power of Colour in Abstract Art and How to Make an Abstract Painting.

Conclusion – Colour Theory

We’ve explored the magical world of colour theory together! From origins to colour wheels, temperature to terminology, harmony to mixing – this foundation illuminates the path ahead.

Armed with essential colour knowledge, you’re ready to infuse art with intentional colour choices. Understanding fundamental colour relationships allows your painting practice to shine even brighter.

With the rainbow now neatly organised through colour theory principles, don’t be afraid to break rules too!

Creativity loves to spark new colour discoveries. Use these frameworks as guides while you confidently develop your own sensibilities.

Remember, when colour seems complex, return to basics:

• The colour wheel displays connections
• Warm and cool colours create a mood
• Harmonious schemes result in delight

As you continue blending pigments, allow your inner colour scientist to shine. Apply colour theory principles to choose intuitive palettes aligned with your artistic vision.

Now colour your canvases fearlessly with the harmony of theory guiding your brush! Our colour theory adventure concludes here…for now.

What aspects of colour theory resonated most with you?

Did any lightbulb moments occur as we explored fundamental concepts?

Are there areas you want to deepen your understanding?

Share your colourful reflections, ideas, and any lingering questions below!