Introduction to the Science of Color

Elements of Design deals with- color, value, line, texture, shape, form and space. Therefore, color is one of the backbones of design and art expression. It is essential to more in depth about the science behind color and its relationship with art and design.

Sir Isaac Newton developed the first circular diagram (Color Wheel) of colors in 1666. Colors have logical arrangement that is developed by Newton. Therefore, any color wheel, that shows a logically arranged sequence of pure hues, has merit. Color pigments have three basic colors that cannot be created by any colors. These colors are known as- Primary Color (Yellow, Red and Blue). These three Primary Colors produce three Secondary Colors- Violet, Green and Orange. Color theory is based on the above science, which is known as Color Wheel. Note that Prang Color System is comprised of three groups of hues.

Plate 1A The Prang/Artist's/Itten’s Color Wheel	Plate 1 B Prang’s Color Wheel

(Ref.Fig.1 A&B  http://www.uwgb.edu/heuerc/2d/colorsystm.html ; May 30, 2012
                          http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Farbkreis_Itten_1961.png May 30, 2012)

Louis Prang in 1876 developed a system of color wheel based on artist’s pigments is commonly known as the Artist's or Prang Color Wheel. John Itten one of the founding teachers at Bauhaus taught foundation courses and developed color wheel (plate1 A) for the artists and designer.