Introduction to Color Theory

Color theory runs it to various aspects of design applications, definitions, concepts etc. However, ‘color theory’ needs to explain the science of color (color wheel), color harmony, and the way they are applied.

Color theories help to create a logical structure for color. While arranging color objects we create a mental mapping to develop a logical structure. The example bellow (plate1 A &B) illustrates such man-made arrangements that show the purpose and logical selection of color against one another. Interestingly nature does not organize color in term of such arrangement. Nature’s arrangement depends upon the environment around for their survival.

Plate1. A.  Color Context (interior)	Plate1.B. Interior Design

Source: http://www.google.co.in/search?hl=en&q=color%20in%20interior%20design&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&biw=1272&bih=577&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=JYq8T-yMAYj3rQempa2rDQ ; May 23, 2012)

Color Wheel

There are three Primary Colors, corresponding Secondary Colors and Tertiary Colors. The above ‘Color Wheel’ was developed by Sir Isaac Newton in 1666. The selection of color is based on ‘color pigment’ not on light-color. Yellow, Red and Blue are the three primary colors that cannot be created by mixing any color. Yellow, Red and Blue are the three basic colors that would create all other colors. The above topic (color wheel) would be discussed in detail in the chapter on Color Principles.