Color Theory

The concept used to be that because of a limited number of color codes existed, there were only a limited number of color values. These color values were called "web-safe" colors. As technology improved there was a numbering system called Hexadecimal system. This numbering system allows more combinations and codes for each. There are so many that have been defined that the term "web-safe" is almost non-existant now.

Another color theory to use is to consider the color blind by using greyscale. The concept is that if the colors do not contrast eachother well in greyscale they will be harder for the color blind to see. Another consideration is for the 'psychology of color". That means to pay attention to certain meanings to certain colors.

The reason that color theory is important is because it takes, if done properly, into account all of the factors to make a site appealing to the widest possible audience. It can also be used to direct at one specific target audience.

1. What is the color wheel? The color wheel is the most basic tool for explaining colors.

2. Name the primary colors. The primary colors are red, yellow, and blue.

3. Name the secondary colors. The secondary colors are orange, green, indigo, and violet.

4. Name the intermediate colors. They are red-orange, yellow-orange, yellow-green, blue-green, blue-purple and red-purple.

5. What is color value? Value means lightness.

6. Define tint. Tints are the lighter values.

7. Define shade. Shades are the darker values.

8. Describe three color schemes.

Complementary schemes use opposites to accent each other.

A Split complementary scheme uses the oppostite effect but more as a frame. Double Contrast uses two colors and the corresponding colors to the right of the main color.

Triadic schems use 3 colors that are equidistant from each other.

9. Define monochromatic. Monochromatic means the use of only one color.

10. Give an example of complementary colors. Blue and orange are complementary colors.

11. Give an example of analogous colors. Describe the problem usually encountered with analogous colors. Analogous colors are the colors that are right next to eachother. The problem with them is that the color scheme does not account for the color blind.

12. Give an example of warm colors. Warm colors are like red and orange.

13. Give an example of cool colors. Cool colors are like blue and purple.

14 What is color psychology? Give examples of meanings attached to three colors in American culture. Color psychology is the belief that a certain color means or symbolizes other things. In American culture there is a meaning attached to the colors red, white, and blue that symbolize our country, freedom, and patriotism.