Podcast #2 Color Theory

The right use of color can do what?
Maximize Productivity

Minimize visual fatigue

Relax the body 

Within the electromagnetic spectrum, which waves allow us to see color?
Visible Light

Describe white light?
equal parts of all colors in visible spectrum; appear in color when they absorb or reflect colors in the visible spectrum

How do we see color if objects "have no color of their own"?

They are reflected and absorbed to show colors

What is a glass prism?

transparent triangular object that breaks white light into all the colors of the visible light spectrum

What seven colors result when white light is refracted through a prism?

Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet

Describe hue?

the color itself; each different hue is a different reflected wavelength

When does white light occur?

when all the wavelengths are reflected back to your eye

When does black light occur?

when no light is reflected back to your eye

How color is perceived depends on what?

type of light it is seen with

What is a color wheel?

visual tool that shows the relationship between Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Colors

What are primary colors? Name them?

Red

Yellow 

Blue

What are secondary colors? Name them?

Orange

Green

Purple

What are tertiary colors? Name them?

Red-Orange                       Blue-Green

Yellow-Orange                  Blue-Violet

Yellow-Green                    Red-Violet

What are neutral colors? How can they be created?

that don't show up on the color wheel; very low saturation

How can a neutral color help a design?

help put the focus on other colors or serve to tone down

What are complementary colors? Name them?

colors that are positioned opposite of each other on the color wheel

What is color value?

lightness or darkness of a hue/color

What is a shade?

adding black to a hue produces a low value color

What is a tint?

adding white to a hue produces a high value color

What is saturation/intensity?

brightness of a color

What happens when you mix complementary colors together?

dull tone

Describe color harmony?

pleasing arrangements of parts

What is a color scheme?

harmonious color combinations

Describe a monochromatic color scheme?

uses tints and shades of one color; clean and elegant; "easy on the eyes" (ex. blues, greens)

Describe an analogous color scheme?

uses 3 colors next to each other on the color wheel, one color is used as the dominant color while others enrich the scheme. often found in nature; pleasing to the eye. bright and cheery effect, accommodate changing moods

Describe a complementary color scheme?
uses 2 colors opposite each other on the color wheel; will draw a lot of attention, used where you need high-contrast compositions

Describe a split-complementary color scheme?
1 color with 2 adjacent to its compliment. draws attention but without the tension of complementary schemes

Describe a triadic color scheme?
uses 2 colors equally spaced on the color wheel; strong visual balance

What colors are considered to be warm colors?
reds, yellows, oranges

Describe a warm color scheme?
express aggression

What colors are considered to be cool colors?
greens, blues, violets

Describe a cool color scheme?
soothing found in nature

Why is important to consider which colors are being used within a design?
impacts the mood; conveys the right message in the visual communication