One important key to becoming a better artist, is understanding color theory.
Let's explore the history and science behind color.
Sir Isaac Newton was one of the first scientists to investigate color theory. Around 1671-72 he discovered the origin of color when he shone a beam of light through an angular prism and split it into the spectrum - the various colors of the rainbow.
This is what Newton's observation may have looked like through a prism.
Notice how the white light passes through the prism and is split into the many colors of the visible spectrum like a rainbow.
Sir Isaac Newton built the first practical reflecting telescope and developed a theory of color based on the observation that a prism decomposes white light into the many colors of the visible spectrum.
This is a model of Newton's first practical reflecting telescope.
"To see color, you have to have light. When light shines on an object some colors bounce off the object and others are absorbed by it. Our eyes only see the colors that are bounced off or reflected. The sun’s rays contain all the colors of the rainbow mixed together. This mixture is known as white light. When white light strikes a white crayon or marker barrel, it appears white to us because it absorbs no color and reflects all color equally. A black crayon or marker cap absorbs all colors equally and reflects none, so it looks black to us. While artists consider black a color, scientists do not because black is the absence of all color."
The arrangement of colors around the color circle is often considered to be in correspondence with the wavelengths of light, as opposed to hues, in accord with the original color circle of Isaac Newton.
Watch the following video to learn how simple creating your own color wheel using only three colors can be.
Now it's time to create your own color wheel.
You will need the following materials:
- Pencil and Eraser
- Paint Mixing Tray (could be disposable like a white paper plate)
- Red Paint
- Blue Paint
- Yellow Paint
- Mixing stick (Popsicle stick, the bottom of your paintbrush, or pallet knife if available)
- Paint Brush
- Water cup or basin with water
- Paper Towel
- Painting Surface (heavy-weight paper made for painting)
Prepare your painting surface by following these steps:
- Draw a triangle in the center of your paper
- Draw a circle about the size of an American Quarter (large coin) at the tip of each of the three corners of your triangle. These three circles will be filled with each of the three Primary Colors.
- Turn your paper upside down and draw another triangle through the first one creating three new points.
- Draw three new circles at the three tips of your new triangle the same size as the first three circles. These new circles with be painted with the three Secondary Colors. (Follow the math formulas learned in the video. Correct placement of new colors is essential for a successful and accurate color wheel. Remember equal amounts of both Primary Colors provide the best mix.)
- Draw a new circle between each of the painted circles, totaling six new circles. They can be smaller. These six new circles will be filled with your Tertiary Color mixes. (Remember that correct placement is essential for color wheel accuracy. Remember, mostly Primary with a hint of the Secondary in each new mixture.)
- After your painted color wheel has dried, label each color with the correct color name.
- To help you remember if they are Primary, Secondary, or Tertiary colors, also label each color with the correct Color Category label. You may use abbreviations such as (P) for Primary, (S) for Secondary and (T) for Tertiary. If you choose to use abbreviations, you will need to create a KEY in the bottom corner detailing what each letter stands for on the color wheel.
COLOR SCHEMES - Watch the video above to learn more about color schemes used in design and illustration.
Psychology of Color -- What do Colors mean?
Additional Color Theory Resources:
COLOR WHEEL PROJECT EXTENSIONS (for more advanced or experienced learners)
Choose one of the following ideas to extend your Basic Color Wheel Project.
Extension Idea #1
Instead of circles used on the Basic Color Wheel, create a motif or symbol that represents you or something that interests you and create a color wheel using your design.
Extension Idea #2
Take the motif idea one step further, add a touch of each color's complement to the inside of each color in your color wheel.
Extension Idea #3
Extend your basic color wheel by adding a layer of matching magazine color match cut-outs next to each color.
Extension Idea #4
Extend your color wheel by including additional layers of color Tints, Shades, and/or Tones.
Thanks for Viewing
Credits:
Created with images by Candie Witherspoon, Robson# - "Colour shades" • massmatt - "String Prism Exhibit at Renwick Museum" • Ben Mortimer Photography - "colour eye"