Color Theory in Art – Basics and Effects

Primary colors are the base colors from which all other colors can be mixed.
In subtractive color mixing (e.g. painting, printing), these are red, yellow, and blue.
The colors red, yellow, and blue cannot be created by mixing other colors.
They are the starting point in any color system and are therefore especially important for color theory.
Effect in Design:
- Primary colors appear very strong, vibrant, and direct.
- They quickly attract attention and are often used for {striking effects}{Striking means something is very eye-catching, clear, and often a bit exaggerated – like on a poster}.
- In art, they communicate clarity and childlike immediacy.
⚙ primar

Secondary colors are created when two primary colors are mixed together in equal parts.
The following tones result:
Red + Yellow = Orange
Red + Blue = Violet
Yellow + Blue = Green
Effect in Design:
- Secondary colors are less intense than primary colors, appear more harmonious and balanced.
- They act as mediating colors and create transitions between the base colors.
- In art, they can be used to highlight nuances or harmonies.
⚙ sekundar

Tertiary colors are created by mixing a primary color with a neighboring secondary color.
Examples include:
Yellow + Orange = Yellow-Orange
Blue + Green = Blue-Green
Red + Violet = Red-Violet
Effect in Design:
- Tertiary colors appear more subtle, complex, and natural.
- They frequently occur in realistic depictions of nature.
- They are well suited for fine gradations and atmospheric compositions.
⚙ tertiar

Color contrasts, that is, the opposites between different colors, create dynamism and expression in design.
The most important contrasts are:
- Complementary contrast: Colors that are opposite each other on the color circle (e.g. blue – orange) create high tension and vibrancy.
- Light-dark contrast: Differences in brightness create depth and volume.
- Cool-warm contrast: Warm colors (e.g. red, orange) and cool colors (e.g. blue, green) have different spatial and emotional effects.
- Color-in-itself contrast: Placing pure colors directly together creates especially strong and colorful effects.
Effect in Design:
- Contrasts guide the eye and can be used to set accents deliberately.
- They ensure clarity, orientation, and visual tension in the image.
- Harmony or drama is achieved through the skillful use of different contrasts.
⚙ farbkontraste