Color Theory

Birds Color Wheel

Monochromatic Colors- are all the colors (tints, tones, and shades) of a single hue.Monochromatic color schemes are derived from a base color and extended by using its shades, tones and tints. Tints of a color are created by adding white for lighter shades and darker tones are made by adding black/grey.

Monochromatic colors can be used when artists are painting a detailed painting. 

Analogous color scheme- a color scheme that uses colors that are placed next to each other of the color wheel.

They can be used by artists and maybe fashion designers because Analogous colors usually match well and create serene and comfortable designs. Analogous color schemes are also usually found in nature and work very well when they are placed together, creating a pleasing image.

Complementary Colors- Colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel. These colors are highly contrasting but the contrast actually makes it match very well. The Christmas colors, red and green, are complementary colors.

Complementary colors can be used by fashion designers (outfit colors), interior designers (choosing curtains/carpets/blankets/couch colors), and by artists who are trying to make their work look vibrant. 

Color Triads- uses colors that are evenly spaced around the color wheel. Triadic color schemes are very vibrant. The colors have to be balanced well; let one color be the main color and use the two others to accent it.

Color triads can be useful to fashion designers, interior designers, painters, and can also be used to create harmonious color patterns that match well.

Split Complementary-The split-complementary color scheme is a variation of the complementary color scheme. In addition to the base color, it uses the two colors adjacent to its complement.

This color scheme is similar to the complementary color scheme in its strong appearance but it isn't doesn't have as much tension. 

The split-complimentary color scheme is a good color scheme for beginners to use because it is hard to mess up. This color scheme can be used by pretty much any designer that is looking for a way to make their product pleasing to the eye.