Podcast #2 Color Theory

The right use of color can do what?

The right use of color can maximize productivity, minimize visual fatigue, and relax the body.

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

Within the electromagnetic spectrum, visible light allows us to see color.

Describe white light?

White light equal parts of all colors in visible spectrum.

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

Objects appear to be in color when they absorb or reflect colors in the visible spectrum.

What is a glass prism?

A glass prism is a 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, and violet are the seven colors that result when white light is refracted through a prism.

Describe hue?

Hue is the color itself.

When does white light occur? 

White light occurs when all wavelengths are reflected back to your eye.

When does black light occur? 

Black light occurs when no light is reflected back to your eye.

How color is perceived depends on what?

How color is perceived depends on the type of light it is seen with.

What is a color wheel? 

A color wheel is a visual tool that shows the relationship between primary, secondary, and tertiary colors.

What are primary colors? Name them?

Primary colors are red, blue, and yellow.

What are secondary colors? Name them?

Secondary colors are orange, green, and violet.

What are tertiary colors? Name them?

Tertiary colors are red-orange, yellow-orange, yellow-green, blue-green, blue-violet, and red-violet.

What are neutral colors? How can they be created?

Neutral colors are colors of very low saturation.  They can be created by mixing complementary colors which "neutralize" them.

How can a neutral color help a design?

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

What are complementary colors? Name them?

Complementary colors are positioned opposite of each other on the color wheel.  They are red and green, orange and blue, and yellow and violet.

What is color value?

Color value is the lightness or darkness of a hue (or color).

What is a shade?

A shade is a low-value color.

What is a tint?

A tint is a high-value color.

What is saturation/intensity?

Saturation/intensity is the brightness of a color.

What happens when you mix complementary colors together?

Mixing complementary colors together produces a dull tone.

Describe color harmony?

Color harmony is a pleasing arrangement of parts.

What is a color scheme?

Color scheme is harmonious color combinations.

Describe a monochromatic color scheme?

A monochromatic color scheme uses tints and shades (values) of one color.

Describe an analogous color scheme?

An analogous color scheme uses three colors adjacent (next) to each other on the color wheel.

Describe a complementary color scheme?

A complementary color scheme uses two colors opposite each other on the color wheel.

Describe a split-complementary color scheme?

A split-complementary color scheme uses three colors: one color, and two adjacent to its complementary.

Describe a triadic color scheme?

A triadic color scheme uses three colors equally spaced around the color wheel.

What colors are considered to be warm colors?

Yellow, orange, and red colors are considered to be warm colors.

Describe a warm color scheme?

A warm color scheme is bold and energenic.

What colors are considered to be cool colors?

Green, blue, and violet colors are considered to be cool colors.

Describe a cool color scheme?

A cool color scheme gives an impression of calm.

Why is important to consider which colors are being used within a design?

The meaning of color impacts all visual communications.  The right color choice can convey the right message and envoke the desired response.  Color creates an emotional response.