Colour Harmonies

How and why does a particular colour make us react in a certain way to a painting? Colour is the most powerful instrument in visual art; Colour is used by artists to arouse emotions in the viewer and is a powerful means of visual communication.

It is well known that colour can be used by an artist to create a calming or stimulating effect, or to draw the viewer’s eye to a particular part of the composition. Colours can also be  “warm” and “cool” with warm colours such as red and orange appearing closer to the viewer and cool colours such as blue and green appearing to recede.

In visual art, colour should create a balanced visual experience. Without balance or harmony, the art is either too bland and doesn’t engage or excite the viewer or it is too loud and demanding and the viewer simply turns away. To create harmony in a painting it is important to balance complimentary colours and analagous colours.

Colour Harmonies

Complementary colours                                                                                                  

Colours that are opposite each other on the colour wheel are considered to be complementary colours (example: red and green).

The high contrast of complementary colours creates a vibrant look especially when used at full saturation. This colour scheme must be managed well so it is not jarring.

Complementary colour schemes are tricky to use in large doses, but work well when you want something to stand out.  Complementary colours are really bad for text.

Analogous colours
Analogous colour schemes use colours that are next to each other on the colour wheel. They usually match well and create serene and comfortable designs. Analogous colour schemes are often found in nature and are harmonious and pleasing to the eye. Make sure you have enough contrast when choosing an analogous colour scheme.

Remember to always choose one colour to dominate, a second to support and a third as an accent. Black, white, neutrals and grey can be also be used as support or accent.

Triadic colours                                                                                                                         

 A triadic colour scheme uses colours that are evenly spaced around the colour wheel. Triadic colour schemes tend to be quite vibrant, even if you use pale or unsaturated versions of your hues.

Warm and cool colours                                                                                                  

Colours can be divided into warm and cool colours, and this is referred to colour temperature.

Warm colours are vivid and energetic, and tend to advance in space. These are the reds, yellows and oranges.

Cool colours give an impression of calm, and create a soothing impression. These are blues and greens.

However even warm colours can seem cool and cool colours seem warm.  A bluish green seems cooler than a yellowish green, while a reddish purple seems warmer than a bluish purple.   A red with a hint of purple seems cooler than a red with a hint of orange.

White, black and grey are considered to be neutral, with black considered a warm colour.

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