An Introduction to Color Theory

Note: It is important to note that dealing with color on the computer screen is quite different than dealing with it in paint, markers, crayons, pastels, pencils etc. There is a limit to the number of colors that can be represented accuratly on a computer monitor and each monitor will desplay colors differently. On that note, please do not take these graphics as the definitive in color theory, but rather as a crude example that is not real accurate in the world of artistic mediums. I hope you find these examples helpful to you in understanding color and how to use it.

Further Resources

Color is a huge topic to explore. I've only touched upon the tip of the iceberg with this tutorial yet many of you may be overwhelmed with the information I've presented I know. I've been overwhelmed trying to figure out what to present and how to present it. There are many areas I haven't even touched upon such as the emotions color can convey. There are many books and other resources dedicated to color. Some are focused on interior design, painting, and graphic design for businesses just to name a few. Below I've listed some resources from books to web sites. I hope you find this list helpful in your future exploration of color relations.

I am now also offering a 6-week on-line course dedicated to color theory and creative color combinations called, Creative Color. If you enjoy color, but would like to be more confident in making interesting and unusual color combinations, consider joining the course. It is offered roughly every two months and is open to individual creative in any medium, I just ask that you choose one to work with for the duration of the 6-week course..

Books

• Theory of Color by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
• Color & Human Response: Aspects of Light and Color Bearing on the Reactions of Living Things and the Welfare of Human Beings by Faber Birren
• Color Choices: Making Color Sense Out of Color Theory by Stephen Quiller
• Exploring Color by Nita Leland
• The Elements of Color by Johannes Itten
• Making Color Sing by Jeanne Dobie

Magazines

• Expression Magazine July/August 2002 p. 58-66
• Somerset Magazine Sept/Oct 1998 p. 50

Web Resources

• http://www.colormatters.com/colortheory.html
• http://www.webdesignclinic.com/ezine/v1i1/color/
• http://www.wetcanvas.com/ArtSchool/Color/ColorTheory/
• http://www.worqx.com/color/ http://www.colorcube.com/articles/theory/theory.htm
• http://www.handprint.com/HP/WCL/wcolor.html
• http://painting.about.com/cs/colourtheory/
• http://www.pantone.com/products/products.asp?idArea=16
• http://www.dotcalmvillage.net/nowwhatzine/colortheory.html
• http://www.dotcalmvillage.net/nowwhatzineaug02/colortheory1.html

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