Color Terminology

The total absence of color: Comprised only of black, gray and white values.

Color created by mixing the rays of white light, from which all color is derived. The spectrum of color exists within the rays of white light. Superimposing the three additive primaries (RGB), which when reversed will create white light.

Hues that are directly next to each other on the color wheel (red, red-orange, orange, yellow-orange, etc). A family 3-5 hues on the color wheel.

The intensity of a color i.e., the brilliance or dullness of a color.

An acronym for digital color: Cyan, magenta, yellow and key (black). They are the subtractive colors of inks in a printer.

A circular representation of colors arranged according to their chromatic relationship.

Colors that are directly opposite to each other on the color wheel. Their intensity is elevated when placed next to each other however, is canceled when mixed.

A color harmony consisting of two opposing colors on the color circle. Another definition for dyads is a complementary color scheme.

A color harmony comprised of six colors. A hexagon within the color circle determines specific color orders. The color order is designated by the points where each line meets. A hexad is made-up of three complementary pairs.

A name of a specific color (red, yellow-green, blue-violet, etc.).

Intensity is the degree or amount of saturation strength, or purity in any particular hue. Intensity also refers to brightness, whereas its cousin, which is saturation, refers to purity. Intensity then, refers to a certain level of brightness in a given hue, as well as its amount of purity in a given color.

Having only one hue with a complete range of values. So, a monochromatic blue composition will have a variety of hues of light to dark values.

Colors that cannot be mixed from other hues (red, yellow and blue).

In pigment, it is the absolute purity of a given hue. It is total freedom from black, gray or white. It is the pure state of a color or full strength.

Color while on a monitor is referred to as additive color, but when printed, it becomes CMYK subtractive color.

Colors made by mixing two primary colors. The 3 colors orange, green and violet each created by mixing two of the three primaries (red, yellow and blue).

A variation of a color by adding black.

The change in perception when two colors are next to each other.

Discovered by Sir Isaac Newton, visible colors created by light passing through a prism or a rainbow that separate the light into a natural sequence.

One specific color plus two colors that exist on either side of its complement. For example, yellow and the complements of red violet and blue violet.

The sensations of color that are produced by wavelengths of light, which are reflected back to the viewer/s eyes after all other colors have been absorbed by the object (CMYK). For example, the surface of a green leaf reflects back green rays of light... all other spectrum rays of color are absorbed into the leaf.

Colors made by mixing a primary color and it's adjacent secondary color (red-orange, red-violet, blue-violet, blue-green, yellow-green, and yellow-orange).

A light value of a color.

A color harmony comprised of four colors. A tetrad can exist in two forms. the first is a perfect square inscribed within the color circle. Each point where lines connect will determine the harmony color order. The second form of a tetrad harmony can be determined by inscribing a rectangle in the color circle. The same method determines the color order as before. Tetrad contain two primary colors and their complements, or a complementary pair of intermediates.

A color harmony containing three colors. A triad is an equilateral triangle inscribed within the color circle. Color harmony is determined by the point where each line meets. Primary and secondary triads are the most common. A split-complement can also be a triad.

The colors of the spectrum, which are observed in their warm to cool and cool to warm order.

Any hue with a combination of white and black, which reflects the overall values of a composition. The general tone of a composition can refer to the tints and shade throughout a given composition, which is responsible for its overall ambiance.

The light and dark ranges of a color

Makes no great demands upon color vision, because it is illustrated by the undiluted colors in their most intense luminosity. This can also be a "Triad"

Strongest Contrast. Contrast deals with value in achromatic as well as chromatic situations.

Sensation of temperature in color. Blues, greens, violets in theory are cold. Reds, oranges, yellows in theory are warm. However, a hue can also be both cold or warm depending on its applications.

When two complements are mixed together, you get a chromatic grey. They contrast because they share no common color. They need to be used with caution.

Results from the fact that for any given color the eye simultaneously requires the complementary color, and generates it spontaneously if it is not already present.

Saturation, or quality, relates to the degree of purity of a color. Contrast of saturation is the contrast between pure, intense colors and dull, diluted colors.

Balance between hues. Contrast between much and little, great and small. Colors may be assembled in areas of any size. However, care should be placed between the quantitative proportions between two or more colors to create balance.