Color theory is a fundamental concept in art, design, and visual communication. It explores how colors interact, combine, and evoke emotions. Here's a breakdown of key principles:

1. Basic Color Concepts

  • Color Wheel: The primary colors (Red, Yellow, Blue) form the base, with secondary (Green, Orange, Purple) and tertiary colors derived from mixing.
  • Color Harmony: Complementary colors (e.g., blue + orange) create contrast, while analogous colors (e.g., blue + green) produce cohesion.
  • Tints & Shades: Adding white creates tints; adding black creates shades.
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2. Color Pairing Techniques

  • Monochromatic: Single hue with varying brightness.
  • Triadic: Three colors spaced 120° apart (e.g., red, yellow, blue).
  • Split-Complementary: One dominant color + two complementary shades.
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3. Practical Applications

  • Web Design: Use contrasting colors for readability (e.g., dark text on light backgrounds).
  • Print Media: Consider color saturation and CMYK compatibility.
  • Emotional Impact: Reds = energy, blues = calm, yellows = optimism.

For deeper insights, check our Advanced Color Design tutorial.

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