Color Theory

WHAT IS COLOR?

Color is the by product of the spectrum of light, as it is reflected or absorbed, as

received by the human eye and processed by the human brain. Color is the visual
perceptual property corresponding in humans to the categories called red, yellow, blue, black etc.
Color derives from the spectrum of light (distribution of light energy versus wave length) interacting in
the eye with the spectral sensitivities of the light receptors.

Color theory is a vast and complicated sphere of knowledge. It consists of different scientific
elements, such as: optics, spectroscopy, human anatomy and physiology, psychology, art history and
theory, philosophy, ethics, architecture theory, design and many other applied sciences. In this article
we will show only the schemes of harmonic color combinations and the examples of their usage by a
bunch of talented vector artists.

PRANG COLOUR SYSTEM

By 1831 Brewster laid the groundwork for what has become known as the Prang theory. Its structure
is simple, straightforward and practical. The most common colour wheel is based on the theories
advanced by Louis Prang in 1876 and is commonly known as the Prang colour wheel.

The appeal of colour is universal. Colour plays an important role in our lives. Colour is a source of
pleasure to everybody. Colours can change the moods, reduce or increase tensions, cause
excitement and sometimes have a soothing effect for a tired person. All homemakers should try to
have beautiful colours in their homes. One can access the value of colour in three ways in light, vision
and pigment.

There are several theories regarding the classification of colour. Colours mean different things to
people of different professions, such as physiologist, the chemist, the physicist, psychologists and the
artists. The simplest colour theory is given by Prang which is named as Prang Colour System or
Prang Colour Wheel.

Prang has classified the colour into five sections

1) Primary colours

2) Secondary or Binary colours

3) Intermediate colours

4) Tertiary colours

5) Quaternary colours
How are Colors Created?

Let’s first understand how the varieties of all colors are formed. All the colors can be received from
the combination of primary colors, which are red, yellow and blue. These colors differ from the others
by the fact that they cannot be created by mixing the other colors.

 Primary colours

The three colours Yellow, Red and Blue are the primary colours. All other colours are made by mixing
one or more of these three colours in various proportions. These three are the basic or fundamental
colours. Y-Yellow, R-Red, B-Blue.

 Secondary or Binary colours

When two primary colours are mixed in equal proportion a secondary or binary colour results.

These are:

Red + Yellow = Orange

Yellow + Blue = Green
Blue + Red = Purple or Violet
Three primary and three secondary colours are known as “Six standard colours”.

In order to make secondary colors you should mix the primary ones. By mixing red with yellow we get
orange, and by mixing red with blue you get a violet color. Blue together with yellow turns into green.
  Intermediate colours

When one primary and a neighbouring secondary colours are mixed, an intermediate colour results.

These are:

Yellow + Green = Yellow Green

Blue + Green = Blue Green
Blue + Violet = Blue Violet
Red + Violet = Red Violet
Red + Orange = Red Orange
Yellow + Orange = Yellow Orange
The Primary, secondary and intermediate colours constitute the outer circle in the Prang Colour chart.

 Tertiary Colours

When two secondary or binary colours are mixed, a tertiary colour results.

These are:

Green + Orange = Tertiary Yellow

Green + Violet = Tertiary Blue
Orange + Violet = Tertiary Red

 Quaternary Colours

A mixture of two tertiary colours results in Quaternary colour.

These are:

Tertiary yellow + Tertiary blue = Quaternary green

Tertiary blue + Tertiary red = Quaternary violet
Tertiary yellow + Tertiary red = Quaternary orange

In the Prang Colour chart the colours are arranged in a circle. The yellow colour is at the top centre
and violet falls directly opposite to it. Blue lies on the right side and Red colour on the left side of the
colour wheel.

PROPERTIES OF COLOUR / COLOUR DIMENSIONS

(1) Hue or the actual name of the colour: Warmth or coolness of the colour
(2) Value of the Colour: Lightness or darkness of the colour.
(3) Intensity of the Colour: Brightness or dullness of the colour.

 Hue

Hue refers to the actual name of the colour like Red, Yellow, Orange, Blue, and Green etc. There is a
difference between hue name and colour name. The hue name of a colour is more distinct and clear
the colour name. For example, the hue name of the sky is ‘sky blue’ whereas its colour name is
“azure”. The hue name of fire is ‘golden’ whereas its colour name is ‘flame’.
  Value

Value is the lightness or darkness of the colour. One colour has so many values ranging from light to
dark. The lightest value of all colours is white and darkest value is black. Black, white and grey are
neutral colours. In between white and black there are number of values which are known as ‘middle
value’ or ‘normal values’. The light value of one colour is called as ‘tint’ and the dark value as ‘shade’.

 Intensity

Intensity is the brightness or dullness of a colour. Intensity of a colour is usually achieved by mixing it
with its complement and sometimes by addition of grey colour. Objects with colour of full intensity are
striking and brilliant and of low intensity are sober and dull. Intensity is more in smaller space
whereas it is less in large space. This red is brighter, louder, more intense than this red
which is duller, muted, less intense.

 TINT

Tints are mixtures of a hue and white.The light tones resulting when white are mixed with a color.
Much white makes a color cold.

 SHADE
Shades are mixtures of a hue and black. Shade is a color + black. This darkens a color.

 TONES

Tones are mixtures of a hue and its complement or grays. Tons are created when gray is added to
colors. Adding gray results in colors that are less intense versions of pure colors.
If the colour wheel is split vertically down the centre, the colours will be seen to fall into
two groups:

WARM COLOURS

COOL COLOURS

 WARM COLOR

The colors of red, orange, and yellow are considered warm colors because they are the colors of fire.
These hues are also said to advance, meaning they appear to come forward, making the walls feel
closer. Thus,they can actually make a room feel cozy when used in decorating.

 COOL COLOR

Colors like blue, green, and purple (violet).These colors evoke a cool feeling because they remind the
things like water or grass. It gives an impression of calm, and creates a soothing impression.

The colours at the left side of the colour wheel are warm colours. For example, Red, Orange, Yellow
etc. But the colours at the right side of the wheel are the cool colours. For example Blue, Green,
Violet etc. Generally Red and Orange colours are the warmest and Blue the coolest colour. Green is
in between warm and cool colours. Warm colours are cheerful and bright whereas cool colours are
soothing and calm.

THE COLOR SCHEME

There are different methods of getting harmonic color combinations. Let’s discuss harmonic color
schemes and examples of their application . These color schemes are usually called the basic ones.

 Monochromatic Colour Scheme

This colour scheme can be produced from one colour. Several values and intensities of the same colour may
be used. Neutral colours like black and white may be added. This kind of colour scheme is quiet, restful and
makes a good background for accessories. For example, Pink, Maroon and Red may be combined in
producing Monochromatic colour scheme. This colour scheme is known as one hue or one mode harmony.
Here the major colour is allowed to predominate. ‘Shades’ and ‘tints’ are gradual. The advantages of this
scheme are:

(1) Unity and harmony are obtained.

(2) There is spaciousness and continuity.

(3) The effect is restful.

(4) It is easier to plan and carry out.

The variations of brightness and intensity of one color is used in this scheme. This scheme is simple
and elegant, colors are soothing. The basic colors can be combined with neutral ones such as white,
black and gray to contrast the elements of a composition.
  Achromatic color scheme

An achromatic color scheme is one without color. The most popular achromatic color scheme is black
and white, often used in kitchens and bathrooms. Interior designers choose achromatic color
schemes because they like the cleanliness and simplicity of using black, white, and gray.

 Analogous Color Scheme

When the colours which are neighbouring or adjacent in the Prang Colour Chart are used, it is known
as Analogous Colour Scheme. Adjacent colours are harmonious, because they have one hue in
common. For example, Yellow Green, Green and Blue Green or Red Purple, Blue Purple and Purple
etc.
In this scheme we use colors that are placed near each other in the color spectrum. This kind of
scheme is often used for the creation of peaceful and comfortable designs. An analogous color
scheme is often met in nature.
One color is usually used as the basic one, the second color is as accompanied, the third is used as
an accent for the contrast creation, it may be white, black or gray.
The colours used should be of different intensities and values. This colour scheme provides a greater
and more interesting variety than Monochromatic Colour Scheme. Analogous harmonies are quiet
and useful.

The advantages of Analogous Colour Scheme are:

(1) Unity in variety is achieved.

(2) It allows for greater choice of colours.

(3) It is comfortable and cheerful.

CONTRASTING COLOUR SCHEME

Contrasting Colour Scheme can be obtained by combining colours which are contrasting to each
other in the colour wheel.

There are four ways of contrasting colour scheme:

(1) Direct complementary colour scheme

(2) Double complementary colour scheme

(3) Split complementary colour scheme

 DIRECT COMPLEMENTARY COLOUR SCHEME

This colour scheme can be obtained by mixing the colours which are directly opposite to each other in
the Prang colour wheel. For example, Yellow and Purple, Red and Green, Blue and Orange etc. They
create an attractive harmony in interior decoration.

Such color combinations creates a high level of contrast in combination. But we should be careful
with such a combination and use it only if we want to select something. Complementary colors are
really bad for text.
  DOUBLE COMPLEMENTARY COLOUR SCHEME

When two neighbouring colours and their complementary are used together, they form double
complementary colour scheme. For example, Yellow and Yellow Orange to Purple and Blue Purple or
Green and Yellow Green to Red and Red Purple. In this colour scheme, one hue should be used
more.
  SPLIT COMPLEMENTARY COLOR SCHEME

This scheme is the variation of complementary color scheme. It uses a color and two colors adjacent
to its complementary. Only right or left colors from a complementary color are used. This provides
high contrast without the strong tension of the complementary scheme. The split complementary
scheme is harder to balance than monochromatic and analogous color scheme. One warm
concentrated color and a number of cold colors are usually used.
  TRIADIC COLOR SCHEME

Three colors that are equally placed in a color spectrum are used in this scheme. This scheme gives
a strong visual contrast with harmony and color richness. Colors in this scheme are more balanced
than in a complementary color scheme. As a rule one color in a composition is chosen as basic.
MUNSELL COLOUR SYSTEM

This system is based on a unique colour-solid arrangement, which more accurately demonstrates
hue, value and intensity of colour. In this system, a colours hue is given a number/letter destination,
which locates it on the Munsell Colour Wheel. Paint, ink and coloured paper and other manufacturers
often use this system. There are five primary and five secondary hues in this system. The primaries
are red, purple, blue, green and yellow. Hue, value and chroma are then rated with numbers. Colours
can be very accurately described using this system. A three dimensional model using Munsell’s
system is called a colour tree.

The History of Pantone®

Pantone, as it is today, was founded in 1962, when the company—at the time a small business which
manufactured colour cards for cosmetics companies—was bought by Lawrence Herbert, who had
been an employee since 1956. He immediately changed its direction, developing the first colour
matching system in 1963. Herbert remains the CEO, Chairman, and President of the company.
The idea behind the PMS is to allow designers to ‘colour match’ specific colours when a design
enters production stage—regardless of the equipment used to produce the colour. This system has
been widely adopted by Graphic Designers, Reproduction and Printing Houses for a number of years
now. Pantone recommends that PMS Colour Guides be purchased annually as their inks become
more yellow over time. Colour variance also occurs within editions based on the paper stock used
(coated, matte or uncoated), while inter-edition colour variance occurs when there are changes to the
specific paper stock used.

What is Pantone

Pantone is a standardized color matching system, utilizing the Pantone numbering system for
identifying colors. By standardizing the colors, different manufacturers in different locations can all
reference a Pantone numbered color, making sure colors match without direct contact with one
another. The most commonly referenced colors are in the Pantone solids palette. The Pantone Solid
palette consists of 1,114 colors, identified by three or four digit numbers, followed by a C, U, Or M
suffix.. Originally designed for the graphics industry, the pantone solids palette is now used by a wide
range of industries, and is the most commonly used palette. For example, Pantone 199 Red can be
identified as Pantone 199C (C= Coated Paper), Pantone 199U (U= Uncoated Paper) or Pantone
199M (M=Matte Paper).
What are pantone colors

Pantone colors and how to use them to print colors on textile. Pantone colors are color codes that
stand for a specific shade. You can communicate about colors by defining the pantone code.
Basically, pantone is the standard language for colors.

The formula developed by pantone is a spot color. This means that the color is created from a palette
of 18 basic colors, not with screens or dots.

Process colors are CMYK colors, the color is determined by cyan, magenta, yellow and black. There
are more pantone colors because not all colors can be mixed in CMYK.

PANTONE COLOR OF THE YEAR

2019
Living Coral
16-1546

2018
Ultra Violet
18-3838

2017
Greenery
15-0343

2016
Rose Quartz
13-1520
2016
Serenity
15-3919

2015
Marsala
18-1438

2014
Radiant Orchid
18-3224

2013
Emerald
17-5641

2012
Tangerine Tango
17-1463

2011
Honeysuckle
18-2120
2010
Turquoise
15-5519

2009
Mimosa
14-0848

2008
Blue Iris
18-3943

2007
Chili Pepper
19-1557

2006
Sand Dollar
13-1106

2005
Blue Turquoise
15-5217

2004
Tigerlily
17-1456

2003
Aqua Sky
14-4811

2002
True Red
19-1664

2001
Fuchsia Rose
17-2031

2000
Cerulean Blue
15-4020

NY Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2019/2020

EMBRACE OF IDENTITY PROMOTES COLOR CONFIDENCE WITH A CLEVER
TOUCH

Each season the team at the Pantone Color Institute creates the Pantone Fashion Color Trend
Report; a color overview highlighting the top colors fashion designers showing at NY Fashion Week
will be featuring in their collections for the upcoming season. With color on the catwalk a key indicator
of the color stories we can expect to see showing up across all areas of design, the Pantone Fashion
Color Trend Report is your easily accessible guide to the season’s most important color trends.
Published for the fashion industry by the Pantone Color Institute, this season’s report features
the top 12 stand-out colors, as well as current takes on the four classic neutrals we can expect
to see from fashion designers on the runway as they introduce their new autumn/winter
collections.
Colors for autumn/winter 2019/20 reflect an emergence of confidence; bold and strong, a
visceral palette of colors that are relatable yet display some clever tweaks for the winter season.
Expressing our wide-ranging acceptance of color, combinations for Autumn/Winter 2019/2020
suggest a thirst for liberation and a desire to realize our own individualized unique identities.
“Colors for Autumn/Winter 2019-2020 range from easy and sophisticated to strikingly different
and unique,” said Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute. “This
palette of versatile hues builds a sense of empowerment and confidence, enabling the wearer to
choose the colors that best reflect his or her mood and persona.”

About the Autumn/Winter 2019/2020 NYFW Color Palette:

PANTONE 19-1557
Chili Pepper

A spicy red, Chili Pepper adds drama and excitement as it stimulates the senses
PANTONE 19-1650
Biking Red

An adventurous deep red, Biking Red is strong and powerful.

PANTONE 12-1110

Crème de Pêche
An embracing light peach, Crème de Pêche speaks of softness and ease.

PANTONE 15-1530

Peach Pink

Warm and flattering, Peach Pink imparts a healthy glow.