Color Theory

eBook
A Beginner’s Guide to Color Theory
 Introduction 2

What Is Color Theory? 3

Basic Concepts 4
Kinds of colors 4
Type of color relationships 5

Free Tools from the Experts 7

Tutorial 10
Materials 11
The Step-By-Step Process 12

Get Inspired by the Experts’ Colors 14
SUMMARY Painting and Illustration
Photography
14
15
Interior Design 15
3D Animation 16
Textile Design 16
Graphic Design, Marketing, and Branding 17
Psychology 17

5 Interesting Facts about Color Theory 18

Online Color Theory Courses 20

Color Theory in Photography 21
Color Theory for Textile Projects 21
Introduction to Color Psychology 22
Color Applied to Interior Design 22
Color Theory Applied to Online Projects 23
Coloring with Watercolor 23
Applied Color for 3D Design and Animation 24

#DMSTKeBook Color Theory domestika.org

 2

INTRODUCTION

Why Is Color Theory

So Important?
Regardless of your creative or professional
experience, learning the basic foundations of color
schemes will save you a lot of time when painting
and designing, and helps add originality to your
pieces giving you a clearer artistic proposal.

Throughout the next few pages, experts will teach

you the basic notions relating to color theory and
how to apply the color wheel across different
disciplines. Learn the characteristics of each tone
and why color is so important. Plus, explore examples
of how color is used across different disciplines
and discover some fun facts and useful tools.

LET’S GET STARTED!

#DMSTKeBook Color Theory domestika.org

 3

What Is
Color Theory?
Color theory is a series of rules applicable to color that predominate
regardless of the way in which the colors are presented (watercolors,
fabrics, objects, etc.) and help us understand how colors are created and
complement each other.

In order to understand the relationships between colors we use the color

wheel. It’s a theoretical as well as a practical tool. We can think of the
color wheel as the origin of colors. The order of the colors on the color
wheel is logical, immovable, and universal, and is a representation of
how each color is made. From their positioning we can infer concepts to
do with harmony and contrast.

Let’s see what they are!

#DMSTKeBook Color Theory domestika.org

 4

Basic Concepts
for Applying Color Theory
In order to get familiar with color theory we need to
start to understand how the colors are divided:

The primary colors are red, yellow, and blue. These three
colors are the basics and always appear in the middle of
the circle. The reason? They cannot be created by com-
bining any other colors and are the main ingredient of
all the other colors imaginable.
Primary Colors

These are the colors that we get when we mix two pri-
mary colors. The secondary colors are orange, created
by mixing yellow and red; green, created by mixing blue
and yellow; and purple, created by mixing red and blue.

Secondary Colors

These are the colors that are made up of one primary

color and one secondary color. Once we understand
this classification of the colors, we can start to unders-
tand the relationships that form between them depen-
ding on their position on the color wheel.

Tertiary Colors

#DMSTKeBook Color Theory domestika.org

 5

The main
relationships
are the
following: Analogous Relationship
The three adjacent colors to the color
in question are described as having this
relationship. This means that combining
them helps to harmonize compositions
making them more aesthetically pleasing.

Monochromatic Relationship Complementary Relationship

This particular relationship is established
when a composition uses varying tones of
a chosen color. In other words, a range of
darker and lighter variations of the same
color. These colors will be found along the
same line going out from the middle of the
color wheel.
This relationship exists between the colors
that are opposite each other on the color
wheel. These colors possess a high con-
trast and therefore usually work well toge-
ther when we want to draw attention to a
particular compositional element.

#DMSTKeBook Color Theory domestika.org

 6

“ Color is so much more than

it seems. It evokes an emotional
response in our subconscious.
YAOPEY YONG, ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHER
”

#DMSTKeBook Color Theory domestika.org

 7

© Deboa Islas

Free Tools from

the Experts
There are apps and websites that can help us to apply
color theory and discover possible combinations and
relationships depending on the chosen tone. These
combinations are geared towards both harmony and
contrast, as well as a few more complex relationships.
These tools will boost your skills, fuel your creativity,
and save you time while studying color theory.

#DMSTKeBook Color Theory domestika.org

 8

Try out combinations in Color Hunt, Blend, Material

Palette, and Palleton. You can also make use of the
free tools in some of the best-known design apps.
Both Canva, with its Color Palette Generator, and
Adobe Color in Adobe offer this.

If you’re passionate about colors and you want to be

able to identify them quickly, Pantone offers the app
Pantone Studio, a website that identifies, saves, and
indicates exactly what a color is so that you can be-
gin exploring from there.

There are also databases that give us access to the

color palettes of famous artworks so we can learn
from the masters. Why not try Color Lisa? If you can’t
find your favorite artist, you can use the Paleta app
to filter by the works of art themselves. This app is
designed to analyze the color scheme of any piece.

#DMSTKeBook Color Theory domestika.org

 9

© Dan Zucco

“ Colors are the mother

tongue of the subconscious.
CARL GUSTAV JUNG
”
#DMSTKeBook Color Theory domestika.org
 10

ILLUSTRATION TUTORIAL

The Color Wheel

YELLOW
GREEN / YELLOW
YELLOW / ORANGE

GREEN
ORANGE

BLUE / GREEN RED / ORANGE

RED
BLUE
RED / VIOLET
BLUE / VIOLET VIOLET

© Andonella
WARM COLORS COLD COLORS

In this tutorial, Mexican illustrator Andonella helps you

understand color theory in more depth. Step-by-step,
she shows you how to mix pigments according to your
needs to achieve certain colors and then position them
on the color wheel.

This simple exercise reveals why each color is positioned

where it is and the relationships between the colors.

#DMSTKeBook Color Theory domestika.org

 11

What Do You Need to Draw

Your Own Color Wheel?

A 12-color color wheel, as shown in

the examples above.

Gouache temperas in the primary

colors: red, yellow, and blue.

A mixing palette for your paints.

Blank sheets of paper.

It’s also a good idea to have a

napkin or kitchen towel to hand.
Plus, some scrap paper for testing
colors before including them in
A medium-tip paintbrush. your color wheel.

#DMSTKeBook Color Theory domestika.org

 12

The Step-By-Step Process:

01. Draw a flower with 12 petals.

02. Leave the center blank and paint each of the primary colors leaving four petals
between each one.

03. Then create the secondary colors combining each of the primary colors with a 1:1 ratio.
Green, orange, and purple are therefore the next colors you will include between their
corresponding primary colors. Take a look at the reference photo for help.

04. Now focus on the tertiary colors. They are made up of one secondary color and one
primary color in a 1:1 ratio. Note that when you combine orange and yellow you get a
yellow-orange and when combining orange and red you get a red-orange, and so on.
Continue like this until your color wheel is complete.

05. Once your color wheel is done, you can add notes and keep it as an example.

#DMSTKeBook Color Theory domestika.org

 13

© Sole Otero
© Sole Otero
“ To speak the language of color
is to know symbolism.
”
SOLE OTERO, ILLUSTRATOR, TEXTILE DESIGNER, AND COMIC ARTIST

#DMSTKeBook Color Theory domestika.org

 14

Get Inspired by
the Experts’ Colors
Color plays a vital role in our lives beyond just the creative context.
Colors influence our thoughts, impact our reactions, and have strong
emotional connotations. There are colors associated with sensations
capable of influencing us physically. Some can either irritate or calm
the eyes, increase blood pressure, or even suppress appetite.

Color is an irreplaceable communication tool. Its universal nature can

help us get our messages across with greater ease, and therefore, an
understanding of the language and psychology of color is essential in
any visual discipline.

Let’s see some examples of the use of color across different disciplines.

© Luiza Normey

Painting and Illustration

Painters and illustrators are those who have been most heavily
involved in the evolution of color theory throughout history. For
them, the color wheel is what the alphabet is to writers. Artist
Luiza Normey expresses herself with watercolors.

#DMSTKeBook Color Theory domestika.org

 15

“ There is a logic of colors, and

it is with this alone, and not
with the logic of the brain, that
the painter should conform.
PAUL CEZANNE ”

©Yaopey yong
Photography
A good color scheme can make or break the beauty of a photo.
That’s why experts often choose shots with a dominant color and
look for others that are compatible. Take this image by architec-
tural photographer and Domestika teacher Yaopey Yong.

©Office S&M

Interior Design
The risk of going wrong with your color scheme when decora-
ting is slim to none when you’re familiar with color theory and you
clearly define your color palette. There are even formulas based
on the correct proportions for achieving harmony. Miriam Alía is a
color scheme expert for interior design.

#DMSTKeBook Color Theory domestika.org

 16

©Dan Zucco
3D Animation
The use of color can enhance the feeling conveyed by
animations, such as depth, texture, and even the perception
of movement and sound. Dan Zucco is a master of 3D color
principles.

© Silvia Stella Osella

Textile Design
Before starting any textile design process, you must have a clearly
defined color scheme. The final result of your embroidery, prints,
needlework, and fabrics depends on it entirely. Designer Silvia
Stella Osells shares an example.

#DMSTKeBook Color Theory domestika.org

 17

“ In nature,
light creates color;
in the picture,
color creates light.
HANS HOFMANN ”

© James Eclesston
Graphic Design, Marketing, and Branding
In both digital and artisanal projects, the choice of colors is key to
communicating your message successfully and conveying a clear
brand identity. James Eccleston specializes in color theory
for brands.

©Sole Otero

Psychology
Once you know about symbolism and the way in which each color
scheme acts in terms of narrative, you can decide which color
palette to use for each piece. As an artist and communicator, this
gives you control over the meaning your artwork will take on. Sole
Otero is an expert in color symbolism.

#DMSTKeBook Color Theory domestika.org

 18

©Laura McKendry
5 Interesting Facts
about Color Theory
“ Creating your own compositions
while using color can become a sign
of identity.
”
MIRIAM ALÍA, INTERIOR DESIGNER

#DMSTKeBook Color Theory domestika.org

 19

01. Isaac Newton was the creator of the color wheel

still used by artists around the world today. In
his experiments with light, Newton reached the
conclusion that red, yellow, and blue were the
primary colors from which all others originated and
was the first to represent this theory visually.

02. Obtaining the pigments to make blue was, for a long

time, extremely difficult and expensive. The reason?
Blue pigments were originally manufactured using
lapis lazuli, a semiprecious stone that could only be
found in the mountains of Afghanistan.

03. Lawrence Herbert, owner of a US printing company,

identified the need to standardize the colors that
make up the color wheel on an industrial scale so
that his clients wouldn’t get a nasty shock when
presented with the finished product. So, he created
the Pantone system, a guide to tonality where each
one is identifiable by a code.

04. According to psychological studies, a shade of light

pink known as “Baker Miller” is the color that most
reduces violent impulses in humans. For this reason,
it has been used in experiments in some US prisons.

05. Until the beginning of the 16th century, the word

orange did not exist and the color as we know it was
referred to as “red-yellow.” It wasn’t until Portugal
began to export its fruits—oranges—that we began to
use the word.

#DMSTKeBook Color Theory domestika.org

 20

LEARN TODAY

Online Color
Theory Courses
You May Like

“ Color is a crucial part of communication.

It establishes a connection between human
psychology and cultural context.
JAMES ECCLESTON, BRAND AND UX SPECIALIST. ”

©Alicia Aradilla

#DMSTKeBook Color Theory domestika.org

 21

Color Theory
in Photography
A course by Yaopey Yong, Architecture and Landscape
Photographer

In this course, explore the world of color theory as both

a science and an artistic medium alongside award-
winning photographer Yaopey Yong. Understand
how color is perceived and learn the psychology and
chromatic harmony behind it, as well as discovering
different editing techniques for enhancing the color of
your photos.

See Course

Color Theory
for Textile Projects
A course by Karen Barbé, Embroiderer and Designer

In this course, designer and embroiderer Karen Barbé,

who has more than a decade’s experience, teaches you
to create the ideal color palette for any textile project.
Discover the importance of colors and how they behave
and “speak” to each other. By the end, you’ll be able to
plan out exactly which threads to use for a project.

See Course

#DMSTKeBook Color Theory domestika.org

 22

Introduction to
Color Psychology:
Chromatic Narrative
A course by Sole Otero, Illustrator, Textile Designer, and
Comic Artist

In this course, children’s illustrator, textile designer, and

comic artist Sole Otero shows you how to get started in
the world of color psychology, familiarize yourself with its
meaning, and discover what kinds of emotions each tone
is capable of awakening in the viewer. This knowledge
will give you more control over your creative process.

See Course

Color Applied
to Interior Design
A course by Miriam Alía, Interior Designer

In this course, Miriam Alía, recognized for her work

in magazines like Architectural Digest, Elle Decor,
Interiores, and many more, shares her love of interior
design with a special focus on light and color
through her personal methodology. Discover how
to organize your ideas and balance a space using
powerful color schemes.

See Course

#DMSTKeBook Color Theory domestika.org

 23

Color Theory
Applied to Online
Projects
A course by James Eccleston, Brand and UX Specialist

Color plays a crucial role in the communication

process as it establishes a deep connection with the
audience through human psychology and cultural
context. Brand and UX expert James Eccleston
teaches you the main ideas behind color theory and
how to apply them to your own digital designs.

See Course

Coloring with
Watercolor: Discover
Your Chromatic Chracter
A course by Luiza Normey, Artist, Teacher and
Entrepreneur

With her grasp of color, artist, entrepreneur, content

creator, and designer Luiza Normey teaches you to
create color palettes using watercolors to apply to
your projects. By the end of this journey of creative
discovery, you’ll have produced a painting that
reflects your true colors.

See Course

#DMSTKeBook Color Theory domestika.org

 24

Applied Color for 3D

Design and Animation
A course by Dan Zucco, Art and 3D Animation Director

A freelance 3D art and motion director, Dan Zucco

is one of the perfect creative minds to guide you
through your artistic process of building colorful
3D animations from scratch. Discover the power of
Illustrator, After Effects, and Cinema 4D, and learn
Dan’s professional techniques for creating incredible
3D visuals that combine geometry, movement,
and color.

See Course

#DMSTKeBook Color Theory domestika.org

Create, learn, share