Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Art Basics
Did you know there is a theory of choosing colors that complement each other? It
is called the color wheel.
This pre and post test color wheel can be downloaded by clicking the PDF button
bleow to help you learn what you already know and also help assess what you
learn from today’s lesson.
Directions:
https://artsphere.org/blog/color-wheel-and-color-theory-handout/ 1/6
8/10/22, 3:12 PM Color Wheel and Color Theory Handout | Art Sphere Inc.
Step 2- Using a crayon, color and label the primary colors with a “1” and then
color and label the secondary colors with a “2”.
Step 3- Label warm colors with a “W” and cool colors with a “C”.
Step 4- On the lines add the tertiary color names and label with a “3”.
Step 6- With paper folded so you cant see the left side retake test.
The color wheel is a means of organizing the colors in the spectrum. The only
colors that are not on it are black. white, and gray.
https://artsphere.org/blog/color-wheel-and-color-theory-handout/ 2/6
8/10/22, 3:12 PM Color Wheel and Color Theory Handout | Art Sphere Inc.
Artists, interior decorators and designers often choose a color scheme by using
the color wheel.
Color schemes may be selected by choosing colors from the wheel that will
complement each other.
These are:
MONOCHROMATIC: several values of one color. ex.: light blue, medium blue, dark
blue
ANALOGOUS: colors that are next to each other on the color wheel. ex.:yellow,
yellow-orange, orange, and red-orange
COMPLEMENTARY: colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel. ex.:
red and green, violet and yellow
SPLIT COMPLEMENT: three colors that are opposite each other on the wheel, but
to either side of the exact opposite, ex,: red, blue-green, and yellow-green
TRIADIC: colors that are at equally spaced intervals on the wheel, ex: red, yellow,
blue and orange, green and violet
https://artsphere.org/blog/color-wheel-and-color-theory-handout/ 3/6
8/10/22, 3:12 PM Color Wheel and Color Theory Handout | Art Sphere Inc.
Properties of color
HUE: the actual color, such as red
VALUE: different intensities of a color ranging from very light to very dark
(tints and shades)
Most people also have a favorite color. What is your favorite color? What does it
mean to you?
The emotional properties of color are complex and stem from long ethnic,
cultural, spiritual and artistic traditions and impressions of color by current
images we see in advertising campaigns of products and companies we like or
dislike.
The feelings one has about certain colors may come from the association we
have with warm and cool colors in nature.
Here are some historically popular associations people have with colors however
yours may be different based on your experiences and can change over time.
Childhood memories may play an important role in what colors you like – your
dress you wore for a birthday party, a favorite Spiderman toy,
RED: often associated with evil but also represents love for Valentine’s day. It can
be used to represent danger and commonly seen on stop signs and warning
signs. Where else do you see red? How does red make you feel?
ORANGE: associated with the smell and color of its fruit namesake, pumpkins
and Halloween. Where else do you see orange? How does orange make you
feel?
YELLOW: a cheery color that embodies warmth and light as in the sun. Where
else do you see yellow? How does yellow make you feel?
https://artsphere.org/blog/color-wheel-and-color-theory-handout/ 4/6
8/10/22, 3:12 PM Color Wheel and Color Theory Handout | Art Sphere Inc.
GREEN: signifies life or hope. Where else do you see green? How does green
make you feel?
BLUE: a calm, soothing, and tranquil color, sometimes associated with sadness
or depression and also happy blue skies and ice cold water. Where else do you
see blue? How does blue make you feel?
VIOLET: a symbol for royalty or wealth Where else do you see violet? How does
violet make you feel?
BLACK: associated with mournful, night and is used in graphic design because it
is dramatic. Where else do you see black? How does black make you feel?
WHITE: symbolizes purity, truth, innocence, and light Where else do you see
white? How does white make you feel?
Experiment today with color! Make a picture with your favorite colors and what
they mean or feel to you. Then look and see from above which color theory or
terms might be used to describe your work of art.
EMAIL US
Who We Are
Message from ASI’s Director
Sponsors and Donors
Staff 2022
Community Partners
ASI Board
https://artsphere.org/blog/color-wheel-and-color-theory-handout/ 5/6
8/10/22, 3:12 PM Color Wheel and Color Theory Handout | Art Sphere Inc.
Press Releases
What We Do
After-school Programs
Collaborative Public Murals
Community Art Events
Conflict Resolution Through Art
Cross-Cultural Art Exchanges
Themed Workshops
Directions
Contact Us
Newsletters
https://artsphere.org/blog/color-wheel-and-color-theory-handout/ 6/6