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Prang Color Theory
Prang Color Theory
Prang Color Theory
Primary colours:
When two primary colours are mixed in equal proportion a secondary or binary colour
results.
These are:
Three primary and three secondary colours are known as “Six standard colours”.
Intermediate colours:
When one primary and a neighbouring secondary colours are mixed, an intermediate
colour results.
These are:
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:
Quaternary Colours:
These are:
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.
Tints
Tints are mixtures of a hue and white. This example shows ve different tints of red. The
light tones resulting when white are mixed with a color. Much white makes a color cold.
Shades
Shades are mixtures of a hue and black. This example shows ve different shades of
red.
Tones
Tones are mixtures of a hue and its complement or grays. This example shows ve
different tones of red. 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 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.
Dimensions or Properties of Colour
Colours have three dimensions or properties:
2. 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’.
For example, the tint of red colour is ‘pink’ whereas the shade is ‘Maroon’. In order to get
light value of one colour, white is added and to get dark value, black is mixed. All colours
have a number of values. White is also known as highest value as no hue is as light as
white. Black is the lowest value as no hue is as dark as black. Light values increase the
size of the object and dark values decrease it.
3. 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.
Colour Schemes or Colour Combinations:
Certain colour combinations are pleasing and attractive to the eyes. Colour scheme may
be Related or Contrasting.
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.