In this section: A color picker to play with | Color by Number | A printable Lesson in Color

A Lesson in Color

The color wheel is divided into three categories: primary, secondary, and tertiary. The three primary colors are red, yellow and blue. These colors are considered to be foundation colors because they are used to create all other colors. By combining two of the primary colors, three secondary colors are formed. They are orange, green and violet. The six tertiary colors are made by combining a primary and an adjacent secondary color. These colors are red-orange, red-violet, yellow-green, yellow-orange, blue-green and blue-violet.

Related Schemes

Monochromatic - This color scheme uses a single hue. (example: red and its varying tints and shades)
Analogous - This scheme uses adjacent hues. (example: red, red-orange, and red-violet)

Contrasting Schemes

If two hues are opposite each other on the color wheel they are considered to be complementary colors. When used together in a design they make each other seem brighter and more intense. (example: red and green)

This color scheme uses three colors: any hue and the two adjacent to its complement. (example: red, yellow-green, and blue-green)

This scheme also uses three colors. They are evenly spaced from each other. (example: red, yellow, and blue)