MODULE 4

Color Theory and Mixing

? What is explored in this module?
In this module, we’ll look at basic color theory and mixing colors. You’ll find that color theory
and mixing is not a perfect science.!
!
Color theory is based on the color wheel, which is the color spectrum bent into a circle. Within
color theory, colors are assigned generic or common names (blue, green, red, etc.) and color
relationships are based on their location on the color wheel.!

The Color Wheel

The most basic colors found on the color wheel are called “primary colors”. These colors are
considered primaries because they cannot be created with any combination of colors. These
three colors are used to mix all of the other colors found on the color wheel. The primary
colors are red, yellow, and blue.

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 Color Theory and Mixing

The Color Wheel

Mixing equal parts of primary colors produces “secondary colors”. Secondary colors include
green, purple, and orange.

Mixing equal parts of a primary color and a secondary color produces a tertiary or intermediate
color. These colors are blue-purple, blue-green, red-purple, red-orange, yellow-orange, and
yellow-green.

Copyright (c) 2015 The Watercolor Workshop

 Color Theory and Mixing

Color Mixing
Color mixing utilizes the color relationships on the color wheel to produce variations of colors,
but is more reliant on the actual pigment of the paint mixed, as opposed to the generic
designations observed in color theory.!
!
Here is an example…!
Color Theory - “Blue”!
Color Mixing - “Ultramarine”!
!
Therefore, it should be recognized that we use color theory to mix colors, but we should
expect variations of mixed colors depending on the actual pigment.!
!
Color temperature refers to the warmness or coolness of the color. The temperature of the
color will affect what colors will result from mixing.!
!
In color theory, blue is considered a cool color. However, in color mixing, blue can be either
warmer or cooler. Although blue is still a cool color, its pigmentation can cause it to “lean”
warm or cool. Warmer blues will produce different colors compared to cooler blues when
mixed with other primaries.!
!
This is true for each of the primary colors. Red and yellow also have warmer and cooler
versions based on pigmentation.

Copyright (c) 2015 The Watercolor Workshop

 Color Theory and Mixing

Color Mixing
Multiple color wheels can be created by
using variations of primary colors. This, of
course will lead to a greater variety of color
mixing possibilities.!
!
Therefore, it is encouraged to have both cool
and warm versions of primary colors in order
to mix a greater variety of colors.

Here’s another look at mixing variations with primaries using warm and cool versions of both red
and blue…

Copyright (c) 2015 The Watercolor Workshop

 Color Theory and Mixing

Color Schemes
Color placement on the color wheel can help us to determine aesthetically successful
combinations of colors. These are most commonly referred to as color schemes. By limiting
our “palette” we can create harmony in works by using specific color schemes or by taking
advantage of color relationships.

Monochromatic!
!
A monochromatic scheme is made up of one color and the
tints and shades of that color.

Complementary!
!
A complementary scheme is made of two colors that are
opposites on the color wheel. This scheme provides high
contrast. A few examples include red and green, orange
and blue, and yellow and purple.

Analogous!
!
An analogous color scheme is made up of three to five
colors that are next to each other on the color wheel.
Analogous schemes provide low contrast, but encourage
harmony and unity in a work. An example of an analogous
scheme is blue-green, blue, blue-purple, and purple.

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 Color Theory and Mixing

Color Schemes
Split Complementary!
!
A split complementary color scheme is made up of a color
and its complement’s closest analogous colors. An
example of a split complementary scheme is blue, yellow-
orange, and red-orange.

Neutral Colors
Neutral colors are colors not found on the color wheel. They can be used to alter the value
and/or intensity of the color. Neutral colors include gray, white, black, and brown.!

Blacks, browns, and grays can be

mixed using a combination of
primaries. Theoretically, it is a
mixture of complements that
produce these neutrals. Ex. Red
and green, blue and orange, yellow
and purple.!
!
Again, the pigment of the paints
used will affect the resulting neutral
color that is produced.

Copyright (c) 2015 The Watercolor Workshop

 Color Theory and Mixing

Color Value
Color value is the darkness or lightness of a color. For watercolor painting, light values or tints
are created with thinner applications of pigment. Darker values can be created by adding
neutrals to the color.!

Hue refers to the pure color, without any alterations to the value.!
!
Tints are the lighter values of the color. Tints are created by thinning the application with
water, allowing the white of the paper to show through.!
!
Shades are the darker values of the color. Shades are created by adding neutrals to the
color.!
!

Copyright (c) 2015 The Watercolor Workshop