If you are a student or former student of art, design, photography, interior design, decoration, or any creative practice, you have probably heard of the color circle, also known colloquially as the color wheel.
The color wheel is much more than a simple tool for mixing colors. It is a visual representation of colors organized in a circle based on the decomposition of light in relation to the solar spectrum, showing color relationships in a clear and understandable way. This model is essential for artists, designers, and scientists alike, as it helps to understand how colors combine, contrast, and complement each other.
Runge's Sphere by the painter Philipp Otto Runge created the first three-dimensional representation of the color wheel. Public domain photograph via cosmos.so/public-work
It is a visual representation of the relationships between colors and a guide to understanding how they interact. Through its study, we can achieve more balanced, harmonious, and visually appealing compositions in both the arts and design. Its application is broad and fundamental in diverse areas, from painting to fashion and interior design, offering an essential framework for creating impactful visual experiences.
The color wheel or disc includes six colors (purple, red, yellow, green, light blue, and blue) and allows us to explore the interactions between primary, secondary, and tertiary colors, as well as concepts like harmony and contrast. Grouping these colors creates the "families" called primary, secondary, and tertiary colors.
Partial representation of the color wheel. Public domain photograph via cosmos.so/public-work
The primary colors
The color wheel is built upon the three primary colors: red, blue, and yellow. These colors are fundamental because they cannot be obtained by mixing other colors. They are the basis for creating all other colors in the visible spectrum.
Secondary colors
When we combine two primary colors in equal proportions, we obtain the secondary colors (green, ). These colors complete the spectrum of colors on the color wheel, creating a smooth transition between the primary colors.
Tertiary colors
In addition to primary and secondary colors, there is a category of intermediate or tertiary colors. These are obtained by mixing a primary color with a secondary color, increasing the variability of colors.
Tertiary colors expand the possibilities for combination and creation of more nuanced tones, allowing for greater variety in design and painting.
A shaded color wheel, by the British entomologist Moses Harris, included in his work The Natural System of Colours (1766) - Public domain photograph via cosmos.so/public-work
Harmony and contrast in the color wheel
The color wheel is not only useful for understanding how colors mix, but also for analyzing the relationships between them and creating harmonious or contrasting compositions.
1. Color harmony: This refers to the selection of colors that, when combined, are pleasing to the eye. There are several forms of color harmony, such as:
Complementary colors: These are colors that are located opposite each other on the color wheel. Examples include red and green, or blue and orange. Complementary colors create a strong and vibrant contrast, making them ideal for highlighting elements in a design.
Analogous colors: These are colors that are close to each other on the color wheel. For example, blue, blue-green, and green. Analogous colors tend to be soft and harmonious, resulting in relaxing and balanced compositions.
Chromatic triad: This refers to three colors equidistant on the color wheel, such as red, blue, and yellow. This scheme provides a balanced contrast, but not as strong as that of complementary colors.
Pie chart showing the "complementary contrasts" from A Class-Book of Color: Including Color Definitions, Color Scale and Color Harmony (1895) by Mark Maycock - Public domain image cosmos.so/public-work
2. Color Contrast: Contrast refers to the difference between colors. The greater the difference, the greater the contrast. This can be achieved by using complementary colors, but also by mixing saturated colors with more neutral or desaturated colors. Color contrast not only has a visual impact, but can also evoke specific emotions and meanings depending on the context.
Three plates from Robert Ridgeway's Color Standards and Color Nomenclature (1912). Public domain photograph via cosmos.so/public-work
The use of the color wheel in practice
The color wheel is a key tool in several disciplines. In painting, artists use it to mix colors effectively and create desired visual effects. In graphic design and fashion, designers use it to select color combinations that are aesthetically pleasing and convey the intended message.
In the field of interior design, the color wheel is essential for creating harmonious and balanced spaces. Warm colors (reds, oranges, and yellows) are ideal for spaces where you want to create a welcoming or stimulating atmosphere, while cool colors (blues and greens) are perfect for calm and relaxing environments.
