Color theory makes up the artist’s world. Understanding color formation and relationships between different colors is an art technique that every artist should master. It will guide you on the effective use of color to ensure you use the right palette in your art competitions drawing projects.

This guide expounds on color theory and explains design terms that may not be clear to you.

Color Systems

Color systems refer to the methods used to reproduce color. They come in two categories, additive or subtractive. The screens we use in our homes use additive colors to generate the colors we see, while books and other print materials utilize subtractive colors for their front covers.

In short, anything that produces light, such as sun, screens, or projectors, uses additive lights, while everything else that reflects light uses subtractive lights.

1.Additive.

Additive color works with anything that radiates light. When different wavelengths of light are mixed, different colors are created. If you add more light, the color becomes lighter and brighter.

When using additive colors, the primary colors of red, green, and blue are considered the building blocks and form the basis of the colors we see on screen. In additive color, white signifies a combination of colors while black means absence of color.

2.2. Subtractive

Subtractive color is based on reflected or radiated light. It is the way a pigment reflects different light wavelengths that determines its color to the human eye. Subtractive color comprises three primary colors, namely magenta, cyan, and yellow. White shows an absence of color, while black signifies a combination of colors.

The pigments available for use do not absorb light fully. Hence, a compensating pigment is added called key, which is black in color. Without this added pigment, the black color would be rendered as muddy brown in print.

The Color Wheel

The color wheel makes visible colors that are:

  • Complimentary-opposite on the wheel
  • Analogous-adjacent on the wheel
  • Triadic- 3 colors at 120 degrees from each other, etc.

These relationships can produce impressive color combinations. Many more relationships exist based on their position on the color wheel.

Component of Color

Hue: This represents the base color on the color wheel

Saturation: Defines how rich color is

Brightness: This shows how bright a color is.

Conclusion

Understanding the color theory will help you craft magnificent pieces for free art competitions. Use this guide to master different color combinations, which will greatly improve your art.