NAME: ________________________________
Color Theory Vocabulary
CLASS: ___________________
Color Wheel- A circle of colors that helps an artist mix colors and learn about colors. The color wheel
fits together like a puzzle, each color in a specific place; being familiar with the color wheel not only
helps you mix colors when painting, but in adding color to all of your creations!
Primary Colors- Red, Yellow, Blue
 you cannot mix any colors together to get these colors.
 We use these three colors to make all the other colors.
Secondary Colors- Orange, Green, Violet
 primary + primary = secondary
 red + yellow = orange
 yellow + blue = green
 blue + red = violet
Intermediate (or Tertiary) Colors- red-orange, yellow-orange, yellow-green, blue- green,
blue- violet, red-violet
 Primary + secondary = intermediate
 When you are naming the intermediate colors, notice that the primary color always
comes first!
Value- the lightness and darkness of a color
 tint- lightened color, color + white
 shade- darkened color, color + black
Contrast- A strong difference in two things. In color, a light value next to a dark value or a bright color
next to a dull color. In texture, it might be a smooth surface next to a rough surface.
Color Schemes- a system of using the color wheel to put colors together.
 Monochromatic- one color and its values; “mono” means “one” and “chroma”
means “color.”
 Complementary- Colors across from each other or OPPOSITES on the color wheel.
(and their values) When they are mixed together, they form a neutral brown or gray.
When they are next to each other, they create a strong contrast.
o Examples: blue and orange, violet and yellow, red and green.
 Analogous- 3 to 5 colors next to each other on the color wheel (and their values.)
o Example: red, red-orange, orange, yellow-orange, yellow
 Warm colors- colors of sun and fire,
o Example: reds, oranges, and yellows. (and their values)
 Cool colors- colors of snow and ice,
o Example: blues, purples, and greens. (and their values)
 Neutral colors- white, black, gray, and brown. These colors can go with any other
colors. Adding white or black to a color can create a tint or shade. Adding brown or
gray to a color will dull the color’s hue.