Comprehensive Colour Theory and Its Applications Flashcards
a) Colour (5 Marks
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Colour refers to the visual perception resulting from the way an object reflects light, has three main attributes: hue, which identifies the colour itself (e.g., red, blue); saturation, which describes the intensity or purity of the colour; and value, which represents the lightness or darkness of the colour. Colour can affect mood and perception and is used to communicate emotions and aesthetics.
Primary Colour (5 Marks)
Primary colours are the foundation of all other colours and cannot be created by mixing other colours together. They are typically identified as red, blue, and yellow in traditional colour theory. These colours can be combined in various ways to produce a wide range of other colours. In digital and printing contexts, primary colours are often red, green, and blue (RGB) for screens, and cyan, magenta, and yellow (CMY) for printing.
Secondary Colour (5 Marks)
Secondary colours are created by mixing two primary colours together in equal parts. The three primary secondary colours are green (from blue and yellow), orange (from red and yellow), and purple (from red and blue). These colours are positioned between primary colours on the colour wheel and serve as a basis for creating tertiary colours.
Complimentary Colours (5 Marks)
Complementary colours are pairs of colours that, when combined, cancel each other out and produce a grayscale colour such as white or black. On the colour wheel, complementary colours are opposite each other. For example, red and green are complementary; when placed next to each other, they create a strong contrast and enhance each other’s intensity. These colours are often used to create vibrant and eye-catching designs.
Define
Primary, secondary and tertiary
Primary Colour (2 Marks)
Primary colours are the three basic colours (red, blue, and yellow) that cannot be created by mixing other colours. They serve as the source for all other colours through mixing.
(ii) Secondary Colour (2 Marks)
Secondary colours are the colours formed by mixing two primary colours in equal parts. The secondary colours are orange, green, and purple.
iii) Tertiary Colour (2 Marks)
Tertiary colours are created by mixing a primary colour with a secondary colour. Examples include red-orange, yellow-green, and blue-purple. These colours are located between primary and secondary colours on the colour wheel.
List the following:
(i) Five (5) Examples of Primary Colours (5 Marks)
(ii) Five (5) Examples of Secondary Colours (5 Marks)
i) Five (5) Examples of Primary Colours (5 Marks)
Red
Blue
Yellow
Cyan
Magenta
(ii) Five (5) Examples of Secondary Colours (5 Marks)
Orange
Green
Purple
Teal
Pink
Analogous Colours (5 Marks)
Analogous colours are groups of three adjacent colours on the colour wheel, which share a common hue. For instance, blue, blue-green, and green are analogous. These colours create a serene and comfortable feeling when used together, as they are harmonious and blend well. They are often used to create visually pleasing and cohesive designs.
Complementary Colours (5 Marks)
Complementary colours are located directly opposite each other on the colour wheel, such as red and green or blue and orange. When used together, they create a high contrast and vibrant look. This contrast can make designs pop and draw attention. Complementary colours are useful for highlighting and creating dynamic visual effects.
Monochromatic Colours (5 Marks)
Monochromatic colours involve variations of one hue, including different shades, tints, and tones. For example, a monochromatic scheme might use various shades of blue. This colour scheme creates a unified and harmonious look, providing a clean and cohesive design. It can be effective in creating a sophisticated and elegant appearance.
Tertiary Colours (5 Marks)
Tertiary colours are made by mixing a primary colour with a secondary colour. Examples include red-orange, yellow-green, and blue-purple. These colours add depth and variety to the colour wheel and are used to create more complex colour schemes. They bridge the gap between primary and secondary colours, offering a wider range of hues.
State Two (2) Examples of Diadic Colours (4 Marks)
Red and Green
Blue and Orange
Explain Four (4) Uses of Colours (16 Marks)
Brand Identity: Colours are essential in branding as they help create a visual identity for a company or product. Consistent use of colour can make a brand recognizable and convey its values and message effectively.
Emotional Impact: Colours influence emotions and can be used to evoke specific feelings. For example, blue often represents calmness and trust, while red can evoke excitement and passion. Understanding colour psychology helps in designing spaces and products that resonate emotionally with people.
Aesthetic Appeal: Colours enhance the visual appeal of designs, art, and fashion. They can be used to create harmony, contrast, and visual interest, making designs more engaging and pleasing to the eye.
Communication: Colours can communicate information and guide behaviour. For example, traffic lights use red, yellow, and green to signal different actions. Similarly, colour coding in charts and maps helps in organizing and interpreting information effectively.
Brightness (4 Marks)
Brightness, also known as lightness, refers to the perceived amount of light reflected by a colour. It determines how light or dark a colour appears. Brightness can be adjusted to make colours appear more vibrant or subdued.
Value (4 Marks)
Value refers to the lightness or darkness of a colour. It is a key element in colour theory and helps in creating depth and contrast in visual designs. High-value colours are lighter, while low-value colours are darker.
Tint (4 Marks)
Tint is created by adding white to a colour, which lightens its appearance. Tints are variations of a colour that are lighter and can create a softer or more delicate effect in design.
