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Harmonious Colours
Harmonious colours are positioned next
to each other on the colour wheel.
Harmonious colours have only slight
differences between them and are used
as matching colours.
Harmonious colours will include a
Tertiary colour together with a Primary
or Secondary colour.
Examples of harmonious colours are
shown here.
Red and
Blue and
Yellow and
Red-Orange
Red-Violet
Blue-Green
Blue-Violet
Yellow-Orange
Yellow-Green
Contrasting and Harmonious Colours
When choosing contrasting colours the
second colour will include the Primary
colours not included in the first colour.
For example – when red is the first
colour the contrasting colour should
include mixtures of blue and yellow –
the primary colours not included in the
first colour.
When choosing harmonious colours one
Primary colour will be missing from the
two colours chosen.
For example – when red and red-orange
are chosen there will be no blue
included in any of the colours used.
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All 3 primary colours included
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The main primary colour used is red
The red orange has red and yellow included
There is no blue included in any of the colours
Effect of Colours Used Together
When two colours are used together the
differences between the colours affects
how the colours are seen – for example
a yellow-green circle used on a green
background will appear to the eye look
more yellow.
whereas a yellow-green circle used on a
yellow background looks more green.
This can be used to give different effects
when designing titles for DTP work, in
titles for instance.
Graphic Communication
Psychology of Colour
Colour can also be used to give different psychological effects.
WEIGHT:
Dark tones make objects appear heavy, light tones
make them appear less heavy.
STRENGTH:
Pale colours (sometimes referred to as pastels) give
the impression of softness, whereas dark colours
appear to be strong.
TEMPERATURE:
Red, orange and yellow indicates warm whereas
white, blue, violet and green appear cool.
CLEANLINESS:
White gives the impression of cleanliness, but is
difficult to keep clean.
DIGNITY:
Dark greys and dark reds give the impression of
sobriety and dignity.
The following slides give some general feelings gained from
colours
Psychology of Colour
Colour can be regarded as seasonal.
SPRING:
Spring is a season of light fresh colours.
It is associated with pale colours (tints). Colours in spring are mostly
light primary colours and secondary colours.
SUMMER:
Summer is a season of bright strong colours.
It is associated with blue sky’s, yellow sandy beaches, green leaves,
red flowers, etc. Summer is dominated by the colours from the warm
side of the colour wheel.
AUTUMN:
Autumn is a season of rich, warm, mature colours.
It is associated with reds, yellows, oranges and browns, as leaves die
and crops ripen. It is characterised by tertiary colours.
WINTER:
Winter is a season of cold, restrained colours.
It is associated with icy blue and frosty / snowy white colours.
It is also a time of dark days, as the colour drains from the natural
world.
Blue
Meanings
Serene
Passive
Tranquil
Sophisticated
Aristocratic
Sad
Cool
Elegant
Spiritual
Heavenly
Formal
Reliable
Blue Blooded
Feeling Blue
True Blue
More formal than red and
yellow
Nor used in food because
of association with mould.
Sayings
Primary Colour
Cold Colour
Receding Colour
Red
Meanings
Positive
Aggressive
Vibrant
Exciting
Passionate
Emotional
Rage
Courage
Blood
Warning of Danger
Bold
Speed
Warm
Violent
Martyrdom
Dangerous
Active
Revolution
Temper
Defiant
Oppressive
Hot
Festive
Seeing Red
Financially in the red
Red rag to a bull
Red Rage
Red Flag
Red Blooded
Great power of attraction
but too much can be tiring.
Primary Colour
Sayings
Warm Colour
Advancing Colour
Yellow
Meanings
Pleasant
Sunny
Cheerful
Lively
Divine
Light
Warm
Happy
Glowing
Bright
Quiet
Glory
Most easily seen colour
due to its luminosity.
Associated with sunshine
and holidays
Sayings
Lack of courage (yellow streak)
Primary Colour
Warm Colour
Advancing Colour
Violet
Meanings
Cool
Negative
Retiring
Subdued
Solemn
Affliction
Rich
Royal
Regal
Shy
Melancholy
Resignation
Associated with
peacefulness and solitude
Sayings
Shrinking Violet
Secondary Colour
Cold Colour
Receding Colour
Orange
Meanings
Sunny
Cheerful
Warm
Exciting
Happy
Appetising
Aggressive
One of the appetite colours
associated with flavour and
energy
Sayings
Secondary Colour
Warm Colour
Advancing Colour