An example of a split complementary scheme is red, blue-green, and yellow-green. This arrangement offers a similar level of contrast to a complementary colour scheme but with a greater variety of colours. Split Complementary ColoursĪ split complementary colour scheme involves selecting a base colour and the two colours adjacent to its complement. An example of a triadic colour scheme is the combination of red, blue, and yellow. This colour scheme offers a balance of contrast and harmony, making it a versatile choice for designers.

Triadic colours are evenly spaced around the colour wheel, forming an equilateral triangle. Examples of analogous colour schemes include blue-green, blue, and blue-purple or red, red-orange, and orange. These colours often share a common hue and create a harmonious, soothing effect when used together. Analogous ColoursĪnalogous colours are adjacent to each other on the colour wheel. Examples of complementary colour pairs include blue and orange, red and green, and yellow and purple. When used together, these colours create a striking contrast, making them a popular choice for creating visual interest. Some of the most common colour relationships include: Complementary ColoursĬomplementary colours are positioned directly opposite each other on the colour wheel. By understanding these relationships, designers and artists can create visually appealing and harmonious colour schemes. One of the primary benefits of the colour wheel is its ability to demonstrate the relationships between colours. Spin the wheel (by clicking anywhere on it) to return one of these colours at random. You can see all of the above colours on the wheel of colours above. There are six tertiary colours: red-orange (vermilion), red-purple (magenta), blue-purple (violet), blue-green (teal), yellow-green (chartreuse) and yellow-orange (amber). Tertiary colours are created by mixing equal parts of a primary colour and an adjacent secondary colour. These include green (a mix of blue and yellow), orange (a mix of red and yellow), and purple (a mix of blue and red). Secondary colours are formed by mixing equal parts of two primary colours. Every other colour on the wheel can be formed through the combination of primary colours in varying proportions. These colours are considered the base colours, as they cannot be created by mixing other colours. The primary colours are red, blue, and yellow. Let's take a closer look at each group and their respective colours. The modern colour wheel consists of three primary colour groups: primary, secondary, and tertiary.

This led to the creation of the first colour wheel, a tool that has been adapted and refined throughout history. After observing the dispersion of white light into a spectrum of colours through a prism, he arranged these colours in a circle to demonstrate the relationships between them. It was Sir Isaac Newton, however, who first constructed a colour wheel in 1666. His ideas laid the groundwork for the development of colour theory. The Greek philosopher Aristotle was among the first to explore the relationships between colours, theorising that they were created through the mixture of light and dark. The concept of a wheel of colours dates back to antiquity. Let's delve into the history and structure of the wheel of colours as well as discuss practical applications and ways to harness its potential in your creative projects.

It serves as a visual representation of the relationship between primary, secondary, and tertiary colours, making it an invaluable resource for artists, designers, and anyone who works with colours. The wheel of colours, also known as the colour wheel picker, is a fundamental tool in the world of design and visual arts. Click the Wheel of Colours to spin it and see which one you land on! The wheel is also fully editable so that it may be tailored to your own needs.

Horizontal color wheel picker