Applying Color Theory
Dennis's
The Art of Color Theory Series
The color wheel is an essential tool for artists, providing a visual representation of colors arranged according to their chromatic relationship. By having the color wheel as a guide, artists can explore analogous themes, complementary colors, and triadic color schemes, along with how to appropriately mix colors to achieve the desired saturation, value, and hue. Understanding the color wheel is crucial for artists to convey their creativity and express emotions in their works.
Square Tetrad Colors
Square Tetrad Colors
Four Colors, Separated by Two
A Square color scheme contains four colors spaced evenly around the color wheel with two colors separating them. The Square color scheme consists of two complementary color pairs. This plot of color creates a well-adjusted, and visually interesting palette.
The square color scheme, also known as the tetradic color scheme, is a popular choice among designers for creating visually appealing designs. It involves selecting four colors that are two colors apart from each other on the color wheel, forming a square shape when connected. This arrangement offers a prominent level of contrast and balance, allowing for a wide range of vibrant color combinations and drawing/painting options.
In creating a square color scheme, start with a base color and identify other colors that set three colors from the base around the color wheel, which results in two complementary pairs. Used the square color scheme in countless artistic design applications, from graphic design, and fine artwork, to interior decorating. It establishes stability and a functional foundation for creating vigorous and harmonious compositions.
Some examples of Square Tetrad Colors themes include:
• Red, Green, Blue-violet, Yellow-orange
• Blue, Orange, Yellow-green, Red-violet
• Yellow, Purple, Red-orange, Blue-green
• Green, Red, Blue, Orange
Square color schemes are very versatile. Here is a usage example, if red is chosen as the principal hue, the opposite or paired (the complementary color) colors would be blue-violet, green, and yellow-orange. Use the supporting colors in different proportions to create a balanced composition with one color being the main amount, another as the minor color, and the remaining two as accent hues.
