top of page
< Back

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.

Dennis Color Wheel Guide  IMG SS 045708-

The Split-Complementary Colors

Split Complementary colors are a variation of the complementary color scheme, which typically includes two colors across from each other on the color wheel. However, in a color scheme, it applies a base color with the two colors adjacent to its complement on the color wheel. This establishes a vigorous and balanced palette that artists utilize in various artistic applications.
A split-complementary color scheme involves one main color and two colors adjacent to its complement on the color wheel. This scheme provides the contrast of complementary colors but with less tension. For instance, if the base color is red, the split-complementary colors would be blue-green and yellow-green. This creates a balanced and harmonious palette that is less intense than using direct compliments.

MY BIG LAVENDER BUD Still-life Floral 16h X 20w Oil on Canvas © Dennis Lee Brown 6-2024 Dennis Fine Art (AAR) The Summer of 2024 IMG-E0588-695USD


The method of generating a split-complementary color scheme involves selecting a base color and then selecting two colors that are adjacent to the complement of that base main color. For example, if the base color is red, the complement is green, and the adjacent colors are blue-green and yellow-green.
Split-Complementary Color Examples:
• Red, Blue-Green, and Yellow-Green
• Blue, Red-Orange, and Yellow-Orange
• Yellow, Red-Purple, and Blue-Purple
• Green, Red-Orange, and Red-Purple

Harmony of Color Part. 2.

Harmony of Color Part. 2.

Lire la vidéo

  The Illustrated Color Wheel  

bottom of page