Subtractive Theory of Color, Continued
Proximity on
A look at a 12-color color wheel easily identifies harmonious color
the color wheel
combinations and complimentary colors.
Harmonious
color
Harmonious colors are colors containing some part of the colors positioned
next to them on the color wheel. Harmonious colors lie near each other on
the color wheel. Although harmoniously colored images are generally
pleasing to the eye, they can become monotonous.
Complimentary
color
Complimentary colors lie directly across from each other on the color wheel.
The compliment of red is green, of yellow is violet, and of blue is orange.
Notice that the compliment of a primary color is a secondary color directly
across from it on the color wheel. Complimentary colors are not related, but
you can use them to create sharp contrasts or mix them to form a neutral
grey.
Dimensions of
color
The three dimensions of color are hue, value, and intensity. As an Illustrator
Draftsman, you must understand each dimension to successfully analyze and
mix colors for your illustrations.
Hue
Hue is the term used to name a color. How light or dark a color may be
does not change hue. Hue is color before the addition of any other color.
Figure 2-13 shows light and dark variations-of-a hue.
Figure 2-13.—Light and dark variations of the same hue.
Continued on next page
2-15
