Last post (Color Theory - Part 1) we learned about the basics of color; what it is, how
we get it and how to group it. Today we’re going to look at color schemes.
There are six
basic color schemes that you’ll typically find
noted on a color wheel: Monochromatic,
Analogous, Complimentary, Split Complimentary, Triadic and Tetradic.
Let’s start with the easiest scheme, Monochromatic. Monochromatic color schemes use one color in
various tints (any color + white) and shades (any color + black). They are among one of the easiest schemes to
produce because you don’t have to worry about working with another color. Playing with textures will provide dimension
to the one color look; i.e. for a monochromatic layout, look for buttons,
flowers, ribbon, etc. to add dimension to the page. Black and white photos, and photos with a
lot of color or activity, shine when paired with a Monochromatic scheme.
Analogous schemes, sometimes called harmonious schemes, are
simply selecting colors that reside next to each other on the color wheel. As simple to use as a monochromatic scheme,
an Analogous scheme will give a bit more pop.
When using this scheme select one color to dominate and the other will
provide the pop and support.
Complimentary schemes are colors that are directly opposite each
other on the color wheel. Using this
scheme provides high contrast. If the
photo you’re working with has purple in it, choosing purple is one way to
go, but draw the eye to the photos by selecting purple’s compliment, yellow.
Split Complimentary schemes start with one color and then add the
two colors on either side of its
complimentary color. Split Complimentary
schemes have great contrast, but not quite as strong as the
Complimentary Scheme.
Triadic
schemes use three colors that are evenly spaced on the color wheel. Try all three colors in equal amounts, with
no one color dominating, and you create a nicely balanced combination.
The last
color scheme is the Tetradic scheme. The
Tetradic scheme, sometimes called Double Complimentary, uses four colors: two pairs of complimentary colors. Because
achieving a good color balance when using four colors can be difficult, select one
color to dominate or use the method of proportioning called “quart-pint-ounce.”
How can you use color so that it's well balanced? Think quart-pint-ounce. Balanced colors help support and highlight your photos instead of
overwhelming them. Quart-pint-ounce
works simply: Select the colors you wish
to use. One of them will be the main
color (the quart) that will be used for the majority of the layout, say your
background paper. Next select the color
to be used in lesser amounts (the pint) and will support to the main color; a
photo mat, a secondary patterned paper used in lesser amounts than the main
paper and even the color you journal or print the title in. Finally, the last color becomes the ounce,
the color used the least, but helps add pop and balance; another patterned
paper used in much smaller amounts, colored brads, florals, buttons, ribbon,
etc. When thinking in Quart, Pint,
Ounce, it’s the overall amounts of each of the colors you use; it’s not just one sheet of red paper, highlighted with blue stripe
and white buttons. For example the Pint
color can be several sheets of patterned paper, just in lesser total amounts
than the Quart color’s total amount.
Most color wheels found at craft stores come with dials that identify each of the colors in any given color scheme.
If you don’t have a color wheel you can Google "color wheel" and find any number. Simply print one and start applying your new-found knowledge. Even without fancy dials, armed with the descriptions of the schemes
you should be able to use it like a pro to create your next layout.
Next post, we’ll put the pieces
together and show you how different schemes combined with your photos will change
the way your layouts look. In the
meantime, play with the colors and schemes and enjoy the experiment.
Happy Thursday,
