Colour Theory

Systematic colour (Part 1) - An introduction to colour theory

Willard C. Brinton - 'Graphic Presentation' (1939)

Colour:
Physical > physiologic > psychological

The eye contains two kinds of receptors
Rods - convert shades of black, white and grey.

Cones - allow the brain to perceive the colour.

Three types of cones
Type 1: is sensitive to red-orange light
Type 2: is sensitive to green light
Type 3: is sensitive to blue-violet light

When a single cone is stimulated, the brain perceives the corresponding colour.

If our green cones are stimulated, we see "green".
If our red cones are stimulated, we see "red".
If both our green and red-orange ones are simultaneously stimulated, we see "yellow".

Systematic colour

Primary, secondary and tertiary colours. 

Spectral colours

The eye cannot differentiate between spectral yellow, and some combination of red and green. The same accounts for cyan, magenta and in-between spectral colours. 

RGB: red, green and blue - used in print. Subjective colour.

CMYK: cyan, magenta, yellow and black (k stands for the key colour, in which this is back) - used on screen. Additive colour.

Halftone is the small dots of different colours that make up a solid colour.

Systematic colour (part 2) - Dimensions of colour 

Hue - one colour

Colour - one or several hues

Colour and hue are often interchangeable terms.

Chroma refers to all colours including shades, tints and tones.

Chromatic value = hue + tone + saturation (luminance)

'Intensity', 'saturation' or 'brilliance' are also interchangeable terms to relate to higher or lower degrees of vividness. 

Shades are hues plus black, tints are hues plus white and tones are hues plus grey.

Colour Theory: Fiction

RomanceThe obvious colour is red (185U) because it is a stereotypical colour of love. The tone of red illustrates love and passion. It is also the colour of hearts and roses which is connected to love.

Romance
Not obvious shade is orange (1505 U) as it is a fiery, vibrant and exciting colour that can represent the idea of love.

Science Fiction
This green (802U) was an obvious colour for children to think of because it is a stereotypical colour of aliens. The green is neon and artificial and looks similar to the colour of the aliens in 'Toy Story'.

Science Fiction
This metallic blue/grey colour (8221 C) is not an obvious colour but is what as a group, associated with science fiction because its a futuristic, space/tech colour.

Mystery
This navy blue/dark purple (2757 U) would be the suggestive shade for mystery because it is a similar colour to the sky at night which is mysterious because you cannot see anything in the dark.

Mystery
Red (187 U) would not be the obvious choice for mystery but it can represent mystery/crime dramas where its about a murder which then ties in with the colour of danger and blood. 

Humour
This bright yellow (Hexachrome Yellow U) is a suggestive shade for humour because it represents vitality as it is bright and a cheerful colour. You imagine the yellow smiley faces when you see this particular colour.

Humour
Green (381 U) is not an obvious colour for humour but the colour green is a natural colour and is associated with nature. Therefore as green is a natural colour, it represents that laughing is natural instinct.