Consult the color theory of watercolor painting.

To learn color, you have to understand color theory and tell you:

First, the principle of color

Color principle-primary color, intermediate color and composite color

Color composition is a scientific and logical subject. Step by step, we can step into the palace of color.

Primary colors are colors that cannot be mixed with other colors. Primary colors can be mixed with many other colors. Red, yellow and blue are the three primary colors in Eaton's color ring. He defined the standard of these three primary colors as:

Red: Red without blue or yellow flavor.

Yellow: Yellow, with no green or red flavor.

Blue: Blue without green or red flavor.

A color that is a mixture of any two primary colors is called an intermediate color. Then, the three primary colors can bring up three intermediate colors. Their cooperation is as follows:

Red+yellow = orange

Yellow+blue = green

Blue+red = purple

The orange, green and purple obtained by mixing the above primary color images are what we call intermediate colors.

Multicolor is a color that is a mixture of an indirect color and another primary color, and it is called polychromatic. The matching of various colors is as follows:

Yellow+orange = yellow orange

Red+orange = red orange

Red+purple = red purple

Blue+purple = blue-purple

Blue+green = turquoise.

Yellow+green = yellow-green

The six composite colors are yellow orange, red orange, red purple, blue purple, blue green and yellow green.

In this way, the primary color, the intermediate color and the composite color form a regular color ring of 12 hue, just like the continuation of the rainbow. In this color circle, each tone has its own corresponding position.

Color principles-hue, brightness and purity

Around our lives, ordinary people's understanding of color often stays on the surface, that is, the discrimination of pure colors such as red, yellow, blue and green (hue part). If you encounter a lighter color, add a word "light", if you encounter a heavier color, add a word "deep", and once you encounter a color in the middle tone, it is called "old". For those who want to enter the art major, this simple understanding of color is far from enough. The reason for this phenomenon is that we don't understand the principle of color. How to enter the mysterious and rich world of color and master the basic principles of color? We might as well use the structural principle of color solid to explain the three basic elements of color theory: hue, lightness, purity and their relationship.

In order to facilitate the explanation, let's first understand the concept of nouns and show them with pictures.

Color Stereo Color Stereo is a color coordinate system that uses three-dimensional space to express the hue, lightness and purity of color with the help of perspective theory. This coordinate composition can help you learn to analyze and understand the continuity of color in space from a plane perspective.

Hue Hue is the most obvious feature of color, which refers to the appearance of color, and is generally expressed by color phase ring. The usual color rings are 12, 20, 24, 100.

Brightness Brightness refers to the brightness of a color, which is generally expressed by the lightness axis.

Purity Purity refers to the purity of color, which can be expressed by purity stage.

With the ability to recognize these three colors, you will initially master the law of color change and broaden your color gamut invisibly. Make your color recognition ability not only stay on the surface, but embark on the professional road of scientific color recognition and understanding.

Color Principle-Tone Contrast

Because of the different tones, the contrast of colors is called tone contrast.

Hue contrast is a relatively simple color contrast relationship, and the visual effect is bright and vivid. Generally speaking, hue contrast can be explained by color rings. According to the arrangement order of color rings, we summarize the relative ratio into six aspects to illustrate its contrast law and visual effect.

1, same hue contrast

The so-called homohue means that the positions of the two colors on the color ring are very close, about 5 degrees Celsius. On the contrary, it means the contrast between one color and another adjacent color. Because they are very close, there are many similar factors in color, and the contrast effect is weak. It is called homochromatic contrast in chromatics, and it can also be called weak contrast from the visual point of view.

2, similar color contrast

The concept of similar hue means that the position of two colors on the color ring is about 45 degrees, and the distance is close, and the color difference between the two colors is not big. As far as contrast is concerned, their contrast relationship is called similar color contrast, which belongs to medium-weak contrast from the visual point of view. Compared with hue, it appears that there are changes in unity and harmony in change.

3, contrast color contrast

The two colors of contrast hue are far apart on the color circle, and the same factor between the two colors is relatively reduced, and the distance on the color circle is about 100 degrees. The contrast of two colors is called contrast color contrast, and their visual effects are bright and strong, which is also called medium-strong contrast.

4. Relative proportion of complementary colors

The relative proportion of complementary colors means that the two colors are located at both ends of the diameter of the color phase ring and are the two colors with the farthest color distance. When the difference between the two colors is 180 degrees, their contrast is the strongest and most exciting. In chromatics, it is called the relative proportion of complementary colors, but it is a strong contrast in vision.

5, full color ring hue contrast

The contrast of 12 or 6 colors on a panchromatic ring is called the hue contrast of a panchromatic ring. However, due to the large number of tones, it is easy to produce disorder, instability and difficulty in forming a unified effect. Therefore, when organizing colors, we must pay attention to the treatment of color block size and the choice of hue.

6. Full-tone gradation ratio

This contrast technique mainly refers to the change of hue, and you can take 1/3, 2/3 or full hue on the color ring to make sequential changes. The picture formed by this method feels bright and dazzling in color.

Mastering the method of hue contrast skillfully will lay a solid foundation for each beginner to use solid color design in the future, so that you can experience and experience the infinite changes and powerful expressive force between hues.

Color principle-lightness contrast

The contrast relationship formed by the difference of color lightness is called lightness contrast.

The relationship between color lightness has two meanings:

1, the relationship between light and shade of the color itself (no black and white)

2. The relationship between light and shade caused by black and white mixed colors.

The lightness contrast mentioned here is based on the second meaning, that is, how to combine and match the light and dark phenomena caused by the mixture of color and black and white to produce different visual effects.

The difference of color brightness is generally based on the brightness of color stereo, and Munsell color stereo is often used as an example for analysis.

The lightness axis of Munsell solid is composed of 1 1 color scale from white to black. 0- 10 is black and white at both ends, and 1-9 is gray with different lightness. The lightness axis from bottom to top shows that lightness changes gradually and regularly.

In order to explain clearly and easily, we can also divide the lightness relationship into three levels according to the numerical order displayed on the lightness axis:

A 0-3, low brightness (black to dark gray)

B 4-6 is medium brightness (medium gray)

C 7- 10, high brightness (light gray to white)

After defining the three levels of lightness, let's talk about the contrast of lightness.

Brightness contrast can also be divided into three categories:

striking contrast

This contrast is black and white, and the visual effect is very exciting.

Contrast in b

The contrast relationship is moderate and the visual effect is peaceful.

Weak contrast

The contrast between light and dark is small, and the visual effect is blurred.

Color principle-the principle of color harmony

Color harmony is a concept introduced from music theory, which refers to the harmony of various colors.

Color harmony has two meanings: first, color harmony is a form of color collocation beauty. It is generally believed that "good-looking color collocation" means that the color collocation that can make people happy and comfortable is harmonious. Second, color harmony is a means of color matching beauty. Color harmony is about color contrast. Without contrast, there is no harmony. They are mutually exclusive, interdependent and complementary. But the contrast of colors is absolute, because two or more colors are always different in hue, purity, lightness and area, which will inevitably produce different degrees of contrast. Excessive contrast of color matching needs to be strengthened to reconcile * * *; Too ambiguous color matching needs to be coordinated by strengthening contrast. From the aesthetic point of view, color harmony can be said to be the harmony of various colors in unity and change.

The principle of color harmony:

1, complementary color balance theory

From the perspective of color visual physiology, the cooperation of complementary colors is harmonious. Because when people see a certain color, they always want to get the corresponding complementary color to achieve a physiological complementary balance. Eaton said: "The eye also needs its relative complementary color to any particular color. If this complementary color has not appeared, then the eyes will automatically produce it. It is through this fact that the basic principle of color harmony includes the principle of complementary color. " Munsell's theory of color harmony is also based on the theory of color deviation. He believes that if all the colors that make up the picture are mixed (or mixed on the rotating turntable), if the fifth brightness gray is produced, then the color matching is harmonious.

2. Natural color sequence theory

Because people live in nature, the harmony and continuity of natural colors have become people's habits and aesthetic experience of visual colors. There is a certain natural order, that is, a natural law, in the changes and relations of light and shade, light and shadow, strength, cold and warm, gray and bright, and hue. For example, when light shines on an object, it will inevitably produce highlights, bright parts, light-dark boundaries, dark parts, reflections and projections. The light and shade and color changes of objects are orderly, rhythmic and very harmonious, and people will unconsciously judge the quality of color art by the color order of nature. Therefore, the harmony of colors requires that all colors must establish a certain order. The hue series, lightness series and purity series of color solids are arranged in a certain order. Therefore, in colored solids, any straight line, circle, ellipse, spiral ..... all the orderly directions, the selected color scheme is very harmonious.

3. Bright color matching theory

Visually, the color matching that is not too exciting or too ambiguous is very harmonious. The harmony of color matching depends on whether it is bright or not. Generally speaking, excessive stimulation or ambiguous color matching will make people feel unhappy. Change and unity are the basic principles of color matching. Seek unity in change, seek change in unity, and all kinds of colors complement each other to achieve the beauty of color matching.

4. Area proportion theory

Goethe thinks that the harmonious area ratio of primary color and intermediate color is,

Yellow: orange: red: purple: blue: green = 3: 4: 6: 9: 8: 6.

Mancel believes that the colors that make up the picture are mixed, and only neutral gray can achieve color harmony. Color harmony and area ratio are related to purity at the same time, because red (R5/ 10) and turquoise (BG5/5) with the same area will not get gray with brightness of 5 when they are rotated and mixed on the turntable. Obviously, it is because the purity of red is high and the purity of green is low. He believes that only by reducing the purity of red or reducing the area of red to half of turquoise can harmony be achieved.

In short, the areas with strong colors in color matching should be appropriately reduced and the areas with weak colors should be appropriately expanded, which is the general law of color regional balance. Of course, the achievement of color zone balance is a method of static beauty of color. If we use different color matching ratios to make color composition and consciously give priority to one color, then we will achieve various infectious color matching effects.

5. Theory of aesthetic psychology.

The color matching that can arouse the audience's aesthetic psychology is harmonious. Due to different psychological characteristics (such as gender, age, etc. ), psychological changes (such as joy, joy, sadness, etc. ), the social conditions for survival (such as culture, science, art, education, politics, economy, etc.). ) and the natural environment, it is different in temperament, personality, hobbies, interests, customs and habits, and has different preferences in color. In different times, regions and periods, people have different aesthetic requirements and ideals for color. Different TINT can form different moods such as richness, enthusiasm, joy, gentleness, modesty, simplicity and generosity. When the interest reflected by color collocation resonates with people's thoughts and feelings, that is, when the formal structure of color collocation corresponds to people's psychological formal structure, people will involuntarily feel the harmony and pleasure of color, and strongly produce the motivation and possessiveness of color decoration. Therefore, in color design, we must study and be familiar with the color preference psychology of different consumers, treat them differently, and be targeted.

6. Teleology

Purposeful color matching is harmonious. Color matching must consider use (practicality) and purpose (purpose). For example, the color of instruments, traffic signals and road signs should be eye-catching, and the combination of different colors with strong contrast is applicable. The colors used in general workplaces should be soft and bright, so as to avoid sharp contrast color matching that is too stimulating, easy to cause visual fatigue and reduce work efficiency. Architectural design, interior design, fashion design, commercial design, work design, etc. Because of the different functions, there are specific requirements for color matching.

Color Principle —— Color Beauty and Aesthetic Subject

Color beauty is related to aesthetic subject. Color itself is not beautiful, but an objective condition of beauty. Only when the conditions of color beauty are related to people can color beauty be reflected. So the beauty of color depends on people's feelings and evaluation of color. Some people love red, some people love green, some people love bright, some people love bright; The same color or a group of colors, some people think it looks good, some people think it doesn't look good; Even the same person sometimes thinks it is beautiful, and sometimes it is not. Zhuangzi, an ancient thinker in China, thought that "beauty and Jin Lie are in the heart" and the beauty of color is determined by "people's heart". The feeling of color beauty varies from person to person and from feeling to feeling. Due to the differences in politics, economy, culture, customs, religious beliefs and geographical environment, different times, nationalities and regions have different aesthetic requirements and concepts for colors. Different people have different preferences for colors because of their gender, age, cultural accomplishment, temperament, personality, hobbies and interests. Even the same person, due to the change of experience and mood, the feeling of color and aesthetic psychology are not fixed. Therefore, only when the interest reflected by color is related to people's yearning spiritual life and resonates with people's aesthetic feelings, that is, only when the formal structure of color coordination corresponds to people's aesthetic psychological formal structure, people will feel the pleasure of color beauty.

Because of the complexity and versatility of the aesthetic subject of color, when discussing the aesthetic feeling and expressive force of color, we should not only study the general significance of various colors produced by life association, but also pay attention to the different aesthetic standards of different times, different people and different concepts, and have different understanding and evaluation of the connotation and expressive force of color. Color beauty must have the characteristics of the times and the expression of personality.

Second, the color feeling

Color perception-black

Black, with eternal charm, is widely used by most ethnic groups and regions in the world. Ethnic groups in Northeast China are still black, and they are used as carriers of religious ceremonies. European priests and priests also wear black robes. What is shown here is solemnity and majesty.

Black gives people strength, depth, solemnity, stability, elegance and dignity. Some household appliances also use black, which is based on this. Black dresses and evening dresses give people gentle manners and noble temperament. Black is very adaptable and can be used in any coordinated combination of colors.

Black also means the Iron Curtain and misfortune. Mafia and underworld sound terrible. Black Friday recorded the depressing moment of new york stock market crash.

Color perception-white

White has unattainable holiness, purity and nobility.

Among the ethnic groups in our country, many ethnic groups are still white, such as Mongolian, Korean and Bai.

"Free food" is a favorite dairy product of Mongolian people, which means pure and noble food. There should be free food for holiday banquets and family trips.

The Tibetan snow-white Hada and the Hui people's round hat are symbols of piety.

The whiteness of the hospital gives people a fresh environment, and the work clothes of medical staff give people an angelic comfort.

The lady's white wedding dress shows chastity.

Wearing white stubble linen is filial piety.

Color perception-red

Red is the most emotional color and the earliest color used by primitive humans. It depicts the tragicomedy of life.

The dinner by the campfire was unrestrained and enthusiastic; The guidance of the red flag gives people the heroic spirit of ideal struggle; The red stripes hanging on the baby's body and the bright red of the wedding indicate the richness of life; The dying sun, like blood, is solemn and solemn; The precious blood of Jesus gives people bitter introspection; Red signals, fire engines and mine ambulances mean danger. Please avoid!

Among the practical colors, people will feel mature and sweet only if the apples on the cans are painted red; The two hearts in logo only use red to express their sincere love. These are all feeling habits implied by life.

Color perception-yellow

There are many kinds of yellow, full of bright yellow, which gives people sunshine and tenderness. Yellow means sunshine, warmth and comfort.

Huang Ming is a taboo color during the reign of Emperor China, and it is the special color of Emperor Tiandi, indicating supreme majesty. If the subjects misuse it, they will commit the crime of deceiving the monarch, which will lead to the death of the nine families. In ancient Rome, yellow was once regarded as a noble color.

Pale yellow series is easy to be associated with food, so food packaging design takes this as the main color.

Yellow is often used in conspicuous occasions, such as signal lights, symbols in buildings, safety clothes, etc. , so it is also called safety color.

Yellow is also used in a derogatory sense. For example, pornographic magazines are called pornographic publications and are listed as taboo. Some people say that Judas' clothes are yellow, so they are despised in Christian countries in Europe and America. This is another meaning of yellow.

Color perception-green

Green is the color of natural vegetation and human vegetables, which means life and growth and symbolizes peace and security.

There are many kinds of green, such as forests, mountains and rivers, Yuan Ye, and grassland covered with shade. Many greens can be distinguished, and only skilled painters can distinguish and show such close colors.

With the advancement of industrial revolution, people pay more and more attention to and call for ecological balance. Pollution-free, green organization and green food, as new words, appear more in newspapers and people's daily discussions.

Color perception-blue

The most direct association of blue is the clear and deep sky and the magnificent sea. Although this is not always the case, it has formed a habit pattern.

People's impression of blue comes from the inspiration of nature. The boundless sky and vast ocean give people an open mind, make people's emotions stable, and seem to have more spiritual elements.

The navies all over the world choose blue and white striped sea soul shirts as military uniforms, which are elegant, harmonious, dignified and solemn. It is indeed the best choice for visual experience in the ocean, so once it came out in Britain, many countries followed suit and soon became the international common color.

Color perception-purple

Purple is a symbol of nobility. In the past, China, Japan and Greece all represented high-end clothes.

There are not many purple in nature, but its appearance is so natural, ingenious and balanced, giving people a fresh and elegant feeling.

Third, collocation skills

Color matching skill-color harmony

consistency of colours

Color harmony in chromatics means that more than two colors are adjusted and combined to achieve a harmonious and pleasing effect.

The theory of color harmony is set up to solve the disharmonious colors, but it is composed of many factors to measure whether colors are harmonious or not. There are also color matching, visual comfort and cultural differences. It is very difficult to find the absolute law that everyone agrees with. We can only compromise a visual standard that most people can reach to judge some discordant color phenomena. Their combinations often appear in the following situations:

1, when several tones have no internal connection combination;

2. When the color saturation is poor and the hue is unclear;

3, when there are too many primary and secondary tones.

If there are these disharmonious phenomena in colors, how can we make them harmonious?

In fact, discordant colors are caused by the lack of internal connection between colors. If there is a connecting factor between two colors, their relationship will naturally be harmonious.

For example, yellow and blue are two primary colors, which make you feel stiff and distant together. If you adjust red to these two colors, you will get orange yellow and red purple, and you will feel that these two colors are suddenly close and appear much more harmonious. At this point, we can see that it is this kind of red that plays a coordinating role and is the link between yellow and blue. Of course, not all discordant colors should be mixed with red. What we need to experience and understand is the concept of participating in the third color. So what's the third color? What are its rules? This is what we will discuss next.

There are many specific schemes for color harmony, and I will introduce some commonly used ones to you.

Solid colors mix black, white and gray.

1, six solid colors

2, solid color+white

Beautiful colors mixed with white will improve the brightness of colors, reduce the purity, and form a hazy and simple sense of harmony.

3, solid color+gray

Because gray itself contains different brightness changes, once solid color is mixed into it, the purity changes are certain. The resulting harmony effect is subtle and elegant.

4, solid color+black

When bright color is mixed with black, the brightness and purity of the color will decrease. Produce a deep and stable sense of harmony.

Mutual integration and harmony

Harmonious colors are mysterious.

Three-tone sum

This method is to mix three solid colors regularly, which also belongs to multi-color harmony. After mixing, the page effect is consistent.

Mix the same hue.

The so-called same color is to mix two or more colors you choose with another color to achieve harmony. For example, if you add red to yellow and purple at the same time, you will get orange yellow and orange purple.

Multi-tone hierarchical harmony

When more tones are used, the picture tends to be incongruous. To change this state, we might as well try this reconciliation method.

If we want to use solid colors such as red, blue, green, light green and purple in the design, then we can adjust a set of corresponding gray tones of gray red, gray blue, gray green and gray purple on the basis of these colors. When these two sets of colors are combined, the picture becomes harmonious.

Coherent harmony

This is a more traditional mixing method, which mainly uses black, white, gray, gold, silver and other colors to coordinate the picture. The characteristic of this method is that it can not reduce the purity of color, but also coordinate the picture and keep the color loud and exciting. It is a common color processing method in folk art..

There are many ways to harmonize colors, especially in practice. After completing a certain number of color mixing exercises, although some specific colors can be accurately reproduced in other ways, it is not enough. From the artistic point of view, harmonious tone should be perfected through color feeling. Generally speaking, color perception is often dominated by prejudice. People whose subjective hue is blue can feel many changes in blue, but they may only be able to distinguish several kinds of red. Therefore, it is very beneficial to practice in various fields of color, not only by feeling, but also by being too mechanical, but by the perfect combination of the two, so as to evaluate color more fairly.