Colors achieved by mixing a primary color with a neighboring secondary color on the color wheel are referred to as tertiary colors. For example, red mixed with violet creates red-violet, while blue mixed with green creates blue-green. These mixtures result in a wider range of hues than available with primary and secondary colors alone.
A rich and nuanced palette allows artists and designers to create more realistic depictions of light and shadow, convey specific moods and emotions, and achieve greater visual harmony and balance in their work. Understanding these color relationships has been essential for centuries, from the Renaissance masters to modern graphic designers, impacting fields like painting, fashion, and interior design.