The foundation of color theory rests upon the classification of hues into three distinct groups: primary, secondary, and tertiary. Primary colors are the fundamental building blocks, incapable of being created by mixing other colors. These typically include red, yellow, and blue. Secondary colors result from combining two primary colors in equal proportions, such as green (from blue and yellow), orange (from red and yellow), and violet (from red and blue). Tertiary colors are formed by mixing a primary color with its adjacent secondary color on the color wheel, yielding hues like red-violet, blue-violet, blue-green, yellow-green, yellow-orange, and red-orange.
Understanding these color relationships is essential for a wide range of applications, from painting and graphic design to fashion and interior decorating. This system provides a framework for predicting color mixing outcomes and creating harmonious color palettes. Historically, the development of this color model has enabled artists and designers to achieve greater control over their work and to communicate visual ideas more effectively. This systematic understanding of color relationships has evolved over centuries, contributing to significant advancements in diverse fields.
