Use colour Cool and warm colours


All colours are mixed from the three primary or pure colours – red, yellow and blue. Red, yellow and orange are warm colours, the colours of the sun, of fire and citrus fruits. Colour is also associated with human emotions, for example red could mean anger, danger or importance. In a painting, red can be used as a strong emphasis colour as it draws the eye to it. Blue, green and purple are cool colours. They are the colours of water, of darkness and of plants. Blue is often associated with sadness or calmness. In a painting, cool colours can be used to show dimension, distance and depth.


Complementary colour contrasts


Complementary colours lie opposite each other on the colour wheel. When the pigments of two complementary colours are mixed together, the result is a very different colour. Use a ruler and find the complementary colours in the colour wheel. The complementary pairs are:


• yellow and purple; • blue and orange; • red and green.


Each complementary pair has its own character. Remember what you have learnt about complementary contrasts when you create your next painting.


Activity 2 Discuss complementary colour pairs Work with a partner.


Look at the complementary pairs and talk about their characteristics. Which pair has: 1 an equal brightness 2 a warm–cool contrast 3 a light–dark contrast?


New words


dimension – size or measurements


pigment – the dry powder that gives colour to paint


Unit 1: Visual literacy 29


MODULE 3


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