A color wheel is a circular diagram that maps out the relationships between different colors. It is the fundamental tool of color theory, used by artists, designers, and decorators to create harmonious and visually appealing palettes.
1. Types of Color Wheels
There are two primary models depending on the medium being used:
- RYB (Red, Yellow, Blue): The traditional “artist’s wheel” used for mixing physical pigments like paint and ink.
- RGB (Red, Green, Blue): The “additive wheel” used for digital screens and light-based media.
2. Core Color Categories
The standard 12-step wheel is divided into three tiers:
- Primary Colors: Red, yellow, and blue. These cannot be created by mixing other colors.
- Secondary Colors: Green, orange, and purple. These are created by mixing two primary colors.
- Tertiary Colors: Hues like blue-green or red-violet, created by mixing a primary color with an adjacent secondary color.
