The Basics of Color Theory for Artists

Color theory has a ton of definitions! A ton. Artists, painters, illustrators, and designers need to know the Color Wheel in order to succeed. A great freelance storyboard artist not only excites talent, crew, and clients, but also aligns your production departments behind the vision.

There is so much that can be said about Color Theory that it could fill the Library of Alexandria. It can be overwhelming, so for this article, I’m going to give you the underwhelming Cliff’s notes version. Here are a few basic concepts of Color Theory.

In 1666 the genius Sir Isaac Newton put together the first circular diagram of colors. Ever since then, artists and even scientists have studied and created numerous variations of this concept. Over the years much debate has been provoked due to the differences of opinion about the validity of one format over another. In my opinion, any wheel which presents a logically arranged sequence of pure hues is valid.

First a couple of terms you should familiarize yourself with about color.

Hue: is the name of a distinct color of the spectrum-red, green, yellow, orange, blue, and so on.

Tint: is the mixture of a color with white

Shade: is a mixture of a color and black

PRIMARY COLORS

The color wheel is based on red, yellow and blue.

In traditional Color Theory, these are the 3 colors that cannot be mixed by any combination of other colors. All other colors are derived from these 3 hues.

SECONDARY COLORS

Green, orange and purple are the secondary colors.

These are formed by mixing two of the primaries in equal parts. Thus red with yellow gives you orange, blue with yellow gives green, and red and blue give purple.

TERTIARY COLORS

Yellow-orange, red-orange, red-purple, blue-purple, blue-green and yellow-green.

These are formed by mixing a primary and a secondary. That’s why the hue is a two-word name, such as blue-green, red-violet, and yellow-orange.

The primaries are arranged on the color wheel at 3 points opposite each-other and the secondaries in between the two primaries. The tertiary colors are between the primary and secondary colors.

Color Schemes are rules for combining color that gives a harmonious result.

Complementary Scheme:

Colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel are known as complementary. Red and green for example. Using opposing colors create maximum contrast and maximum stability.

The high contrast of complementary schemes create a vibrant look especially when used at full saturation. You need to be careful using this scheme so it is not disturbing.

Complementary schemes are tricky to use in large doses, but work well when you want something to stand out. A Complementary scheme is definitely not recommended for text. If you don’t believe me just check out some people’s crappy ass My Space pages.

Analogous Scheme:

For the Analogous scheme, you use colors that are next to each other on the color wheel. They go well together and create placid designs. Analogous schemes are often found in nature and are harmonious and pleasing to the eye.

Be sure you have enough contrast when choosing an analogous scheme.

One color should dominate, a second to support. The third is used (along with black, white or gray) as an accent.

Split Complementary Color Scheme:

The split Complementary Color Scheme is a variation of the complementary scheme. You choose a base color and use the two colors adjacent to its complement. This has the same strong visual contrast as the complementary color scheme, but has less strain. The split-complimentary color scheme is a good choice for rookie artists because it is hard to screw up.

Triadic Color Scheme:

A triadic color scheme uses colors that are evenly spaced around the color wheel.

Triadic color harmonies tend to be vivid, even if you use pale versions of your hues.

To use a triadic harmony successfully, the colors should be carefully balanced – let one color dominate and use the two others for accent.

COLOR HARMONY

Harmony can be defined as a pleasing arrangement of parts, whether it be music, poetry, or even a gorgeous platter of tacos!

Harmony is something that is pleasing to the eye. It engages the viewer and it creates an inner sense of order and balance in the visual experience. When something is not harmonious, it’s boring or chaotic. The first extreme is a visual experience that is so ordinary, so dull and lackluster, that the viewer is not engaged. Our brains always reject under-stimulating information. I know mine does.

At the other extreme is a visual experience that is so overdone and chaotic that the viewer can’t stand to look at it. Our brains reject what they cannot organize or understand. We need to present a logical structure. Color harmony delivers visual interest and a sense of order which we find comforting and pleasant.

What I’m saying is, extreme unity leads to boredom, extreme complexity leads to over-stimulation. Harmony is a dynamic balance between the two. Like when balance is brought to the force.

Raul Aguirre Jr. Artist, Writer, Animator, Cartoonist, and Podcast Host. He is a 16 year veteran of the animation industry that has worked at Disney, Nickelodeon, and FOX. If this article inspired the artist in you, then check out The Man vs. Art Podcast that Raul hosts at http://www.manvsart.com Art, Animation, and Comics Shenanigans! Inspiration, Information, and Entertainment for Artists! Once you hear the Man vs. Art Podcast you can’t unhear it!

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Loft Conversions – Could You Benefit From Having More Space In Your Home?

Loft conversions have become the next big thing with homeowners and it’s no wonder when you consider all of the potential uses for this space. If you don’t want to build an add-on to your home that would encroach on precious garden spaces, a loft conversion is the way to go. Do you need an extra bedroom, a home office or a playroom? A loft makes the perfect sanctuary. Do you crave a home entertainment suite, a creative studio or a home gym? A loft conversions Sydney can make those dreams come true, as well. Place your bed under a sloped ceiling in loft conversions to make the most of the space. If the windows in your extension aren’t large, keep the decor pale to maximise light.

Most homeowners want a full loft conversion; complete with a new staircase to access the new room. Others just want an area suitable for occasional use or need extra storage. A basic conversion will not add to the value of your home in the same way a full conversion will, but may still be the perfect solution for your needs at this time. In either case, a reputable loft conversion specialist can help you to decide, draw up plans and carry out the work to your exact specifications.

In fact, whatever your needs; whatever you can imagine for your underused loft can be achieved with a loft conversion. And loft spaces turn out to be surprisingly bright and cheerful.

In today’s uncertain housing market, moving to a larger home is not always the best option. On top of the expenses incurred just to gain one or two extra rooms, there is also the hassle and stress of moving to be considered.

There are many reasons homeowners may need extra space. Perhaps you have a growing family; a new baby or a teenager who craves more privacy. Maybe you’re considering moving an aging parent in to live with you or you could use the extra space for a home office.

Whatever your needs or wants, a loft conversion is one of the most cost effective and efficient ways to add to your living space without actually moving.

How much unused space do you have above you? An extra bedroom or study will fit easily into the loft of most homes and bungalows. In a two-bedroom terraced house, the loft space will usually have room for a third bedroom with en-suite.

Compared to the cost of moving house, a full loft conversion might not be as costly as you may think and it will increase the value of your home by 20-30%. The amount of work needed varies, depending on the structure of the roof and the design of the conversion but the whole project can take as little as 6-7 weeks from design to completion.

Feasibility

This type of home renovation involves a complex structural alteration. It can be undertaken as a DIY project but is more easily done by a group of qualified professionals. Make sure to hire a loft conversion specialist who employs only the best skilled tradesmen in the field.

Several factors must be considered before undertaking a loft conversion. An inspection will be made to ensure that there is enough space in the loft to make a conversion feasible and that the area under the roof bridge allows for adequate headroom. There must also be enough space for the access stairs.

The roof will be checked for any signs of leaks. If there is a problem with leaks in the roof, repairs can be carried out either before or during the conversion.

Next, a decision is made about the type of conversion you would like and this, of course, is based on your requirements and budget. Talk to your loft conversion specialist about your needs and have them advise you about all of the possibilities available to you.

During the preliminary free consultation, the company will take measurements and, at the next meeting, present you with a design showing the position of the stairs and the size and shape of the loft room. At this point, you should receive a carefully detailed quote for the work needed to complete your loft conversion.

Once you have decided to accept the loft design company’s proposal, they will begin the process of obtaining planning permission, if required, a certificate of lawful development and building regulation approval. Where appropriate, they prepare and submit detailed structural engineering calculations to your local building control department for approval. Most companies handle all of the paperwork associated with your conversion.

Once permissions are received work can begin on your new loft conversion at a time convenient to you. A reputable loft conversion company handles everything, right up to the time when your new loft is ready to be decorated. Contract managers work alongside each construction team and should always be available to answer your questions and deal with any problems that may come up. Their job is to keep you informed from start to finish.

Complete Lofts are a family run specialist loft conversions company with over 15 years experience employing only the best skilled tradesmen in the field.

Our aim is to work closely with you and give our undivided attention throughout the entire project thus enabling you to enjoy many different loft conversion types.

We provide our unique service to all inside the M25 London Area

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Sweet Corn & BBQ Festival

Shawnee on Delaware, PA – Nothing says summer in the Pocono Mountains like the taste of freshly harvested sweet corn and finger licking BBQ. Shawnee Mountain invites young and old to come eat, drink, dance and play at the Sweet Corn & BBQ Festival Saturday and Sunday August 12 & 13, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Join this BBQ events to experience and observe the taste of the food being served.

Vendors will surround the festival grounds offering mouthwatering items such as roasted or steamed sweet corn with multiple toppings along with a variety of beef, pork and chicken BBQ served-up in Memphis, Carolina, Texas & Kansas City styles. An awesome line-up of local and award winning BBQ vendors will present festival-goers with a tasty assortment of sweet, spicy, dry rub, smoked and “smothered in sauce” BBQ. Plus tons of other festival treats!

The festival will feature nonstop live entertainment all with a western theme! The Brian Dean Moore Band will perform on the main stage both days. Country line dancing demonstrations and instructions will also be provided in front of the main stage. Local favorite the Liz Nordstrom Trio will perform both afternoons in the air-conditioned EZ Bumps Saloon.

The Country Kids area will provide staged magic and juggling shows and summer picnic games.

Under the Educational & Demo Tent will be a Close Encounters with Birds of Prey show with Bill Streeter from the Delaware Valley Raptor Center. The show will include six live raptors and provide viewers with a greater knowledge and appreciation of the raptors of the Northeast.

Finally guests are encouraged to bring a shopping bag as fresh locally grown corn and other produce will be available for sale at Sue’s Produce tent.

The event will be held rain or shine. Advanced Festival Admission Tickets, Adults $9 and Children ages 5–12 $7.50, age 4 and under FREE, are now on sale. Plenty of FREE onsite parking is provided. For more Sweet Corn & BBQ Festival information, vendor applications, and online ticket sales visit www.shawneemt.com.