Definitions: Color Schemes

These definitions will be very useful as you plan your scrapbook layout [tag]color schemes[/tag].

 

Monochromatic:
Different tints, shades and tones of one color.

 

 

Tints (on the left) are made by adding white …

 

… while shades (on the right) are made by adding black.

 

 

 

 

 

Tones are shown below by the amount of pressure applied to the pencil.

 

 

 

Analogous:
Up to 4 colors next to one another on the color wheel. Analogous colors are harmonious and pleasing to the eye.

 

 

Complementary:
2 colors directly opposite one another on the color wheel - one primary and one secondary. Complementary pairs contrast because they share no common colors.

 

 

Triadic:
3 colors that form a triangle on the color wheel and are an equal distance apart. Shown here are primary and secondary triangles.

 

 

 

 

---