Colour Wheel Explained
The colour wheel is a system that has been used for hundreds of years for arranging and understanding the
relationship between the different colours.
The colours on the wheel are known as pure or true colours. These colours have not been diluted with say white,
black or grey and therefore are the most intense and vibrant colours you can use.
Around this wheel are placed the primary colours of red, yellow and blue. These are called primary colours because
they are the base colours from which all other colours can be created.
In addition to these primary colours are secondary colours. A secondary colour is made by mixing equal parts of
the primary colours. Orange for example is made up of equal parts of yellow and red, blue and red can be mixed to make
purple or violet and mix blue and yellow to make the secondary colour green.
Intermediary or tertiary colours are made up by mixing the primary colours in various amounts. Mixing colours can
produce an infinite variety of shades.
The colour wheel is used to help to understand how colours work together. Closely related colours are known as
analogous colours and harmonise beautifully when put together. There are also complementary colours which – as the
name suggests – make each other look richer and more intense when used together.
Viewing a variety of shades and colours next to one another is a great way of deciding what works for your next
project.