3.3.2 Color Harmony

Colors interact with one another not only when mixed, but also when placed side by side. To create visually pleasing and balanced compositions, designers and artists rely on principles of color harmony. Based on Johannes Itten’s 12-part color wheel, several color schemes, also known as harmonies, have been popularized to describe these relationships (see Figure 19).

Figure 19: Color Schemes (Mueller, 2020)

According to Burchett (2002), several common color harmony schemes include: Monochromatic

The monochromatic color scheme is the easiest color harmony scheme. It uses variations of a single hue by adjusting its tints, tones, and shades. This results in a harmonious and unified look, though with limited contrast.

Analogous

An analogous color scheme uses colors that sit directly next to each other on the color wheel. These combinations feel natural and cohesive, making them ideal for calming or subtle compositions.

Complementary

The complementary color scheme pairs two colors that are directly opposite each other on the wheel. This creates a strong visual contrast, often resulting in a vibrant, high-impact appearance.

Split Complementary

A split complementary scheme builds on the complementary approach but softens it. It uses one base color and the two colors adjacent to its complement. This creates a balanced combination with strong contrast but less tension than a direct complementary pair.

Triadic

The triadic scheme uses three colors evenly spaced around the color wheel, forming a triangle. This scheme offers high contrast while maintaining harmony, often resulting in bold and lively visuals.

Tetradic

A tetradic (or double-complementary) scheme uses four colors arranged into two complementary pairs. This scheme forms a rectangle or square on the color wheel.

Square

The square color scheme is similar to the tetradic, but all four colors are evenly spaced around the color wheel. This results in a balanced, colorful composition with equal visual weight. Color schemes help us create exciting and balanced visuals. They are a tool for guiding aesthetic decisions and maintaining consistency across a design. To explore color harmonies, visit adobe's color wheel tool.