Primary colors blue, yellow and red form the basis for all other colors.
Although termed basic, nothing is simple about the three primary colors, red, yellow and blue. It is from these basic colors that every other color begins. Learning about the basic primary colors is a positive first step in understanding color theory, color interaction and obtaining the confidence to use these colors in your designing projects, whether they are painting, interior design or crafts.
Red Sails in the Sunset
Red is the first of the primary colors. The easiest to see and a powerfully stimulating color, red conveys a wide range of emotions from anger and strength to love and passion. Red symbolizes happiness in Eastern design and patriotism in American cultures. In religion, red is sacred and appears in many cultural design elements. Being such an intense color, there should be no surprise that the primary color red also inspires several physical reactions like accelerated heartbeats, rapid breathing and an elevated appetite. Red is powerful, and, if too strong, irritates the eyes and may encourage a negative response. Balance red with its opposite color, green, or use less intense shades to keep the design welcoming and warm.
Forever in Blue Jeans
Blue, on the other hand, is calming, reduces appetite and conveys the feelings of harmony and trust. Men seem to prefer blue to other colors and many consultants recommend wearing blue to interviews and meetings because blue implies loyalty and wealth. Designers often use blue in formal designs or in small areas to add the illusion of space. Blue can also be cool and soft, commonly found In Eastern designs to represent the element of water and in Western cultures for nautical themes. Blue is a renewing color, reflective and healing, commonly used in hospitals and spas. Too much blue, however, and the room becomes cold and stark. Many winter themes are based on shades and tones of blue. Orange is opposite blue on the color wheel and creates balance in the design.
Yellow Submarine
Yellow is a bright cheery color, used to convey the feeling of energy and joy. An instant attention grabber, yellow adds the illusion of light in a room that lacks a significant source of natural light, making the room appear larger. Warm and inviting, the color yellow creates energy, making its use in therapy sessions common. In Eastern designs yellow represents the sun and life. Yellow is a favorite color for seasons like spring and holidays.If used incorrectly, however, yellow tends to irritate; people tend to argue more in yellow rooms, and babies seem to cry more in yellow rooms. In cartoons and animation, yellow represents cowardice and deceit and, if dulled, identifies sickness and disease. Opposite yellow on the color wheel is purple which adds a delicate, feminine feel to the design.
Color Combinations
Certain designs work well with a color scheme that uses the three basic primary colors. Elementary schools make frequent use of this scheme to assist in teaching basic art skills and word recognition. Primary color schemes are exciting and vibrant, perfect for playrooms, billiard or game rooms and movie theaters. On the other hand, you may decide to use one primary color and balance its luminosity with natural elements like wood and neutral tones.
Tags: primary colors, basic primary colors, color wheel, Eastern designs, more yellow