Harmonizing Colors

It is very difficult to lay down fixed rules as to just what colors are pleasing when they are placed together. Each color has an unlimited number of variations changing toward the adjacent hue on each side of it on the color wheel. Each hue has many values which may be produced by dark and light, or by mixture of black and white.

The chroma or intensity of colors varies from full brilliancy to neutral gray. The texture of the material to which the color is applied gives different effects of light and dark as well as of tone and of reflection. Harmony of color, in general, can be secured by:

(1) A careful selection of the proper hues, either analogous, or related, or in contrast

(2) Having one color dominant

(3) Having the colors selected and arranged for a tone balance

(4) Considering lights and darks of the hues or shades and tints

(5) Varying the chroma, or partially neutralizing one or both of the colors, and

(6) Selecting hues suitable to the texture of the material or surface upon which they are to be applied.

When choosing acceptable color combinations, the amateur colorist should not become confused by the two theories and two methods of mixing colors. Both methods are used at the present time, and both are offered in order to meet the needs of persons who have learned one method and do not understand the other.

While it is probably true that the new theory is more scientific and produces more pleasing complementary colors, the old system is still used more widely, and cannot be overlooked in a discussion of color mixing.

When choosing acceptable color combinations, the amateur colorist should not become confused by the two theories and two methods of mixing colors. Both methods are used at the present time, and both are offered in order to meet particular needs.