As an introduction, let's first start off with a diagram of the Color Wheel. Then, I'll explain what some of the terms mean. Once we go through all that, I'll give some tips on choosing the right colors for your artwork.
Colors are extremely important because they can communicate a feeling, a mood, an atmosphere. Each color has it's own individual representation, and it's up to you to choose which one suites you best.
The Color Wheel
This wheel shows the different hues (colors) and shades (darks and lights). You can see how each color connects to another, and then to another, and so on until it comes back full circle.
The following are terms that will best explain the Color Wheel further.
Primary Colors - are colors that cannot be mixed. They are the base of ever other color and tend to be quite bright.
The three primary colors are: red, blue and yellow.
Secondary Colors - two primary colors mixed together.
These include orange, green and violet/purple.
Tertiary Colors - one primary and one secondary color mixed together.
Tints and Shades - black is considered a "shade" because it makes colors darker. Whereas white would be a "tint" because it makes colors lighter.
However, adding black is not the only way to make a color darker. Mixing a complimentary color can also make hues darker which will give the shadow a bit more vividness, where as black adds a more dull grey shadow.
Complimentary Colors - are two colors that are directly opposite from one another in the Color Wheel. These can capture attention and they stand off of each other since they don't relate in any way.
An example would be this very site and the text you're reading right now. I combined purple with yellow, or more specifically; light purple and gold.
Monochromatic Color - one color adding white or black. A monochromatic color scheme would only use one color, in various shades and tints, and no other.
Analagous Colors - colors that are beside each other in the Color Wheel. These have pigments that play off eachother.
Neutral Colors - colors that compliment and go with any other color. These include beige, browns, and other earthy tones.
Neutral colors are my favorite because they don't jump out of the page as much, but are more muted and subtle.
Pastel Colors - colors that are muted down by adding white and a bit of grey. These are great for adding a calm air and a soothing atmosphere and are colors that I use frequantly.
They're similar to neutral colors because they aren't as vivid as others. But unlike neutral colors, these can come in any shade and are a bit brighter.
APPLYING YOUR COLORS
Mix What You Really Want - Experiment on a separate piece of paper before applying it to your artwork.
Don’t always go for just the “standard colors” or common colors. Try using shades you haven’t before.
Experimentation is the key.
When mixing colors using traditional media, it's best to add the dark colors onto the light instead of vice versa.
Use a Reference - try finding a photograph (usually one of nature) that has the colors that you want to use. Pull the colors directly from that picture and use it in your palette.
Many people do this because nature blends colors in so. . .well, naturally. It's a great method to use when you're having trouble coming up with your own color scheme.
Be Consistent - when applying colors, always make sure that it is consistent. If you have a color in one part, make another section tie in with that color, in either using the exact same shade, or using a related color.
In the example, you can see that the blue of the eyeshadow matches the lining of the kimono; the red of the crane also relates to the pinkish tint of the lips
Relate Colors - try using colors that are in the same family. For instance, purple is related to blue because it has some of blue pigments in it.
Choosing to use colors that relate to one another instead of being complimentary (opposite) can really tie a piece together.
Create Focus - you can have a monotone color palette using one color in different shades and tints. Then try adding a completely separate color to add a focus point and emphasis in certain areas.
For example, have a picture in black and white, and then introduce bright red to an area to have it as the centre of attention.
