The figure below shows the wavelength each type of cone is sensitive to:Īs you can see, the S-cones are most sensitive to short wavelengths (blue light), M-cones are most susceptible to middle wavelengths (green light), and L-cones are most sensitive to long wavelengths (red light). When the three types of cones work together, they create what we see as color.Įach type of cone responds to a specific range of colors, and by combining the responses of all three we can see the whole spectrum of colors. We have three types of cones that each responds to a different wavelength of light: short (S), middle (M), and long (L) cones. Cones, on the other hand, are activated in well-lit situations, and they help us see color. Rods are responsible for our vision in low light conditions, and they don't distinguish between different colors. Our eyes have two types of cells that help us see: rods and cones. When these frequencies hit our retina, our brain interprets them and sees them as different colors. This spectrum is made up of many different wavelengths we see as colors, with violet at one end and red at the other.Įach wavelength corresponds to a specific frequency that our eyes can detect. Light is energy, specifically within the range we call visible light on the electromagnetic spectrum. How We See Colorsīefore we get started, it's important to understand how we see colors. If you're interested in learning more about the science of light and color, I suggest checking out this book from Margaret Livingstone: Vision and Art: The Biology of Seeing. This blog post will mainly focus on the artistic applications of color theory and not the scientific side of things. Simply put, the definition of color theory is a system to understand what colors are, how they interact with one another, how they can evoke different emotions and meanings, and how we can use them to communicate visually. But color theory at its core is about the physics of light, and how our eyes and brain processes it. So, let's get started! What is Color Theory for Artists?Īs artists, we use color theory to make sure our artwork looks visually appealing, communicate ideas, messages, and stories. In this article, I'm going to break it down for you and make it as easy to understand and remember as possible. On top of finally saying goodbye to the color picking struggles, you will find that understanding color theory can help you improve your skills, create more successful pieces, and even help you sell more art.Ĭolor theory is a science, and it might seem like a scary topic - I used to feel like there was just too much information to remember that, the more I read about it online, the least I understood about it!īut, I promise you, if you're reading this, you can understand the basics of color theory. But what if there was an easier way to select the colors for your paintings? A method that takes the guesswork out of choosing colors, and instead gives you a systematic way to create stunning harmonious color schemes every time. Most people choose colors based on trial and error or gut feeling, which doesn't always give the best results. You've picked up a brush, and you're about to add the base colors to your latest masterpiece.
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