Color classification is a way of organizing colors through categories or groups to facilitate their study.
This organization is divided into colors primary, secondary and tertiary according to its origin or degree of obtaining, based on the relationships and properties of the colors. Additionally we will find colors complementary and analogues.
Depending on the color theory adopted, the primary and secondary colors will be determined. Next we will see how colors are classified according to the Trichromatic theory or RGB system (Red, Green, Blue).
Primary colors
Primary colors are those that cannot be obtained by mixing any other color. These are usually considered absolute and unique, since they have no nuances in common, that is, they are clearly distinguishable from each other.
The trichromatic or RGB theory states that the human eye has three types of cone cells, each of which is more sensitive to light of a different color: red, green and blue. A very widespread theory, since most color display technologies are based on it.
These are the primary colors on the RGB model’s color wheel, colors that cannot be obtained by mixing other colors:
Secondary colours
Secondary colors are those that result from the combination of two primary colors. According to RGB color theory, the secondary colors of this model are:
Cyan (combination of blue and green)Magenta (combination of blue and red)Yellow (combination of green and red)
Tertiary colors
Tertiary colors are those obtained by mixing a primary color with an adjacent secondary color. Unlike primary and secondary colors, tertiary colors are numerous, since many combinations are possible, due to tones and proportions in the mixture.
These are some examples of tertiary colors that can be obtained in the RGB model:
Violet blue: obtained by combining blue with violet (mixture of blue and red). Lime: formed by combining yellow with green. Fuchsia: formed by mixing magenta (mixture of blue and red) with red .
Complementary colors
Example of a color wheel and complementary colors according to the RGB model.
Complementary colors are so called because they intensify and balance each other. They are located at opposite ends of a color wheel and, when mixed in certain proportions, produce a neutral color (white, black or gray). Like color classification, the color wheel varies according to color theory.
The combination of these colors creates a strong and dynamic visual contrast, which can be used to highlight their intensity. Some examples Complementary colors on the RGB color wheel are: red and cyan, green and magenta, blue and yellow.
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Analogous colors
Analogous colors occupy adjacent positions on the color wheel, that is, they are the colors located on either side of any other color. They can represent different shades and saturations of colors.
Thanks to their similarity, analogous colors maintain color harmony and provide a sense of continuity.
Warm colors and cold colors
In addition to the classification of colors into primary, secondary, tertiary and complementary, colors can also be classified as cold and warm. This name was created by the German psychologist Wilhelm Wundt based on human sensations when faced with certain colors.
Cold colors are those associated with ice, water and the moon. Therefore, they transmit sensations of cold. Among them we can mention: blue, green, purple or purple.
Warm colors are those that convey a sensation of heat, given their connection to the sun, fire and blood. Among them we find yellow, orange and red.
Classification according to other theories or color systems
CMYK model or Pigment theory
This theory is named after the primary colors of its color wheel (cyan, magenta, yellow, black), although it is also known as the Pigment Theory.
RYB model (Red, yellow, blue) or Traditional theory
It is the system used historically, whose primary colors are red, yellow and blue, from which the rest of the colors are obtained. This theory is based on the mixture of physical pigments used in art and painting.
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