WHAT IS COLOR THEORY?

In this chapter we discovered what color theory is which is defined as, the study and practice of principles that are used to clarify the relationships between color and light in our visual experiences of art and design. Color is not seen as a tangible object rather, it is a powerful sensation that has the ability to enhance our physical environment. The colored light that we can see is called the visual spectrum depicted below.

Different surfaces have different reflection characteristics. This chart visually sums up some of the most common surfaces and how light is reflected off them.

Three properties of light:

Reflection: occurs when light hits an object and light is reflected back from the object which results in the color we see

Diffraction: light is partially obstructed by an object

Refraction: causes light to bend