Currently, the most correct is considered the adaptive classification of colors. For the first time, the spectrum was thus divided by the Englishman James Maxwell in the second half of the nineteenth century. Isaac Newton is also famous for earlier research in this area , which at one time divided the continuous spectrum into several equal segments. There were as many as seven notes. Most likely, this distribution is dictated by sympathies for the then popular science of numerology.
Secondary, tertiary and primary colors
When observing the work of artists, one interesting feature has long been noticed: new shades can be easily obtained by mixing different colors with each other. This served as an impetus for the creation of a theory about the basic colors existing in nature. At first, blue, yellow and red were mistakenly allocated as the base ones. Maxwell later conducted studies in which the main gamut was redistributed. Another combination was named: green, yellow and red.
In addition, there are so-called secondary and tertiary colors, highlighted in independent categories much later. These are transitional combinations between the three basic segments of the spectrum. The second ones include the following: green, orange and purple, forming an isosceles triangle, as well as the main colors of the spectrum. Tertiary colors include six transitional combinations between primary and secondary. In total, in the modern spectrum (aka Oswald’s circle), there are twelve equal segments.
What is color?
Very often you can read or hear somewhere the phrase that no flowers actually exist. There is some truth in it. After all, what we see is a unique property of initially colorless electromagnetic radiation. Visual perception is directly affected by its spectral composition. The latter, in turn, depends on the properties of the reflective surface. Depending on the length of the waves reflected or emitted by it, human vision picks up one color or another.
In the description you can often find concepts such as brightness, saturation, contrast, intensity and depth. In addition, criteria such as tones and shades are used to characterize colors. Tones mean adding white to any of the segments, which allows you to get lighter combinations. An example of this is pink or blue. When talking about shades, they mean the addition of black. Then you get dark combinations, such as burgundy.
Color as a tool for human exposure
Surely many are interested in what basic colors of the spectrum and their combinations especially strongly affect our mood, and whether they even have such a force or is it a myth. Which colors soothe and which, on the contrary, serve as a subconscious signal for action? Indeed, various shades and combinations can sometimes surprisingly affect a person’s mental and physical condition. However, we do not even notice how gradually the colors of the world around us change our mood in one direction or another.
Both the complementary and primary colors of the spectrum are a unique tool. Owning it fully, you can learn to evoke any necessary associations and images. Very widely, this property is used in advertising and design design. Many popular brands have not changed their well-chosen color scheme for decades , which has already become their hallmark. For example, Coca-Cola is firmly associated with red in humans, and Pepsi with blue.
Characteristic effect of some colors
It is known that the most active in the spectrum is red. It is saturated and hot, but rather heavy due to the high intensity of the impact on the psyche. It is not recommended to use it in large quantities without a calmer, equalizing shade. This color can symbolize passion and love, it is also considered a symbol of war, flame, power. It is known that dark shades give solidity, while light shades induce action. In addition, red is the color of leaders.
Green is also considered saturated, but its effect is just the opposite. It is a calm and calming color, delicate and fresh. It is often associated with nature and its vitality. Shades of green have a calming effect on the human psyche. It is the color of love, peace and peace. But it is not recommended for those who need to make quick decisions, as it gives relaxation. But this color has a beneficial effect on people suffering from stressful conditions and stiffness in the manifestation of emotions.
Yellow in nature is light and bright, it gives warmth, joy, positive emotions. A symbol of this color is movement, fun, laughter. The useful properties include the activation of mental activity, which is why paintings with a high content of yellow can be recommended for workrooms. But you need to mix this color with others carefully, as in certain combinations it acquires a negative psychological color. Yellow with green or gray can cause envy or even act repulsively.