The color circle, also known as the color wheel, is a visual representation of the relationships and organization of colors. It is often used in various fields, such as art, design, and photography, to understand color harmonies and combinations. The color circle consists of a circular diagram with colors arranged in a specific order.

Order of Colors

The colors in the color circle are typically arranged according to their relationship on the color spectrum, starting with the primary colors. The primary colors, including red, blue, and yellow, are positioned equidistantly apart, forming a triangle.

Secondary and Tertiary Colors

Between the primary colors, secondary colors are located. These colors are created by mixing two primary colors in equal proportions. The secondary colors include orange (red + yellow), green (blue + yellow), and violet (red + blue).

Adjacent to the secondary colors are the tertiary colors. These colors are formed by mixing a primary color with a secondary color located adjacent to it. For example, between red and orange lies red-orange, and between orange and yellow lies orange-yellow.

Complementary Colors

On the color circle, complementary colors are positioned directly opposite each other. Complementary colors are hues that, when combined, create a neutral gray or white. For instance, red and green, blue and orange, and yellow and violet are complementary colors.

Color Harmonies

Color harmonies are combinations of colors that are visually pleasing and create a sense of balance. Harmonies can be achieved by selecting colors that possess certain relationships on the color circle. Some common color harmonies include analogous, triadic, and tetradic harmonies.