Basics of Color
This term names a color, like red, blue, or yellow.
Hue
A color scheme using only one hue in different tints and shades.
The term that describes how light or dark a color is and helps create depth.
Value
Colors made by mixing two primary colors (examples: green, orange, purple).
Secondary Colors
The study of how colors work together and how we see them.
Color Theory
Using colors that are next to each other on the color wheel for a harmonious look.
Analogous
The term for how bright or dull a color appears.
Intensity/Saturation
Colors made by mixing a primary and an adjacent secondary color (example: red‑orange).
Tertiary Colors
These three colors (red, blue, yellow) cannot be made by mixing other colors.
Primary Colors
Using two colors directly opposite each other on the color wheel for strong contrast.
Complementary
These colors (red, orange, yellow) generally feel warm and energetic.
Warm/Hot Colors
The basic action of combining layers of color (often used with colored pencils) — this term can mean building up color in layers.
Layering
A lighter version of a color made by adding white.
Tint
Using three colors evenly spaced around the color wheel (e.g., red, yellow, blue).
Triad
These colors (blue, green, purple) generally feel calm and relaxing.
Cool/Cold Colors
The term for smoothing and fusing layers so they look unified and richer — often used with colored pencils or paint.
Blending
A darker version of a color made by adding black.
Shade
These things create contrast in Monochroamtic and Complenteray color Schemes
Light/Dark and Oppsite Colors
Placing light and dark values near each other to make an area stand out is often called creating this.
Contrast
When you press hard with a colored pencil to fill the paper’s tooth and make colors smooth and rich, this technique is called this.
Burnishing