The Nature of Color The Nature of Color Triadic color systems are based on equally spaced colors which form an equilateral triangle on the color wheel. When the primary colors are used, a striking contrast is created.
Secondary triads are softer in contrast because two hues of the triad share a common color.
As the artist moves further away from the purity of the primary colors, the contrast is less harsh. Tetrad relationships are based on four colors. They form a square and are equally spaced on the color wheel. One primary, its complement, and a complementary pair of intermediates makes a tetrad. A more casual organization forms a rectangle which includes a double split-complement.