The main rule of color theory is the rule of harmony and contrast. When working with color, it’s important to achieve a harmonious combination and use contrast to create balanced and expressive visual effects.
Harmonious color schemes create a sense of unity and tranquility. For example, analogous colors placed next to each other on the color wheel or triadic colors equally spaced on the color wheel help create a balanced composition. Harmony is achieved by combining colors that work well together.
Contrast is a principle used to highlight and draw the viewer’s attention to details in the artwork. Differences between colors help make elements more noticeable and expressive. For instance, using complementary colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel, or contrast in saturation, helps emphasize key details and create vibrant, expressive combinations and dynamic effects.
Applying the basic rule of color theory allows an artist to create visually appealing and balanced paintings.