What is 'color theory'?

Color theory is fundamentally concerned with how colors interact with one another and the psychological and visual effects that these interactions produce. This field encompasses the principles and guidelines that artists and designers use to create harmonious color combinations, convey emotions, and enhance the overall composition of their work.

The concept delves into aspects such as primary, secondary, and tertiary colors, the color wheel, and color harmony, which include complementary, analogous, and triadic color schemes. Understanding these interactions helps artists make informed choices about color selection to achieve desired moods or effects in their artwork. For instance, contrasting colors can create dynamic visuals, while analogous colors may lead to a more serene and cohesive look.

The other choices relate to different aspects of color but do not define color theory itself. For example, the study of lighting conditions in art focuses on how light influences the perception of color rather than the theory of color interactions. Historical color palettes and the study of color in nature explore different contexts and applications of color but do not address the foundational principles that dictate how colors work together in artistic practice.