The Key Components of Color

We all love color! I have heard it a lot over the years - people both artists and art lovers are really attracted to and inspired by color. Yet, color can be mysterious and intimidating. It's not enough to simply grab really colorful pigments and paint away - you need to understand the key components of color. 

So, what are the key components of color?

• HUE
• VALUE
• CHROMA  

Can you define each one? 

Hue - simply what color is it most like? If this circle were a dial, where would the arrow point to get closest to that color.

Value - How light or dark is your color? Take special note of value. Value is the easiest concept for many to pick out when it comes to color, yet the hardest to train your eye to identify. 

Chroma - How pure or vibrant is the color? A high chroma is the closest to pure color, a lower chroma color is more neutral.  

Make it a goal to be able to analyze any color as to its hue, value and chroma. Being aware of and confident with these aspects of color will go a long way toward being a master of  color in your art.  

Want to become EXCELLENT with color???  Attend my free webinar - COLOR: Practical Science for Artists. Wednesday, February 19,  at 11am pacific time. REGISTER HERE.