Secondary Colours on The Colour Wheel

Secondary colours on the colour wheel play a crucial role for artists who seek to develop an understanding of colour theory.

Known as the triadic core of the colour wheel, secondary colours are generated by mixing equal parts of two primary colours.

The three secondary colours include Green, Orange and Purple.



Green on the Colour Wheel

Let's look at each secondary colour individually.

Green is a secondary colour that is a result of mixing equal parts of blue and yellow.

Appearing between blue and yellow on the colour wheel, green, for instance, is often associated with life, nature, and tranquillity, making it perfect for landscapes and naturalistic scenes.

Orange on the Colour Wheel

The second secondary colour on the colour wheel is Orange, created by mixing equal parts of red and yellow.

Orange stands between red and yellow on the colour wheel, representing warmth and enthusiasm like a sunset.

Its usage can breathe life into the composition, conveying feelings of joy, positivity, and excitement.

Hence, it's often used for vibrant, lively scenes or elements that demand attention.

Purple on the Colour Wheel

Purple, the third secondary colour, is a mixture of equal parts of red and blue.

Residing between red and blue on the colour wheel, representing creativity and luxury.

Purple, being a blend of red and blue's intensity and tranquillity, signifies luxury, creativity, and mystery.

Artists use violet to convey depth, richness, and sophistication in their pieces.



Understanding the nature of these secondary colours on the colour wheel is crucial for the delicate process of mixing secondary colours.

This knowledge aids artists in achieving the desired hues and shades, expanding their palettes and allowing more control over their artistic expressions.

Aside from their compositional value, secondary colours have inherent psychological and symbolic significance.

Secondary colours also come with the advantage of versatility.

They can be manipulated by adding more of one primary colour, changing the temperature and emotions.

For instance, adding more red to orange creates a warm, fiery orange-red, while adding more blue endows it with a cooler, more laid-back impression.

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