A Creative Take on Color Theory

PHOTO CHALLENGE | Pair a series of photos that share matching color combinations that are analogous to one other.

Look at the color around you. Let it spark your imagination.

There is a lot of technical information out there about color theory, but for this project, we're going to take the more artistic, aesthetic approach. We're going to be looking for "matching" colors as Kelly calls it, or analogous colors as it goes, and take it one step further and match one photo to the next in a series. Using at least 3 photos and up to 15, we'll be combining two colors, and the shades in between. Think in terms of Shades of Blue and blue-green or Shades of Yellow and yellow-green, and pair that with any other color that naturally derives from the scene. Color theory in our terms is a most pleasing combination of analogous colors that are bold and moody or vibrant and light, neutral and soft, etc. It's to spark your imagination and create a story that only color can tell, giving way to its own sense of atmosphere.

As you can see by the photos I’ve shared on the left, I’m by no means looking for strict color pairs here. If you have two primary colors obvious and prominent in your images, then it’s a win. I’m intentionally showing you the range of colors present even when you pick just two colors to work with. It’s not meant to be an overly simplified concept, but also not fussy either. Find that happy middle ground. Looking at the colors in the paintings and examples below, you’ll see simpler color pairs. Do what feels most right to you, this isn’t meant to be restrictive, but a fun play and new means of seeing your photography.

By definition: Analogous colors means the color grouping has similarities. These color scheme types have close relationships to one another.

Here are a few examples of analogous color schemes:

• Yellow, yellow-green, green

• Violet, red-violet, and red

• Red, red-orange, orange

• Blue, blue-violet, violet

creative freedom

Look at the room you're in, what colors dominate the space? Warm spring colors, or bright summer, maybe the bold tones of autumn, or the simple neutral palette of winter. Weave your own story into this project by incorporating small objects from around your home, inside and out, to complete the scene. Work creatively with natural and manmade objects to bring out the storytelling aspect.

meaningful color

By blending colors and the shades between them, you discover a depth and range far beyond the traditional, and in a way that is all too pleasing. You create meaningful color that embraces the mood and creates a temperature. Also seek color that is accessible, if you’re trying to stretch too far, you’ll get stuck searching for pairs that are difficult. Allow yourself to explore your creative freedom.

unplanned creativity

It's okay to feel like you don't know what you're doing or not have a plan. When I have an idea with no concept to support it, I take a walk or gather items to just start playing to see what flows. Don’t stress and overthink the process, have fun playing with colors like middle school art class. If it feels like you can’t get the colors right, simplify down to one color (one object or subject) and slowly build from that.

“The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by the play instinct acting from inner necessity. The creative mind plays with objects it loves.”

- Carl Jung