Colorful harmonies

Some of our achievements

Color harmonies by analogy

Simple chromatic links

Simple chromatic links are combinations of two successive shades on the color wheelThe result is a harmonious, eye-pleasing combination. Whether it's the marriage of cyan blue and green, yellow and green, or magenta and orange, these combinations offer a rich, balanced color palette. Each of these chromatic associations has its own characteristics and can influence the mood and visual perception of a space or artistic creation. Let's decipher these simple chromatic links and their impact on color and design.

You can use a simple color wheel (6 six colors), or a full color wheel (12 colors).
The result is a combination of "Secondary primary", "Intermediate primary", "Intermediate secondary", i.e. 18 possible combinations of color harmonies.

Examples

You can create these color harmonies yourself using drawing software.
Personally, I use Rebel 7there are others.

The left-hand side of the image is a light version, the right-hand side is a dark version.
The possibilities are endless!

Complex chromatic links

Complex chromatic chords are combinations of three consecutive colors on the color wheelThey create visual harmonies rich in nuance. In these chords, each color plays a specific role: the dominant or tonic occupies the center of the formula, while the other two colors are used in broken and folded tones. This precise structure creates visually balanced, sophisticated compositions.

Using a simplified palette, it's possible to create two complex chromatic chord formulas. In the first formula, the central color acts as the dominant or tonic, while the other two colors are distributed in broken and folded tones around it. This approach produces subtle, balanced color harmonies. The second formula involves a dominant and a tonic, creating a dynamic contrast between colors and offering a visual palette rich in depth.

Examples

Possible formulas with the simplified palette

Formula 1: Dominant and tonic

The first possible formula with the simplified palette is to use the dominant and tonic as the main colors. The central color of the formula will be either the dominant or the tonic, and the other two colors will be used in broken and folded tones. This combination creates a subtle, harmonious contrast between the colors, highlighting the dominant while maintaining balance with the tonic.

For example, if we choose the red as dominant and blue as tonic, we could use violet in broken tones and green in folded tones. This composition would create a dynamic atmosphere while remaining balanced and pleasing to the eye.

Formula 2: Non-dominant tonic

In this second formula, we don't include a dominant, but use the tonic as the central color. The other two colors are then divided into broken and folded tones to create a harmonious composition. Using this approach, we emphasize the tonic while allowing it to blend elegantly with the other colors.

For example, if we choose yellow as a tonic, we could use orange in broken tones and green in folded tones. This combination would bring a bright, warm feel, highlighting the yellow while creating a coherent, balanced whole.

Formula 3: Dominant without tonic

In this third formula, we emphasize the dominant color without including a tonic. The other two colors are then used in broken and folded tones to create a dynamic, captivating contrast. Using this approach, we can play with the nuances and variations of the dominant to create unique visual effects.

For example, if we choose blue as the dominant color, we could use purple in broken tones and turquoise in folded tones. This combination would offer a palette rich in shades of blue, creating a soothing, sophisticated ambience.

Formulas available with the full palette

Formula with a dominant and a tonic

In this formula, the central color of the chromatic chord will be the dominant or tonic. These two main colors harmonize to create a solid base. For example, red as dominant and yellow as tonic can create a striking contrast. The nuances and variations of these colors can be explored to create rich, complex color harmonies.

By using the tones or flaps of the third color, it's possible to create subtle transitions or bold contrasts between the main colors. This combination creates a unique visual dynamic that draws the eye and creates a special mood in a chromatic design.

Formula with a tonic or dominant, but not both

In this configuration, you can choose highlight either the tonic or the dominant. For example, highlighting blue as a tonic without a dominant creates a soothing, serene atmosphere. Conversely, highlighting green as a dominant without a tonic can create a more energetic, dynamic effect.

By using the other two colors in equivalent surfaces, one in broken tones and the other in folded tones, a harmonious visual balance is created. The subtle contrasts between the colors add depth and complexity to the chromatic harmony, offering a rich, captivating visual experience.

Exploring the infinite possibilities

The chromatic combinations possible with the complete palette are almost infinite. By experimenting with different shades, saturations and intensities of color, you can create a variety of sophisticated and captivating chromatic accords. Each color choice brings its own meaning and visual impact, enabling rich and diverse artistic expression.

By exploring the interactions between colors and understanding the fundamental principles of chromatic color harmony, we can create visual compositions that evoke emotions, tell stories and captivate the viewer's attention. The complete palette offers a wide range of creative possibilities for designers and artists, paving the way for infinite exploration of color and its nuances.

Examples of sophisticated chromatic chords

Sophisticated chromatic tuning 1: Dominant and tonic

In this example of a sophisticated chromatic chord, we combine the dominant and tonic to create a visually captivating harmony. The central color of the chord will be the dominant, bringing intensity and visual strength to the whole. The other two colors will be used in broken and folded tones, creating a subtle balance while highlighting the dominant. This formula offers a harmonious combination of colors that draws the eye and creates a refined atmosphere.

Sophisticated chromatic chord 2: Non-dominant tonic

In this second example, we explore the possibility of creating a sophisticated chromatic chord without using a dominant, but concentrating solely on the tonic. The central color of the chord will be the tonic, bringing a sense of balance and stability to the whole. The other two colors will be used in equivalent areas, one in broken tones and the other in folded tones, creating a subtle yet harmonious combination. This type of sophisticated chromatic harmony can bring a touch of softness and subtlety to a design.

Sophisticated chromatic tuning 3: Balanced color harmony of three colors

In this third example, we explore a balanced harmony of three colors in a sophisticated chromatic accord. Each color is used equally, creating a harmonious visual balance. The central color can be either the dominant or the tonic, and the other two colors are evenly distributed in broken and folded tones. This formula offers a sophisticated, balanced chromatic palette, ideal for creating an elegant, refined ambience in a design.

Harmony by contrast

1- Two complementary shades

Each primary color has as its complementary the mixture of the other two. Each primary can be matched with its opposite secondary. There are thus three possible combinations. Each tertiary shade can be matched with its opposite tertiary shade, creating three further possibilities.

Examples

2- A simple chromatic chord plus a complementary

A harmonious color combination of a single chromatic chord with a complementary color produces a three-tone ensemble. This combination consists of adding a complementary color to a harmony of two consecutive colors on the chromatic palette.

There are two options on the simplified palette and four on the full palette. The main color, called tonic, will always correspond to the complementary color. The dominant color is chosen as the diametrically opposed color on the chromatic palette, and is used for the largest surface area, in shades of colored gray or very light muted tones. Finally, the third color is used in muted or broken tones.

How to create color harmony

In order to compose a color harmony, it is imperative to reconcile three relationships, i.e. to establish a correlation between three notions.
First of all, we opt for color harmony: this is the chromatic relationship.
Next, we determine the proportion of surface each color will occupy: this is the quantitative ratio that specifies the PREDOMINANT color and the tonic of the harmony. The PREDOMINANT color is the one that covers the largest area. The tonic occupies the smallest portion.

Finally, we specify the luminous intensity of each color: this is the qualitative relationship. In order to bring out the other colors, the light intensity of the PREDOMINANT color is generally strongly attenuated, used in a very muted or very attenuated tone, or even in colored gray. The tonic is always used in its highest luminous intensity, i.e. pure.

To illustrate the importance of the luminous intensity of a color, as well as the position of the dominant and tonic within a colored harmony, I'm particularly fond of the analogy with an orchestra. Whether in classical music or jazz, when a soloist wants to make himself heard, he doesn't play louder than the other musicians. The others play more softly, so that the soloist is clearly perceptible.

Conclusion: the diversity of chromatic possibilities

A wealth of possible combinations

Complex chromatic chords offer an infinite variety of combinations, allowing you to play with color nuances and contrasts. Exploring the different formulas with the simplified and complete palette, one realizes the breadth of possibilities offered. Each color plays a specific role in the overall harmony of the chord, creating subtle contrasts and harmonies rich in depth.

For example, combining a dominant and tonic with a third color in either broken or broken-down tones creates balanced, dynamic chords. The distribution of colors in broken and folded tones adds an extra dimension to the chord, creating unique and captivating visual effects.

The subtlety of chromatic nuances

Each sophisticated chromatic tuning formula reveals the subtlety of chromatic nuances and their impact on visual perception. By playing with color saturation, luminosity and hue, you can create chromatic compositions rich in contrast and harmony. The interactions between colors are complex and fascinating, offering an infinite palette of creative possibilities.

For example, using broken tones for one color and folded tones for another creates a subtle play of contrasts that highlights the complementary nature of the colors. This subtlety of chromatic nuance allows us to explore new aesthetics and express a variety of emotions through color.

Artistic expression through chromatic chords

Sophisticated chromatic harmonies are a powerful tool for artistic expression, creating unique atmospheres and conveying complex emotions. Each color combination tells a story, evokes sensations and invites the viewer to plunge into a chromatic universe rich in meaning.

By experimenting with different chromatic chord formulas, artists can push back the limits of visual perception and explore new creative avenues. Each chromatic chord becomes a work of art in itself, reflecting the sensibility and artistic vision of its creator.

Additional articles