T H E M I N I G U I D E T O

C O L O R J O Y
Your palette to happiness
 W E L C O M E T O Y O U R
C O L O R F U L J O U R N E Y
A personal note from Cathy
Dear Color Kindred,

Painting has been a source of joy and comfort for me throughout my life. It has allowed me to
express myself in ways that words cannot. As I have grown as an artist, I have come to
understand the importance of developing my own unique color voice. This means finding the
colors and techniques that resonate with me and using them to create art that is truly my own.

In this introductory guide to color theory, I will share with you some of the color schemes that
have helped me to explore color harmony and open my heart to the possibilities of expressing
myself with paint and texture. I’ve used my own paintings to illustrate each of the colors and the
various schemes. I hope they inspired you and that you, too, will try out some of these color
combinations in your own life and see where they take you!

We will explore the basics of color theory, including color mixing and the use of complementary
colors. We will also delve into the psychology of color and how it affects our emotions and
perceptions. At the end of the guide, you’ll receive helpful prompts to begin tapping into the
colors that make your heart sing in a way that is uniquely yours.

I hope after our time together you will have a deeper understanding of color and the importance
of developing your own special color voice. Whether you paint for pleasure or professionally, the
skills and insights you gain from this guide will be invaluable. So come along with me on this
journey of discovery and let's unlock the joy of painting color together!

May you find your true colors,

Cathy Nichols
www.cathynichols.com
T H E C O L O R W H E E L U N V E I L E D

red
red-orange
red-violet

orange
violet

12 HUES yellow-orange
blue-violet
infinite possibility

yellow

blue

blue-green yellow-green
green
 S P I N N I N G T H E W H E E L

Discovering Color Relationships

The color wheel is a magical way to understand the array of hues that fall on the visual spectrum
These colors are broken down into primary, secondary, and tertiary hues. Primary colors cannot be
made from other hues.

Secondary colors are created by mixing two primary colors together. The three secondary colors are
green, orange, and purple. Tertiary colors, on the other hand, are created by mixing one primary
color with one secondary color. This results in six tertiary colors, which include red-orange, yellow-
orange, yellow-green, blue-green, blue-purple, and red-purple. Understanding the color wheel can
help artists and designers create harmonious color schemes that are visually appealing. It can also
be helpful in home decorating, fashion, and even branding.

As a visual artist, understanding the color wheel is essential because it allows you to create color
palettes that convey the mood and emotion you want to express in your artwork. For example, warm
colors such as red, orange, and yellow can evoke feelings of energy and excitement, while cool
colors such as blue, green, and purple can create a calming and soothing effect. By using
complementary colors, which are colors opposite each other on the color wheel, you can create a
high-contrast effect that makes your artwork stand out. Understanding the color wheel also helps
you avoid color clashes, where colors clash with each other and create an unpleasant visual
experience. In short, the color wheel is a vital tool for any artist and designer who wants to create
visually stunning and harmonious works of art.
 P R I M A R Y
C O L O R S

red yellow blue

 3 S E C O N D A R Y C O L O R S

mixed from 2 primaries

red yellow
orange

green
=
yellow blue

blue red = violet

 6 T E R T I A R Y C O L O R S
mixed from 2 secondary colors

red orange = red-orange

=
red
orange yellow yellow-orange

yellow
green
= yellow-green

=
blue-green
green
blue

blue violet = blue-violet

violet red = red-violet

 M I X I N G M A G I C

Alchemy on the Palette -- Mixing the Colors You Love

As artists, it is often difficult to paint ‘straight from the tube,’ because we can’t create those nuanced,
subtle colors that make our hearts sing. And if we run out to the art store every time we need a new
shade of paint, we can end up with an overwhelming mound of paint tubes that are impossible to
manage. There is another way! Color mixing is the essential tool for creating colors that you truly love.
And guess what? It’s easier than you think to move ‘beyond the rainbow.’

All of the colors below began with red-orange -- even the grays!

red-orange + white
red-orange salmon pale peach red

red-orange + dark (burnt

umber) burnt rust cinnamon
orange

red-orange +
complement (blue green) neutral
blush cloud
gray

red-orange
 H A R M O N Y I N H U E S :

Crafting the Perfect Color Scheme

While there is no ‘‘perfect” colors in life or on the palette, there are certain color combinations that create
well-known harmonies Some of my favorites are the Complementary, Analogous , Monochromatic, and
Triadic color schemes.

Complementary colors are hues that are opposite each other on the color wheel, such as blue and orange
or red and green. When used together, they create a striking contrast that can be both bold and visually
appealing. Analogous colors, on the other hand, are hues that sit next to each other on the color wheel,
such as yellow, orange, and red. This color scheme creates a sense of harmony and unity, making it a
popular choice in design and fashion.

Monochromatic color schemes use different shades and tints of a single color, such as different shades of
blue or green. This creates a subtle and sophisticated look that can be calming and serene. Finally, triadic
color schemes use three colors that are evenly spaced on the color wheel, such as purple, green, and
orange. This creates a vibrant and dynamic look that can be playful and fun.

Understanding color harmonies can be a powerful tool for designers, artists, and anyone who wants to
create visually appealing compositions. By experimenting with different color combinations, you can
create unique and beautiful works of art that capture the eye and the imagination.
 C O M P L E M E N T S
COMPLEMENTARY COLORS ARE ACROSS FROM EACH OTHER ON THE COLOR WHEEL

red
red-orange
red-violet

orange
violet

yellow-orange
blue-violet

yellow

blue

blue-green yellow-green
green
C O M P L E M E N T A R Y C O L O R P A L E T T E
opposites attract

red-orange blue-green
 A N A L O G O U S
NO MORE THAN 5 COLORS THAT ARE ADJACENT TO ONE ANOTHER ON THE COLOR WHEEL

color friends live in harmony!

blue blue-violet violet red-violet

blue
 M O N O C H R O M A T I C
we are family

blue blue blue blue

 T R I A D I C
THREE COLORS EQUIDISTANT ON THE COLOR WHEEL
three is not a crowd
yellow
red
blue
 F E E L I N G I N C O L O R

The Emotional Impact of Your Palette

Color is not just seen, but felt. It whispers stories, sets the stage for moods, and stirs emotions within us.
With a stroke of cadmium yellow, you can summon the warmth and optimism of a summer morning; a swath
of phthalo blue can plunge the viewer into the depths of reflection, reminiscent of twilight shadows. Each
hue in your palette holds the power to evoke a response, to connect with the viewer on an instinctual level.
As artists, we wield the ability to mix not just pigments, but the very essence of joy, tranquility, or passion.
When we choose our colors, we're not just painting; we're inviting someone into a moment, an emotion, a
piece of our soul made visible. Embracing the emotional language of colors can transform your art from a
mere visual to an empathic experience, where every shade you lay down is a word in the poetry of your
canvas.

These 2 color schemes evoke very different emotions.

 C O L O R I N A C T I O N

Hue are You? Prompts for Color Exploration

Begin with a blank journal to use as a Color Notebook

Personal Resonance: Think of a color you’re consistently drawn to in moments of joy and contentment.
In your Color Notebook, write about how this color makes you feel and where you find it in your daily
life.

Closet Cues: Our clothing is one of our most personal forms of expression. Unlike a home, which we
must often share with family members who don’t always share our aesthetic, our closets offer a clue
into our color *crushes. Take a peek inside your closet, and jot down the colors you find there most
often. *For extra insight, weed out any clothes received as gifts and anything you had to buy for a job
you didn’t love -- put these clothes in their own section of your closet. Now take a look at what’s left --
these are your true color crushes (not to be confused with blind dates or office dress codes) :-) Write
down the names of your closet crushes or draw them as color swatches in your Color Notebook.

Nature’s Palette: Take a walk outside or browse through nature photos, focusing on the landscapes
that you feel most connected to. Is it the ocean, forest, desert, mountains, or perhaps the sky at a
certain time of day? Identify the colors that stand out to you and jot them down in your journal.
 Y O U R T R U E C O L O R S

Signature Shades -- Finding Your Personal Color Story

There are no ‘good’ and ‘bad’ color palettes, instead, color is a language that lets us speak from our
hearts and offers a window into our souls. The hues we are drawn to and the palettes we assemble,
are reflections of our inner worlds—each shade resonates with a unique facet of our personality, our
emotions, and our life experiences. Just as our wardrobe selections can express our mood and
character, the colors we choose in our art can broadcast our individuality and style to the observer.
They become our signature, a way to non-verbally communicate who we are and what we stand for
and a way to connect with others.

This is what makes learning about color so fulfilling. It allows us to tap into our own emotions and to
share them with the world. In this way, through color, we are able to experience the profound joy of
human connection.

Color can be a compass that guides us to our truest form of expression. May you learn not only to
understand and harness the power of color in your life, but may the joy you find in color lead you to
ever greater self-discovery.

All artwork in this guide is painted by myself, Cathy Nichols. You can find more of my work at:
www.cathynichols.com
 "I found I could say things with
color and shapes that I couldn't say
any other way – things I had no
words for." – Georgia O'Keeffe
@cathynicholsart

Exploring colors can be such a wonderful and fulfilling experience. Whether it's
through painting, drawing, or simply admiring the beauty of nature, there's always
something new to discover. That's why I'm so excited to hear about your color
journey! Have you found any particular colors that speak to you in a special way?
Sharing your experiences can be a great way to connect with others who have a
similar passion for color. So, don't be shy! Show off your colorful creations and
join the conversation on Instagram using the hashtag #JoyOfPaintingColors.
And if you want to make sure I see your work, feel free to tag me
@cathynicholsart. I can't wait to see where your color journey takes you!

@cathynicholsart

@cathynicholsart

WWW.CATHYNICHOLS.COM