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While basic, the color wheel is bunk. The simplicity of its equally segmented circle is the source of much confusion. As with lessons in other subjects, we first learn about color in simple terms:  Basic hues – red, blue, yellow, and simple mixing formulas. These are among the misleading generalities perpetrated by color wheel instruction. Color theory implies that green, for example, is a mixture of equal parts blue and yellow. From experience we find that darker colors overpower lighter colors in mixtures. Much more yellow than blue is required to produce a green that appears to be an equal mix of the two. Mixing theory illustrated by color wheels overlooks important real color factors.

Untrue Blue and Other Primary Fabrications

Wheel colors are sometimes thought to represent the true basic colors. Early childhood colors come in familiar names coinciding with instruction about how colors mix. Pass student-grade paint displays at the local art supply store to select your first artist quality paints and confusion mounts. Discovering many different reds, blues, yellows, etc. and strange names unfamiliar to wheel charts might prompt questions like “Which ones are the real primary and secondary colors?” and “What good is a color wheel when available paints don’t match it?”

Commercially marketed color wheels don’t even match each other. The “primary blue” on one wheel appears greenish next to another that looks a little like violet. Each charts’ printed color represents the opinion of a different manufacturer’s color expert. Who is to say what each true wheel color looks like?

Wheel Color vs. Real Color

A color wheel is just theory. It can do no more than suggest how actual paint colors might interact. Real colors, unlike wheel colors, are far too complex to be represented in such simple terms. They are too dark or light, bright or dull, warm or cool to stand for ideal hues.

Pigments are natural or chemical products. Each creates paint color with unique characteristics, which determine how it will react when mixed or mingled with other colors. Value differences confuse mixing formulas. Opaque paint colors alter the appearance of transparent colors. Chemical colors such as Pthalo Green has staining power far greater than most other colors.

Pigment formulas and procedures used for manufacturing artists’ colors vary greatly between brands. The name printed on the paint tube gives only a hint of how its contents will look. One brand’s Viridian, for example, is darker while another looks more yellow or dull because they were created using different pigments or combinations of pigments. Consumers should expect to find pigment sources disclosed on media labels.

Manufacturer brochures, available at art supply stores, often provide extensive information about paint content and characteristics. Improved familiarity with pigments and the colors they generate can be helpful in selecting paint colors and predicting their performance."