The color wheel can be "split" in several ways, depending on the intended outcome and the properties you want to emphasize. Here are a few common interpretations:
1. Split Complementary Color Scheme:
This is the most common understanding of "splitting" the color wheel. It involves selecting one base color and then using the two colors adjacent to its complement (opposite) on the wheel.
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How it Works:
- Choose a color as your base color.
- Identify its complement (the color directly opposite it on the wheel).
- Find the two colors that are directly next to the complement. These are your "split complements."
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Example: If you choose blue, its complement is orange. The split complements would be red-orange and yellow-orange.
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Why Use It: Split complementary schemes offer high contrast like complementary schemes but are less jarring. They provide more color variety and are often considered more visually appealing.
2. Dividing into Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Colors:
The color wheel can also be split according to color categories:
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Primary Colors: These are the foundational colors (red, yellow, blue) that cannot be created by mixing other colors.
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Secondary Colors: These colors are created by mixing two primary colors (green, orange, violet).
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Tertiary Colors: These colors are created by mixing a primary color with a neighboring secondary color (e.g., red-violet, blue-green).
3. Dividing into Warm and Cool Colors:
The color wheel can be conceptually split into warm and cool color zones:
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Warm Colors: These colors include reds, oranges, and yellows. They are often associated with energy, excitement, and warmth.
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Cool Colors: These colors include blues, greens, and purples. They are often associated with calmness, serenity, and coolness.
Generally, the split is made roughly between red-violet and yellow-green.
4. Dividing into Analogous Colors:
While not strictly "splitting," you can choose a section of the color wheel consisting of analogous colors, which are colors that are adjacent to each other. For example, a selection of yellow, yellow-orange, and orange. This creates a harmonious and cohesive color palette.
