We love colors! There is SO MUCH to learn about them, and endless ways to explore their bright and beautiful properties — from color mixing, to interpreting color meanings, to getting into the science of different models of color wheels, to being inspired by ideas about unique names and shades.
As background, my name is Lillie, and I’ve been an artist and teacher for over two decades — sharing hand-illustrated cute drawing ideas, and teaching color theory. This article is a massive round-up that gathers together all of the many lessons I have written about colors over the years.
Colors: Types of Articles
This round-up of lessons about colors has four categories, and within each of those, you can click through to a whole other collection of related articles; for example, the “Complementary Colors” article is a directory of all nine articles I’ve written on that topic. Here is the overview of the list’s organization…
1. Color Theory.
The first set of articles in the list covers the foundational science of color theory, including primary and secondary colors, the different types of color wheels (ex: RGB), and what happens when you mix different combinations. Despite being an artist for so long, I always find myself so surprised by the results of certain mixtures!
2. Ideas for Colors.
Next, I offer you articles to get your creative drawings, fashion, and design going by ideas for unique and bright colors.
3. An English Lesson.
Having been an English teacher for nearly twenty years, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to insert a history lesson about the “colorful or colourful” spelling quandary.
4. Color Meanings.
Finally, since I’m a certified and active Reiki practitioner, I’ve drawn on my in-person work with hundreds of clients to explore color meanings, in the context of auras and the chakra system of energy centers. Enjoy!
Colors
There is SO much to learn about the different aspects of colors! Here is a growing list of useful and educational articles and lessons about color meanings, vocabulary, science, uses, auras, chakras, and ideas.
Primary and Secondary Colors
A basic building block of color theory is the concept of the color wheel, and the primary and secondary colors in it. Watch out, though, because there are several different models to pick from, depending on your context! Learn more here.
Tertiary Colors
Did you know there are actually TWO different meanings of the term "tertiary colors," with totally separate definitions? Check them out here.
Intermediate Colors
In my artistic opinion, some of the most beautiful colors are the "intermediate" ones, defined as those made by mixing a primary color with the secondary one right next to it on the color wheel. They even have fabulous names...
Complementary Colors
When a color is directly opposite another on a color wheel, it's known as "complementary" because it provides the maximum possible contrast to its counterpart, which is useful for design, fashion, and art. Beware, though, because these pairs change depending on which model you're using. Learn more here.
Color Mixing Chart
Here is my massive round-up of what happens when you mix all sorts of surprising colors together! You may be as astounded as I was to learn some of the results.
Unique Colors
Want to be inspired by colors with delightful shades and names? Here's a great list.
Bright Colors
Seeking vibrant, in-your-face, and neon colors? Check these sunny ones out to spice up your next design.
Color or Colour?
Because I've been an English teacher for almost twenty years, I can't resist adding in this language lesson, which is very much on-topic: Is the spelling "color or colour?" Is it "colorful" or "colourful?" The wild, history-filled explanation is in this lesson, here.
Aura Colors and Meanings
What are aura color meanings? Auras are defined as the energetic cloud of colored light around a person, that reflects their personality and temperament, and can be seen in various ways, including behind closed eyes by an energy work practitioner. Since I am a certified and active Reiki practitioner, this chart explains the interpretation of each, based on first-hand experience with hundreds of clients.
Chakra Colors
In the 7 Chakra System, each energy center of the body is associated with a different color, and a distinct area of life. This chart explains each.
Colors, in Sum
I hope this round-up of lessons and articles about colors and their meanings, uses, and science has been useful as well as enjoyable. Which ideas were most intriguing for you? (I love complementary colors, and in particular, the different answers to the opposite of pink.)
What would you like me to illustrate and teach about next, as we continue to dive into the many facets of this rainbow-loving topic? Do share!
Want more? Check out my piece about mint green, including a personification of what it would look like as a person wearing a fashionable and ornate dress with a large billowing skirt…
The author and artist, Lillie Marshall, is a National Board Certified Teacher of English who has been a public school educator since 2003, and an experienced Reiki practitioner since 2018. All art on this site is original and hand-drawn by Lillie. She launched DrawingsOf.com Educational Cartoons in 2020, building upon the success of her other sites, AroundTheWorldL.com (established 2009), TeachingTraveling.com (founded 2010), and ReikiColors.com. Subscribe to Lillie’s monthly newsletter, and follow @WorldLillie on social media to stay connected!
