Colour can create exciting or subtle effects. Colour can be used realistically, or not. Using a limited palette is often the best. Three or four colours are more than enough. Putting in an overall background colour will unify your artwork and impart a 'feeling'.

Make or buy a colour circle to guide you:

PRIMARY colours are: red, blue, yellow.

SECONDARY colours are: orange, green, purple.

TERTIARY colours (12) are combinations of the secondaries.

Primary colours cannot be mixed from other colours and when mixed together make dark grey or black. The secondary colours are made by mixing the primary colours in pairs (e.g. red + yellow = orange). The tertiary colours are formed by mixing the secondaries.

COMPLEMENTARY colours are those colours which are opposite each other in the colour circle. Exciting effects are achieved by the use of complementary colours in art.

HARMONIOUS colour schemes are a matter of personal taste. However, if you feel a colour scheme is unsuccessful then consider the use of complimentary colours to harmonise or alternatively the use of colour contrast to excite the artwork.