What follows is that tertiary colors can be produced (i) by mixing a primary and a secondary color in equal proportions or (ii) by mixing two secondary colors in a given color space.

This approach is more commonly applied in painting. This definition suggests that tertiary colors are formed by mixing pairs of secondary colors. While this is the more common definition, another description for tertiary colors is given by color theorists such as Moses Harris and Josef Albers. Tertiary colors are basically formed by mixing equal amounts of a primary color and a secondary color in a given color system. Various color models are used for print, screens, computers, fabrics and other purposes. These models facilitate achieving the desired color universally. In the modern times, these color models have been developed for different purposes, each creating universal standards for its use. These primary colors are used to create secondary and tertiary colors within the system. What is a Color Model?Ī color model is the abstract system under which at least three colors are considered as primaries. In order to understand what tertiary colors mean, one has to have a general knowledge of color spaces, as well as the primary and secondary colors in those given color spaces. Meanwhile, there is no single set of tertiary colors they vary according to the color system they are operated under.

This is why they are also called intermediate colors. On a color wheel, tertiary colors are located in between the primary and secondary colors that they were mixed from. Generally speaking, tertiary colors are created by mixing equal amounts of a primary color with a secondary color in a given color space.

Color wheel primary secondary tertiary