Question 6
(a) Define the term colour.
(b) Define the following properties of colours:
(i) hue;
(ii) chroma.
(c) Explain any three of the following terms as related to colour in painting and decorating:
(i) complementary colours;
(ii) advancing colours;
(iii) discordant colours;
(iv) monochromatic colour;
(v) receding colours.
Observation
This question was well attempted by the candidates who showed good understanding of colour theory. However, few candidates could not give the required responses and this made such candidates to score poorly in the question. Some of the following are responses expected from the candidates:
(a)   -     it is the sensation produced by waves of  decomposed light upon 
    optical nerves.
    -     It is the visual sensations produced upon  the retina by light waves of different lengths.
    -     It is is the impression as seen by the eyes  due to the decomposed waves of the light rays.
    -     it is the effect produced on the eye by the  different wavelengths of light.
    -     Colour may be described as an impression or  effect formed on a part of the eye called retina by light or rays. 
    (b)
    Hue 
    it is another name for colour  which distinguishes one colour from the other, e.g. yellow from red, blue from  green etc. 
    Chroma
    This denotes the purity of  colour i.e. strength, intensity or saturations.
  
(c)  Complementary  colours 
    These are any two colours, which lie directly opposite  each other on the colour circle, and when mixed together will produce grey or  neutral colour.
    Advancing Colours 
    They are dominant colours that tend to be warm, such as red,  red-violet, orange, yellow and yellow-orange, which appear as coming  (advancing) towards the viewer.
    Discordant  Colours 
    These  are the colours, which are not pleasant to the viewer’s eyes when used together
Monochromatic  colour
    A colour  scheme that consisting of the tints and shades of one colour.
Receding colour
    They are the less dominant colours  that tend to be cool such as green, blue-green, blue and blue-violet, which  make a space to be wider because appear more distant than they actually are.
