Now
1961
Despite the emergence of more sophisticated colour systems during the 20th century , the “ artists ’ colour wheel ” persisted in its academic and practical importance . This is thanks to Johannes Itten ’ s , 12-part colour wheel , Farbkreis , the precursor to modern day colour wheels , which demonstrated the relationships of colour harmony . Itten is also credited with exploring the relationship between colour and emotion in Kunst der Farbe - The Art of Colour .
From Newton to Chevreul to Munsell to Itten , the colour wheel has evolved to become the standard of colour organization and the basis of modern colour theory .
The current “ artists ’ colour wheel ” consists of 12 colours : three primary colours , three secondary colours ( colours created when primary colours are mixed ), and six tertiary colours
( colours created when primary and secondary colours are mixed ).