Analogous colors are groups of three
colors that are next to each other on
the color wheel, with one being the
dominant color, which tends to be a
primary or secondary color, and one on
either side of the color. Red,
red-orange, and red-violet are examples.
The term analogous refers to having
analogy, or corresponding to something
in particular. An analogous color scheme
creates a rich, monochromatic look. It
is best used with either warm or cool
colors, creating a look that has a
certain temperature as well as proper
color harmony. While this is true, the
scheme also lacks contrast and is less
vibrant than complementary schemes.
Application 
These color schemes are most often seen
in nature. For example, during the fall,
one might often see the changing leaves
form an analogous sort of color scheme,
progressively moving through the color
wheel to create a gradient in its
natural pattern.
High-key analogous 
High-key color schemes have a lighter
value, having white added to them or
water in the case of watercolors. These
have a more pastel-like look to them.
Having a high-key analogous color scheme
can give a piece a stimulating shimmer
that pleases the eye, making everything
seem the same color at first until
approach. The colors are pure and aren’t
affected by their complements which grab
attention. This was commonly used in
impressionism by artists such as Monet,
Pissarro, and Degas. Pierre Bonnard has
also been noted for using it.
Footnotes 
References 
"Basic Color Schemes: Color Theory
Introduction". Color Schemes Made Easy.
TigerMedia. Retrieved 4 December 2011. 
"Color Wheel Pro: Classic Color
Schemes". Color Wheel Pro: See Color
Theory in Action!. Color Wheel Pr.
Retrieved 4 December 2011. 
"Basic Color Theory". Color Matters
Welcomes You to the World of Color:
Symbolism, Design, Vision, Science,
Marketing and More!. Color Matters. 22
November 1995. Retrieved 4 December
2011. 
"Combining Colors - Analog,
Complementary, Triad - Colors on the
Web". Color Theory, Color Wheel and
Combining Colors, Colors on the Web.
Colors on the Web. 1998. Retrieved 4
December 2011. 
Appellof, Marian. "A High Key Analogous
Color Scheme". Everything You Ever
Wanted to Know About Watercolor. New
York: Watson-Guptill. p. 57. 
Bleicher, Steven. "Color Harmonies".
Contemporary Color: Theory & Use.
Clifton Park. NY: Delmar Cengage
Learning. p. 70. 
Lauer, David; Pentak, Stephen.
"Analogous Color Scheme". Design Basics.
Australia: Cengage. p. 279.
