Hey I know you mention that you wouldn't be diving into any books as of yet. However I believe the only way to get a grasp on color and its uses is not to scrape the surface. Articles are fine, but will they really inform you? I found a book by Steven Bleicher. It is the same book I had used in school it will cover many of the situation of applicable color and there uses. The human eye is complexed and perception is even more tricky.
http://www.amazon.com/Contemporary-C.../dp/1401837409