Complementary Color Theory
The theory of complimentary color is only part of the larger color theory that describes the primary colors and the secondary colors that are created by mixing equal parts of primary colors. Tertiary colors are also included as additional mixes between primary and adjacent secondary colors. The color wheel is used to display the aspects of the color theory and make identifying complementary colors easier.
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Description
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Complementary colors are those colors found opposite of one another on the color wheel. The opposing colors are considered complementary because when placed together they make each other seem brighter. The color wheel makes complementary colors easily identifiable because straight lines can be drawn from one side of the wheel to the other to determine a color's complementary color.
Examples
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Red and green are complementary colors that are used together to make both colors stand out and draw attention. Green and purple, and blue and orange are further examples of complementary colors. Tertiary colors may also have complementary colors. Yellow-green is opposite and therefore a complementary color to red-violet; blue-green is opposite to red-orange; and blue-violet is opposite to yellow-orange.
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Considerations
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When a color wheel cannot be used to determine a color's complementary color, staring at the color for several moments and then closing the eyes will produce a blur of that complementary color in the mind. This is possible due to reflection of light on the color surface the reaction of the eyes to the light produced by the reflection as it enters the eyes.
Concept of Color Harmony
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Complementary colors are used together to create harmony in art works. Harmony in artwork is created when something is pleasing to the eyes. Complementary harmony color schemes are used in various applications and occur frequently in nature. Harmony with complementary colors provides stability and contrast in art.
Mixing Complementary Colors
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Complementary color pigments may be mixed together to produce neutral colors, like grays and browns. Some complementary colors, when mixed together, produce colors with a green hue. Uneven amounts of complementary colors can produce various different colors--much of which depends on the shades of the colors, as well as the pigment and paint type that is being mixed.
Function
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Complementary colors are used often in advertising applications in order to make the colors appear brighter and draw attention to the ad. In decorating applications, one color may be used in a pale shade to cover walls, and the color's complementary color may be used for accent pieces.
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