When it comes to color theory, a common question is whether purple cancels out or neutralizes yellow. The short answer is yes, purple and yellow are complementary colors on the color wheel, meaning they cancel each other out and create a neutral or gray tone when mixed. However, the extent to which they neutralize depends on the shades and proportions used. By understanding color theory and how colors interact, we can effectively use purple and yellow together or in opposition.
What are complementary colors?
Complementary colors sit opposite each other on the standard color wheel. They create a strong visual contrast and bring out intensity in one another when placed side-by-side. However, when mixed together, complementary colors neutralize each other and create a gray, brown, or muted tone. This is because they contain opposite hues.
Purple is a secondary color made by mixing red and blue. It sits opposite yellow on the color wheel. Yellow is a primary color and contains no trace of purple in its hue. When combined, the red and blue tones in purple neutralize the yellow, canceling out the brightness of each color.
Do all shades of purple neutralize all shades of yellow?
While purple and yellow are complementary pairs, the extent to which they neutralize depends on their shades and proportions. Darker or brighter shades will dominate when mixed, and unequal mixing leads to undertones of one color in the mix.
For example, a bright lemon yellow will tend to dominate a pale lilac purple when mixed equally. Adding more of the lilac will create a grayer, more neutral tone. On the other hand, a vivid violet shade will dominate and neutralize a light buttercup yellow.
The level of contrast also affects the mixture. A bold yellow against a bold purple will create a more muted, neutralized effect than pairing soft or light shades.
How different shades of purple and yellow interact
| Purple Shade | Yellow Shade | Result when Mixed |
|---|---|---|
| Pale Lavender | Bright Lemon | Undertone of yellow |
| Lilac | Buttercup | Slight yellow undertone |
| Orchid | Goldenrod | More neutral gray beige |
| Violet | Banana | Slight purple-gray |
| Eggplant | Canary | Muted neutral purple-gray |
As shown in the table, lighter purples allow more yellow to show through, while darker purples neutralize brighter yellows more completely. Stronger color saturation also leads to greater neutralization between complements.
How to cancel yellow with purple
There are a few techniques designers and artists use to effectively cancel out yellow with purple:
- Choose a saturated violet or magenta purple, and pair with a bright yellow
- Use more purple pigment than yellow
- Layer or glaze transparent purple over opaque yellow
- Paint yellow shapes on a purple background
- Choose a complementary purple and yellow from the color wheel
The stronger the contrast between the purple and yellow, the more they will optically mix to a neutralized gray. Using more purple than yellow and layering purple on top also helps the purple dominate in the mix.
Color theory concepts
Here are some key color theory principles that explain how purple and yellow interact as complements:
Simultaneous contrast
This refers to how two colors placed adjacent boost the appearance of each other’s intensity. Yellow makes purple seem richer, and vice versa. This contrast gives energy to designs but can also be used to neutralize when mixed.
Afterimage
Staring at a color will fatigue your eye’s receptors for that color. When shifting your gaze, you will see an afterimage of the complement. So staring at purple produces a temporary yellow afterimage.
Optical mixing
Viewing two colors together will trick the eye into seeing a blended third color. So a purple and yellow pattern will read as a neutralized brown-gray mixture.
Quantity of pigment
The more pigment used, the more saturated the color. A high concentration of purple pigment will overpower yellow pigment when mixed.
Warm and cool colors
Purple is a cool color while yellow is warm. Mixing a warm and cool complement together creates a neutral tone.
Uses of purple and yellow in design
Despite their ability to neutralize, purple and yellow can be effective design partners when used strategically. Some creative ways to use their complementary relationship include:
- Using yellow to draw attention against a purple background
- Pairing purple text on top of yellow for vibrancy and legibility
- Alternating purple and yellow stripes or patterns
- Using purple shadows on yellow objects for contrast
- Choosing purple and yellow as accent colors
The level of contrast and which color dominates will affect the look and feel of the palette. Bright yellows with deep purples give an energetic, lively aesthetic. Soft pastel shades create a calm, delicate look. Darker purples can overpower light yellows too much, so be mindful of balance.
Examples of purple and yellow color palettes
Here are some examples of complementary color palettes using different shades of purple and yellow:
Vibrant Contrast
Deep purple and bright yellow create lively contrast. The warm golden yellow pops against the jewel purple tones.
Pastel Softness
The lightness of these shades creates a relaxed, sophisticated effect. The yellow remains distinct against soft purple.
Dark and Light Contrast
The darker purple balances well with the lighter yellow. The warm yellow pops against the deeper, cooler purple.
Conclusion
In summary, purple and yellow are able to neutralize each other when mixed due to their complementary positions on the color wheel. However, the extent of neutralization depends on the shades and ratio used. Darker, more saturated purples cancel out brighter yellows best. While they can harmonize beautifully, be mindful of overpowering one color with the other. With some color theory knowledge and strategic combinations, purple and yellow can be striking partners.
