When colors are opposite each other on the color wheel, this is known as complementary colors. Complementary colors sit directly across from each other on the color wheel and create high contrast when placed side-by-side. Understanding complementary colors is important for artists, designers, and anyone looking to create color harmonies. Complementary color schemes can really make artwork pop!
What is the Color Wheel?
The color wheel is a visual representation of color theory that shows the relationship between colors. Sir Isaac Newton originally created a color circle in 1666 when he shone a prism on a wall and saw the visible spectrum of color – red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. Since then, scientists and artists have studied and designed color wheels to explain color relationships.
Modern color wheels contain 12 major hues based on the RYB (or subtractive) color model. The RYB model involves primary colors of red, yellow, and blue. When you mix these colors together, you get secondary and tertiary colors. The color wheel arranges these hues into a circle to demonstrate how they relate to each other.
Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Colors
The primary colors in the RYB color wheel are red, yellow, and blue. These are called primary colors because all other colors stem from them. When you mix two primary colors together, you get the secondary colors:
| Red + Yellow = Orange |
| Yellow + Blue = Green |
| Blue + Red = Violet |
Tertiary colors are created by mixing a primary and secondary color:
| Red + Orange = Red-Orange |
| Orange + Yellow = Yellow-Orange |
| Yellow + Green = Yellow-Green |
| Green + Blue = Blue-Green |
| Blue + Violet = Blue-Violet |
| Violet + Red = Red-Violet |
The color wheel helps visualize these color relationships. The primary colors sit equidistant from each other, with the secondary colors located between them, and tertiary colors filling in the gaps.
Complementary Colors
Complementary colors are any two colors that are directly opposite each other on the color wheel. For example:
| Red and Green |
| Yellow and Violet |
| Blue and Orange |
These opposing colors create the highest contrast when placed next to each other. This contrast draws the eye in and makes the colors really stand out. Complementary color schemes are often used to make something pop, add visual interest, or communicate certain themes or emotions.
Color Psychology of Complementary Colors
In color psychology, complementary colors balance each other out. While they have high visual contrast, they share a common intensity and brightness. This allows them to work in harmony.
Some psychological effects of complementary color schemes:
| Red and Green | Christmas theme, energy, vibrancy |
| Yellow and Violet | Bright, floral, spring |
| Blue and Orange | Summer, creativity, adventure |
Artists carefully choose complementary colors to convey visual impact as well as psychological meaning. Certain color combinations tap into emotions, memories, and associations in the human mind.
Examples of Complementary Colors in Art and Design
Complementary colors are widely used in works of art and design. They create aesthetically pleasing compositions and help direct the viewer’s eye. Here are some examples:
Graphic design: Compelling posters, websites, and advertising often use complementary colors like blue-orange or red-green to capture attention. The contrast draws the eye.
Painting: Impressionist and Post-Impressionist painters like Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh used complementary colors to add vibrancy to their works. “Sunflowers” by Van Gogh features prominent yellows and violets.
Photography: Complementary color schemes add drama in photography. A red subject against a green background or yellow flowers standing out from a blue sky help create striking images.
Interior design: For dramatic flair, interior designers might place a blue couch against an orange wall. Accent pillows and decor in complementary hues also create bold visual appeal.
How to Identify Complementary Colors
It’s easy to determine complementary colors using a color wheel. Here are some tips:
– Locate a primary color on the color wheel. Trace a straight line to the color directly across from it – that is the complementary.
– You can also visually determine complements. Colors that appear opposite each other will stand out with high contrast.
– Think of vivid color pairings. Red and green or yellow and purple have visual pop. Identify them on the color wheel to see they’re complements.
– Use color theory mnemonics. Common ones are “ROYGBIV” and “RGBCMY.” The first letters of each word give the complement of the last. For example, R (red) and V (violet) are complements.
– Use color wheel apps or programs. Many provide complementary options and recommendations.
With practice, you’ll intuitively recognize color complements and how to use them for visual impact!
Tips for Using Complementary Colors
Want to use complementary colors effectively? Here are some top tips:
– Use small accents of complements. Don’t go overboard, as too much high contrast can strain the eyes. Use one color as dominant and the other for accents.
– Pick muted or shaded hues. Soft tones are easier on the eyes but still provide contrast. A muted red and green work better than pure bright versions.
– Add a third color between complements to bridge the gap. For red and green, add some yellow. This creates a triadic harmony.
– Make one color warmer, one cooler. A warm red with a cool green is more pleasing than two bright primaries.
– Watch values as well as hues. Make sure complements differ in lightness/darkness as well as color. This improves contrast.
– Consider context and meaning. Make sure the color combo fits the mood and message you want to convey.
With a thoughtful approach, complementary colors can take any design to the next level. Experiment and have fun with these vivid color schemes!
Conclusion
Complementary colors lie opposite each on the color wheel and bring out the highest contrast. When used intentionally, they create eye-catching compositions in art and design. Complementary color schemes also tap into color psychology and convey deeper meaning. Mastering the use of red and green, blue and orange, and other vivid complements gives artists and designers an essential tool for visual communication and appeal.
