Red’s complementary color on the color wheel is green. Complementary colors are color pairs that are directly opposite each other on the color wheel. When paired together, they create maximum contrast and reinforce each other. Understanding color theory and how to use complementary colors is an important skill for artists, designers, photographers and anyone who works with color. In this article, we will dive into the details of what makes red and green complementary colors, look at some examples of red and green color schemes, and discuss how to effectively use them together.
What are complementary colors?
The color wheel is a visual representation of color theory that shows the relationship between colors. The traditional color wheel uses red, yellow and blue as primary colors. When two primary colors are mixed, they make secondary colors – green, orange and purple. Tertiary colors are made by mixing a primary and secondary color.
On the color wheel, complementary colors are any two colors directly across from each other. They are called complementary because they complement each other when used together. Complementary pairs contrast strongly, which allows them to stand out against each other. Some examples of complementary color pairs besides red and green are:
– Yellow and purple
– Blue and orange
– Red-orange and blue-green
The high contrast of complementary colors helps them bring out the best in each other. Using them together creates vibrant, eye-catching color schemes.
Why are red and green complementary colors?
Red and green are complementary because they are located directly across from each other on the traditional RYB color wheel. Red is a primary color, meaning it cannot be created by mixing other colors. Green is a secondary color made by mixing the primary colors yellow and blue.
In additive color systems like light and computer screens, red and green are also complements but for a different reason. Red, green and blue are the primary colors in additive systems. Mixing green and red light together produces yellow, which is the complement of purple. When all three are combined, they make white light.
So red and green are complementary colors whether using subtractive pigment colors or additive light colors. The high contrast between these warm and cool hues makes them stand out against each other.
Examples of red and green color schemes
Here are some examples of effective color schemes using red and green as complements:
Analogous-Complementary
This scheme uses colors adjacent to the complements. For red and green, these would be red, red-orange, green, blue-green. The combination provides high contrast while keeping a harmonious feel.
Split-Complementary
This scheme uses one color and the two colors adjacent to its complement. For red, this would be red, yellow-green, blue-green. It is less contrasting than using direct complements.
Triadic
A triadic scheme uses three colors equally spaced around the color wheel. Red, green and blue is an example triadic palette. The three contrasting hues are visually balanced.
Rectangle (Tetradic)
Four colors spaced into a rectangle on the color wheel make up this scheme. Red, green, blue, and orange is a tetradic palette. The variety creates interest while the right spacing ensures balance.
Square
Similar to a tetradic scheme, a square color scheme uses four colors spaced evenly around the wheel. Red, green, purple, and orange is an example. The balance of warm and cool colors creates vibrancy.
Tips for using red and green together
Here are some tips for effectively using red and green as complementary colors:
– Use red and green at full saturation for maximum contrast. Muting the colors will reduce their visual impact.
– Be aware of color symbolism. Red conveys passion and excitement while green represents nature and renewal. Use colors intentionally.
– Don’t use equal amounts. Complementary colors are best used with one dominant and one as an accent.
– Try different combinations like red with yellow-green or blue-green for less jarring contrast.
– Add a neutral color like white, black or gray for separation between the complements.
– Look for complementary colors in nature like red flowers and green leaves or red berries on green bushes.
– Use warm red and cool green to create a sense of balance and harmony.
Applications of red and green color schemes
Complementary red and green color schemes have many applications across different fields:
| Application | Examples |
|---|---|
| Graphic design | Posters, logos, brochures, advertising |
| Package design | Food, beauty, household products |
| Photography | Nature, urban, holiday themes |
| Interior design | Walls, furniture, decor accents |
| Fashion | Clothing, shoes, jewelry, accessories |
| Website design | Blogs, online stores, landing pages |
| Gaming | Video games, board games, RPG characters |
Vibrant red and green color combinations are commonly seen in all these fields. The high visual contrast helps grab attention and convey energy and excitement.
Benefits of using complementary colors
Using complementary colors like red and green together has many benefits, including:
– Creates high contrast for emphasis and visibility
– Pairs warm and cool colors for visual balance
– Makes elements stand out from backgrounds
– Increases energy and excitement of design
– Reinforces and intensifies each individual color
– Adds vibrancy, movement and visual tension
– Helps convey meaning through color symbolism
– Makes a memorable and eye-catching color palette
Effectively utilizing complementary colors requires some planning and knowledge of color theory. But when used well, complements like red and green can make designs pop off the page.
Psychology of red and green
Red and green have a psychological impact from their common associations:
Red
– Passion, excitement, intensity, love, aggression
– Associated with fire, blood, roses, hearts, power
– Attention-grabbing, urgent
– Increased heartbeat, appetite and motivation
Green
– Nature, health, renewal, harmony, stability
– Associated with plants, money, four-leaf clovers, environmentalism
– Calming, balancing, reassuring
– Reduces anxiety and improves concentration
These psychological effects contribute to how red and green color schemes are perceived. Warm red excites while cool green calms. Together they provide vibrant contrast balanced with harmony.
Examples of red and green in art and design
Here are some examples of red and green being used effectively as complementary colors:
– Nature photography of red flowers and green foliage
– Product packaging like green tea and red berries
– Logos like YouTube (red play button on green background)
– Posters using green text over red backgrounds
– Complementary paint colors like Benjamin Moore’s Caliente Red and Frosty Green
– Movie posters and covers using red and green themes
– Interior design with green walls and red furniture accents
– Website design incorporating red CTAs over green backgrounds
– App icon design combining red and green geometric shapes
In all these examples, the vivid contrast of the red and green complements grabs attention while providing visual balance.
Common color combinations with red and green
Some common color combinations that go well with red and green complements include:
– Red, green, black
– Red, green, white
– Red, green, blue
– Red, green, gray
– Red, green, gold/yellow
– Red, burgundy, green
– Teal, green, red
– Pink, green, red
Adding neutral colors like white, black and gray creates separation between the red and green. Blue and gold add vibrant accent hues. Burgundy, teal and pink complement the red and green in different ways.
Tools for choosing color palettes
There are many helpful tools both online and offline for building color palettes using complementary colors:
– Traditional color wheel – Identify complements visually
– Adobe Color wheel – Interactive digital color wheel
– Coolors – Generate color palette ideas online
– Design Seeds – Curated color schemes and palettes
– Pinterest – Search for inspirational color boards
– Adobe Color CC – Create and share color themes
– Canva – Build palettes and test colors on designs
– Illustrator/Photoshop – Use complementary color picker
– Paint swatch cards – Real world paint colors
Using these tools allows you to play with color combinations and see what works with red and green complements before using them in your own designs.
Conclusion
Red and green are complementary colors that powerfully contrast and accentuate each other. Their vivid hues pop against each other to grab attention while providing visual balance. Understanding how to effectively combine these colors allows designers to use them for increased contrast, visual energy and harmony in their work. With a knowledge of color theory and an experimental approach, red and green can be utilized beautifully together across all types of applications and media.
