The opposite of any color on the color wheel is the color directly across from it. To find the opposite of yellow, we first need to understand how the color wheel works.
How the Color Wheel Works
The basic color wheel consists of 12 main colors – 3 primary colors, 3 secondary colors and 6 tertiary colors. The primary colors are red, blue and yellow. These are called primary colors because they cannot be created by mixing other colors together. The secondary colors are created by mixing two primary colors together. For example, mixing red and yellow makes orange. The tertiary colors are created by mixing a primary and secondary color together. For example, mixing red and orange makes red-orange.
On the color wheel, complementary colors are any two colors opposite each other. These color combinations create maximum contrast and reinforcement when placed next to each other. Some examples of complementary color pairs are red/green, blue/orange, and yellow/violet.
Finding the Opposite of Yellow
So to find the opposite of yellow on the color wheel, we look directly across from yellow and find that its complement is violet. Violet is the color that forms the maximum contrast against yellow. Violet combines the colors red and blue and sits between purples and blues on the color wheel. It absorbs the wavelengths that yellow reflects and vice versa. This creates a striking color contrast.
| Primary Colors | Red | Yellow | Blue |
| Secondary Colors | Orange | Green | Violet |
When placed side by side, yellow and violet look bright and lively. Using complementary colors like these together can create color harmony and visual balance. The high contrast helps the colors stand out against each other.
Properties of Violet
Now that we know violet is the complementary color to yellow, let’s look at some key properties of the color violet:
- Violet sits between blue and purple on the color wheel. It combines the stability of blue with the energy of red.
- The hexadecimal code for violet is #EE82EE
- Violet has a wavelength of about 380-450 nm
- Violet is a spectral color, meaning it has its own wavelength on the visible spectrum
- Violets appear a lot in nature such as in flower petals and butterflies
- Violet symbolizes spirituality, imagination, and wisdom
- Too much violet can give a sense of decadence or arrogance if used in excess
Examples of Violet
Here are some examples of where you can find the color violet in nature and culture:
- Violet flowers – African violets, violets, lavender
- Butterflies – Cabbage white butterflies, Polyommatus icarus butterflies
- Gemstones – tanzanite, amethyst, sugilite
- Clothing – Violet was a popular color in women’s fashion in the late 19th century
- Art – Violet has been used symbolically in art by artists like Picasso
- Government – Violet is the color of Women’s Suffrage in the U.S. political movement
Color Wheel Relations
Looking at where violet sits on the color wheel, we can see some other important color relationships:
- Complementary colors – Violet and yellow are complements
- Analogous colors – Violet is analogous with blue and purple
- Triadic colors – Violet forms a triad with red and green
- Split complementary – Violet, yellow-orange and yellow-green form a split complementary triad
Understanding these color harmonies on the wheel helps artists and designers put together colors in visually pleasing ways.
Using Violet with Yellow
Some ways to effectively use the color pairing of violet and yellow include:
- Using violet and yellow together in gradients or color blocking to create visual contrast
- Choosing violet text over a yellow background or vice versa for maximum legibility
- Combining yellow and violet in retro color palettes and graphics
- Using violet shadows on yellow objects or backgrounds to create depth
- Choosing yellow and violet hues as accents against neutral backgrounds
- Pairing violet and yellow in vibrant abstract or pop art styles
Violet as a complementary color to yellow can help create color interest and vibrancy. Just be sure not to overdo it, as large amounts of high contrast colors can become overwhelming.
Conclusion
In summary, the color directly opposite yellow on the color wheel is violet. Violet combines red and blue wavelengths, absorbing the light that yellow reflects. This creates a complementary color pairing that has maximum contrast when placed side-by-side. The vivid violet and yellow combination is energetic and lively, creating visual interest when used effectively. Understanding color relationships like complementary colors allows designers to put together color harmonies that look bold and beautiful.
