More about...complementary colors
Complementary colors are right across from each other on the color wheel. Complementary pairs all contain one primary and one secondary color.

So, together each complementary pair has all three primary colors!

That means complementary pairs contrast because they share no common colors. They are complete opposites!

You may have heard "opposites attract." In the same way, complementary pairs look good together. They complement each other!

But they also look very EXCITING. Complementary colors seem to vibrate when placed side by side.

Artists use complements when they want you to notice something.

When mixed together, complements make a neutral gray. You can make a color less bright and intense by blending in a small amount of its complement.

Copyright 1998-2005 Sanford