Complimentary Colours

So, what are Complimentary colours?

They are those colours that sit opposite each other on the colour wheel.

What are their uses and what other colours do they mix with, let's have a look.

These colours contrast each other, meaning when they are placed next to each other, they create the strongest contrast and reinforce each other's brightness.

Similarly, they neutralize each other when mixed,

If you mix them you will get lovely brown or grey colours.

Complimentary colours play a role in art and design, contributing to the emotion of the artwork you have created.



Complimentary Colours on the Colour Wheel

Colour PencilsColour Pencils

The colour wheel is a circular arrangement of colours that show the relationships between:

  • primary colours (red, blue, yellow)
  • secondary colours (green, orange, purple)
  • and tertiary colours, which are mixtures of both

If you look at the colour wheel you will be able to see all the relationships the colours have.



Colour Theory

These colours are a significant part of Colour Theory, which is a practical guide to colour mixing.

The Colour Theory of complimentary colours, possess the power to enhance each other's intensity when placed side by side within an artwork.

Take blue and orange, for example:

Blue SplodgeBlue Splodge
Orange SplodgeOrange Splodge

Orange is a mixture of red and yellow - the two colours on either side of blue on the colour wheel. hence, orange complements blue because it does not contain any blue in it, and vice versa.

Other sets of complimentary colours include red and green, and yellow and purple.

The use of complimentary colours is crucial as it brings harmony to a composition.

The contrast you get by placing complimentary colours next to or near other colours can add depth, create light and shadow effects, and also contribute to the mood of the artwork.

When used correctly, complimentary colours can make an artwork more visually engaging and well balanced and brings harmony to an artwork.

When placing complimentary colours next to or near other colours can add:

  • depth
  • create light
  • add shadow effects
  • contribute to the mood of the artwork
  • visually engaging
  • well balanced

The blending of complimentary colours gives:

  • a neutral colour
  • grey
  • brown, or beige

Mixing complimentary colours can create numerous variations of neutral shades, aiding in the overall composition while maintaining harmony.

The most common, fundamental complimentary pairs from the colour wheel include:

  • red and green
  • blue and orange
  • yellow and violet

These are derived naturally from primary and secondary colours.



Emotions in Colour

I don't know about you but, colours have the ability to evoke emotions, well they do in me, I love colours. When these colours are paired together, they tend to enhance sensations. In our artworks, they can produce a striking contrast, add dynamism and vivacity to an artwork, and contribute greatly to the design's overall mood.

For instance:

Yellow - stimulates feelings of joy and brightness

Purple - imparts a sense of mystery and luxury

When paired together, the contrast created by their complimentary relationship can evoke a combination of these powerful emotions.

Similarly:

Red and Green - often associated with Christmas, give off feelings of festivity, joy, and excitement.

The red - evokes strong emotions and energy

The green - imparts a sense of calm and freshness

When paired together, they create a high-contrast, vibrant mood.



Complimentary Colours To Form Shadows

So, what are the uses of complimentary colours.

If you mix them to form the browns and greys, they can be used for:

  • Shadows
  • Depth

which can give your artwork the reality look, by making it stand out.



Complimentary Colours in Digital Design

The application of complementary colours is not just limited to the drawing or painting artworks, it is also used in Digital Artwork and Graphic Design.

We will go into this in more detail later, as I will be adding Digital Drawing using an iPad Pencil.



Conclusion

In conclusion, the understanding and application of complementary colours is a key facet of Colour Theory and forms an essential part of an artist's toolbox, irrespective of their medium.

Whether a beginner or a professional, mastering the use of complementary colours can significantly enhance the artistic process, the viewer's experience, and the overall success of creative expression.


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