Complementary
colors
There are two separate but equally valid sets of
complementary colors, depending on whether you're referring to additive
systems, where light is emitted, or subtractive systems, where (ideally
white) light is reflected. The 4 main complementary pairs are:
black and white
red and cyan
green and magenta
blue and yellow
Complementary colors in additive systems
Two colors are called complementary if, when mixed in an additive
system, such as RGB, they produce a shade of white. Due to the cytology
of the human eye, all perceived colors are based on combinations
of red, green, and blue. Cyan light is (ideally) equal parts green
and blue. Magenta light is ideally equal parts red and blue. Yellow
light is ideally equal parts red and green. (Remember, if in doubt,
check additive colors.) Therefore, the complimentary pairs all accomplish
the feat of your eye seeing equal parts of the 3 colors it discerns,
in which case it perceives a shade of white.
Complementary colors in subtractive systems
In subtractive systems such as paints, pigments, and dyes, such
as CMYK, two complementary colors mix to produce the color of the
illuminant.
Complementary colors in art
Because of the limited range of colors that was available throughout
most of the history of art, many artists still use a traditional
set of complementary pairs, including:
red and green
blue and orange
yellow and purple
On a color wheel, the complementary colors will be opposite one
another. The use of complementary colors is an important aspect
of aesthetically pleasing art and graphic design.
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