Complementary contrast

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The complementary contrast picks up exactly what was said at the beginning. And working and designing with it practically exploits the physiological opponent color mechanism. Complementary pairs face each other on the color wheel. Colors that are in a complementary relationship form a special harmony relationship, as they increase each other’s color intensity and luminosity. They maintain a stable balance of forces while simultaneously vibrating restlessly.

On a color wheel divided into six parts, the following three main complementary pairs can be formed: Red/Green, Blue/Orange, Yellow/Violet. They are characterized by the fact that their common use increases the color effect and saturation of both colors. Since true complementary color contrasts are very effective in the picture, the area ratio in which the two complementary colors stand to each other is decisive for the composition. Equal distribution of area proportions makes the combination of green and red appear harmonious. On the other hand, cyan (blue-green) and red should already be in a 2:1 ratio, and blue and yellow should even be in a 3:1 ratio. Deviation from these visually optimal values shifts the image composition from harmonious, calm and balanced to dynamic or even aggressive. Every complementary color contrast always includes a light-dark and a cold-warm contrast at the same time. In painting, the definition also applies that two complementary colors can be mixed to a neutral gray. Magenta and green have the strongest contrast effect because they are equally bright. In design, this contrast is an eye-catcher that is quickly consumed if it is not softened with mixed colors that are easy on the eye.

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