Complementary color

From Freepedia

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 complementary pairs all present equal proportions of the eye's three primary colors, causing it to see 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.