Opposites Attract-Colors

On the traditional color wheel, each color has an opposite, a "complement." Some artists will start out thinking that to use complementary colors in close proximity is not to be done, a sort of color taboo. However, the use of complementary colors is much more than the existence of opposite ends of the spectrum, it can invoke strong emotion and therefore sell the intensity of a design through the conflict and resulting harmony of the opposite colors.

For example, the most common combination of complementary colors in modern society is the combination of red and green, especially during the winter holiday season. The red and green combinations invoke thoughts of Santa Claus, presents, winter, family, and food. Despite cultural differences in the world, most will at least recognize Christmas from the combination of red and green. The complementary colors are able to invoke such an easy association because they have such impact when placed together. The red and green theme of Christmas is known worldwide for it represents a thing of so much harmony and celebration that it is easily recognized.

Though red and green are opposites on the color wheel, no new artist should shy away from such use, rather, the art world should and does recognize the potential impact possible with complementary colors. In this case, opposites attract to produce something with more meaning, something likely to be remembered, all because of harmonious color conflict.