Complementary colors are one of the simplest but most powerful tools an artist can use to make their work pop. These are colors that sit opposite each other on the color wheel — like red and green, blue and orange, or yellow and purple. When placed side by side, complementary colors create a strong contrast that can instantly catch a viewer’s eye.
The best time to use complementary colors is when you want to create energy, excitement, or a clear focal point in your art. For example, if you paint a bright orange sunset behind a deep blue ocean, both colors will look more vibrant because of how they react against each other. The contrast makes each color seem even more intense.
“The best time to use complementary colors is when you want to create energy…”
You can also use complementary colors in smaller doses to draw attention to specific areas of a painting. A mostly green landscape with a few bright red flowers will naturally guide the viewer’s eye to the flowers without needing any extra tricks.
However, it’s important to use complementary colors thoughtfully. Too much of them side by side can be overwhelming or even uncomfortable to look at. One trick is to choose one color as the dominant color and use its complement just for accents. This creates a balanced, dynamic effect without overpowering the piece.
Complementary colors are not just for paintings, either. Designers, photographers, and even fashion stylists use them to create bold, memorable looks.
Once you start paying attention, you’ll see complementary colors everywhere — in nature, in ads, in your favorite artworks. Learning how and when to use them gives your art an extra level of impact that feels both exciting and natural.
