Using Complimentary Colors for Shading

Most people, when shading something, instinctively just add black or gray to darken a color. But there’s a much more vibrant and interesting way: using complementary colors for shading!

Instead of mixing black into a color (which can sometimes make it look dull or muddy), you can shade by adding a bit of its complementary color. For example, if you’re painting a bright yellow lemon, instead of reaching for black to create shadows, you could mix a little purple into your yellow. The result? A deeper, richer shadow that still feels colorful and alive.

“The key is blending gently.”

This trick works because complementary colors naturally tone each other down without making the color look lifeless. It also keeps your artwork looking more dynamic and natural, especially since shadows in real life often have subtle color shifts rather than being just plain gray.

Here’s a quick tip: the key is blending gently. You usually don’t want a harsh clash between the two complements — just a subtle shift that deepens the color. Start by adding tiny amounts of the complementary color and adjust until you get the shade you want.

Complementary shading is especially popular in painting, but it also works great in colored pencil work, pastels, or digital art. It’s one of those small techniques that can make your colors feel more professional and full of life.

Once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder how you ever shaded without it!

How and When to use Complimentary Colors

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.