Mixing Complementary vs. Non-Complementary Colors

WARNING: Depending on your monitor, the colors may or may not be accurately represented when you look at this page. They should, however, be close enough for you to get a pretty good idea of what the figures are about.

On the left are three panels, each containing two complementary colors. Within each panel, the colors graduate from one of the complementary colors to the other, showing all possible mixtures of the two. Notice that all of the colors in each panel are either a shade of one of the complementaries, or gray (in the middle.)

On the right are three panels, each containing two non-complementary colors. Within each panel, the colors graduate from one of the colors to the other, showing all possible mixtures of the two. Notice that the colors in the middle of each panel are different hues than the colors on the edges (yellow/brown in the top panel, orange/pink in the middle panel, and magenta/purple in the bottom panel.)

For more important information about color mixing, come to class.

Updated July 8, 2000.