Colors Additional

Colors Optional: Optical Mixing and Achromatic Color

Complementary colors are two colors that, when optically mixed, produce an achromatic color. These colors are opposite colors on the color wheel and can be used to create a contrast effect or to create more saturated colors.

Optical mixing is a process in which two colors are mixed together to create a new color. When colors are mixed, complementary colors produce an achromatic color, that is, a color without saturation. This happens because when complementary colors are mixed, all visible wavelengths of light are absorbed and only white light is reflected.

Complementary colors are opposite each other on the color wheel. For example, the complementary color for red is green, and the complementary color for yellow is blue. Other complementary color pairs include blue-green, magenta-yellow, and orange-cyan.

Complementary colors can be used to create contrast in the design. For example, using red and green together can create a bright and striking contrasting design. Additionally, complementary colors can be used to create more saturated colors. For example, mixing red and green in certain proportions can create a rich shade of brown.

In conclusion, complementary colors are pairs of opposite colors on the color wheel that, when mixed optically, produce an achromatic color. They can be used both to create contrast in a design and to create richer colors. Understanding complementary colors can help designers and artists create effective and vibrant compositions.



Complementary colors are two colors that when mixed produce a neutral or black color. The point is that even if we mixed all existing colors without restrictions, we would still not get a single additional color. But other combinations will give all other colors and shades. For example, three colored squares in the picture are placed so as to create a monochrome gradient.