Double Complementary Color Scheme

Fundamentals of Art and Design 3(1+2)

Lesson 05 :Application of principles of design using colors

Double Complementary Color Scheme ( tetradic color scheme)

Two adjacent colors and their complements when used together form double complementary harmonies as shown in fig.5.11, like the combination of - purple and red purple with yellow and yellow-green. In using a double complementary harmony, there should be an outstanding hue which should be in largest amount and be the dullest of all color. For example, as in the case of the above example, purple can be considered to the line having these qualities. Use a brilliant form of one, like yellow, in a small area as an accent. The remaining two colors i.e. red purple and yellow green can be used in the remaining area.

This color scheme is exciting, lively sophisticated, also provides more variety than a simple complementary color scheme. The color scheme provides a combination of both warm and cool colors; they can be successfully used in any room size, whether big or small. They provide a good background in a nursery or a child's room, living room. Some of the examples of a double complementary color schemes are:

• Yellow and yellow orange with purple and blue purple
• Yellow orange and orange with blue and blue purple
• Orange and red orange with blue and blue green
• Red and red purple with green and yellow green.