Fundamentals of Art and Design 3(1+2)

Lesson 05 :Application of principles of design using colors

Split Complementary harmony

Combining one color with two colors on either side of its direct compliment results in a split complementary color harmony. An example is yellow combined with blue-violet and red violet.

The following combinations can also be worked out.

• Yellow with blue-purple and red-purple.
• Yellow-green with purple and red.
• Green with red-purple and red-orange.
• Blue-green with red and orange.

This color harmony provides a softer contrast than a direct complement. It is a harmony of similar colors with a note of contrasting colors and hence makes a lively and stimulating color scheme. The warm hues in combination with the cool hues need careful handling because of their strong and advancing effects. When executed properly, this color harmony would produce a pleasing effect.