Artist - Barbara Simmons

Tip of the month – September 2008 When choosing colors for a painting, I start with a pair of complementary colors. How do we determine if our two chosen colors are complementary? If a neutral gray (or black) results from the mix of the two colors, you have a complementary pair. Complements enhance one another; complements are contrasting colors. Complements are opposite one another on the color wheel. Analyze these complementary pairs and you will find that all three primaries are present in each pair.
	CALM AT THE COVE was created using the complementary pairs of orange/blue and yellow/violet. For me, it was the ideal way to show the gray atmosphere of Canada’s eastern coastline.
	BYGONE DAYS was created with the complementary pairs of red/green and orange/blue. For me, it was the best way to show the weathered appearance of the old barn and to create a harmonious atmosphere for the subject.
	IRISLIGHT is a delicate flower form. To create the colored grays, I used the complementary pairs of rose/green and yellow/violet.
	SUMMER BEAUTIES was conceived with the red/green & magenta/green complementary pairs. Green appears in the red flowers and red appears in the green ground.
Complements are not only in contrast by their opposite position on the color wheel, but they also contrast each other in temperature. More Tips For more information join Barbara's "tips" mailing list.