What are complementary colors in visual arts?

Complementary colors in visual arts are defined as colors that are located opposite each other on the color wheel. This relationship creates a strong contrast and visual interest when used together in artwork. For instance, blue is complementary to orange, and red is complementary to green. When placed side by side, complementary colors enhance each other's intensity; when mixed together, they can neutralize each other, resulting in a grayscale or muted tone.

Understanding this concept is essential for artists and designers as it can significantly affect the mood, composition, and effectiveness of a piece. This interplay of colors can be used strategically to draw attention to certain areas of a work or to create harmonious or dynamic color schemes.