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Source : http://www.worqx.com/color//complements.

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C O M P L E M E N TA R Y C O LO R S
We look at a color wheel to understand the relationships between colors. Analogous colors
are positioned in such a way as to mimic the process that occurs when blending hues. The
colors that are positioned opposite one another are complementary colors.

To call those hues in direct opposition to each other "complements of each other" is
appropriate. Complementary colors bring out the best in each other. When fully saturated
complements are brought together, interesting effects are noticeable. This may be a desirable
illusion, or a problem if creating visuals that are to be read.
VISUAL ILLUSIONS

Vibrating Boundaries
Notice the illusion of highlighted edges and raised text. This may occur when opposing
colors are brought together.
PERCEPTUAL OPPOSITES.
We learn from the relationships displayed by a color wheel that every color has an opposite.
Every color has both a color wheel opposite as well as a perceptual opposite. Without a color
wheel, it is still possible to find the opposite of a color and this is due to a phenomenon of our
eyes. Due to the physiological differences between individuals, everyone's perceptions do
varythe complements shown below are my own perceived opposites:

Stare at the eye of the red parrot while you slowly count to 20, then immediately
look at one spot in the empty birdcage. The faint, ghostly image of a blue-green
bird should appear in the cage.
Try the same thing with the green cardinal, and a faint magenta bird should
appear.

The ghostly birds are called afterimages. An afterimage is an image that stays with you
even after you have stopped looking at something. As you stare at the red bird, lightsensitive cells at the back of your eyes become less responsive to red light. When you
shift your gaze to the birdcage, your visual system subtracts red light from the white
light thats being reflected from the white background. White light minus red light is
blue-green light. Thats why the afterimage of the parrot is blue-green. A similar thing
happens when you stare at the green bird, but this time your eyes become less
responsive to green light. White light minus green light is magenta light, so you see the
afterimage as a magenta cardinal.
http://www.exploratorium.edu/exhibits/bird_in_a_cage/bird_in_a_cage.html

AFTER IMAGES
Color is light and colored objects absorb and reflect different wavelengths. Light & color are
seen by the human eye because of the two types of photoreceptor cells - rods and cones located in the retina of the eye. Rods are sensitive to light and dark; cones are sensitive to red,
green & blue light and responsible for color vision. These photoreceptors convey the color of
light to our brain. (Learn more about rods and cones, at BiologyMad.com)
When our eyes are exposed to a hue for a prolonged period, the rods & cones become
fatigued. You might notice this if you are reading something on colored paper, and then look
awayyou often see the inverse, or complement, of the image. This occurrence can be
advantageous if you are seeking the opposite, or contrast, of a color. This may be dismaying
to a viewer if presented with prolonged exposure to colored screens or reading materials.
Every color has an opposite, and although individual's perceptions do vary, the range of after
images seen is consistent

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