how do you use split complimentary colors in a painting???

Question

i mean do you just paint the three colors onto the canvas with a pic. but make sure they go with each other or is there another way....am not sure please help...thanks alot

Answer 1

Split complementary is a color and the analogous colors to its complement color. Using split complementary colors can give you a design with a high degree of contrast, yet still not as extreme as a real complementary color. It also results in greater harmony than the use of the direct complementary.

I find this to produce a somewhat subdued calm in a painting due to the lack of extreme tension and contrast created by using just complementary colors.

Here are some example of paintings using that very color theory that you may view:

http://www.colorfaq.com/color_relationships.htm

http://www.colorbay.com/split_complementary.htm

Best wishes!

Answer 2

* whispers* I don't actually believe in that kind of color theory.

It is a general rule that all colors should be represented in a painting to give it balance. Big examples are:
"Who is afraid of red, yellow and blue." by Barnet Newman
http://www.flickr.com/photos/astronoud/69473497/
Some painting by Warhol
http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A9gnMieFI01HzyABcWmjzbkF/SIG=1344oc9l4/EXP=1196324101/**http%3A//homepage.newschool.edu/~diamons1/presentations/grids/pages/04_warhol.html

But there are also many that contradict this 'rule'.
Like some paintings by Warhol. ;-)