The concept of complementary colors in color theory is based on the idea that certain colors, when placed together, create a sense of visual harmony and balance. Complementary colors are pairs of colors that are located opposite each other on the color wheel. When combined, they can enhance each other's vibrancy and create a striking contrast.
In the traditional RYB color model (red, yellow, blue), which predates modern color theory, purple and green were considered complementary colors. This color model is still used in art and design, but it has been largely replaced by the RGB (red, green, blue) and CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, key/black) color models for digital and print purposes.
The reason purple and green are considered complementary colors can be understood by looking at the RYB color wheel. On this wheel, red and green are opposite each other, and purple is made by mixing red and blue. Since green is composed of yellow and blue, which are two of the primary colors in the RYB model, it becomes opposite to purple, which is made up of two of the other primary colors (red and blue).
In more modern color models like RGB, purple is created by mixing blue and red light, while green is created by mixing blue and green light. Here, purple and green are still considered complementary colors because they form a similar opposition to each other on the color wheel.
It's important to note that color perception can be subjective, and individual preferences can influence how people perceive color combinations. Some individuals might feel that purple and green are not as balanced or harmonious as other complementary color pairs, and that's perfectly valid. Additionally, cultural and personal experiences can also impact how people perceive and interpret colors. Ultimately, color theory provides a helpful framework for understanding color relationships, but the beauty of art and design lies in its diversity and subjectivity, allowing for a wide range of creative expressions and interpretations.