Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Diametric Opposition
Similar to hue complements, but expressed in terms of saturation, this re-
lationship concerns the juxtaposition of the most intense and almost completely desaturated ver-
sions of the same hue. The result of this kind of pairing is that while the desaturated component
retains its base hue, its complement appears to be present because of what is called the “after-im-
age” effect—an optical illusion in which the eye is stimulated by the saturated color so much that
it triggers the perception of a “phantom” of its complement.
Split Opposition
The most intense version of a given color in relation to the nearly desaturated
versions of its split complements creates a relationship of split opposition. The split relationship
can also occur between the desaturated hue and the most intense versions of its split complements.
Extension
Juxtapositions of two or more colors of similar intensity, but in different volumes, cre-
ate effects of simultaneous contrast and after-image. Juxtaposing a small volume of a desaturated
