Which set illustrates a complementary color scheme?

• A. Blue, Blue-Green, Green
• B. Red and Green
• C. Yellow, Red, Blue
• D. Red-Orange and Green

Answer: (B)

Complementary color schemes use colors that sit directly opposite each other on the color wheel. On the traditional painting wheel, red and green are opposite one another, making them a classic complementary pair. Pairing red with green creates high contrast and a strong, eye-catching look, which is the goal of a complementary scheme. The first option stays within similar hues and doesn’t create that strong opposite-forces contrast. The third option uses three colors that are evenly spaced (a triadic harmony), not a complementary pair. The fourth option mixes red-orange with green, which aren’t opposites on the wheel, so it doesn’t form a true complementary pairing.