New Jersey State Board Esthetics Practice Exam

What effect do two complementary colors placed next to each other have?

1. They appear duller

2. They appear brighter

3. They appear muted

4. They create a shadow effect

The correct answer is: They appear brighter

When two complementary colors are placed next to each other, they create a visual dynamic that enhances the brightness and vibrancy of both colors. This phenomenon occurs due to the way our eyes perceive color; complementary colors are opposite each other on the color wheel, which means they contain no common pigments. When placed side by side, they excite the eye and create a strong contrast that makes each color stand out more prominently. This increase in perceived brightness can lead to an overall vivid effect that enhances the visual appeal of the composition. In this context, the other options describe effects that would not typically result from the pairing of complementary colors. For example, dullness or muted tones are more associated with colors that are analogous or similar in hue, while a shadow effect is not typically tied to color pairings but rather to lighting and shading techniques.