Quote Originally Posted by Stan View Post
A complementary color is simply described as (and is) the opposite on the color wheel from another color. It may in fact BE complementary by definition, but is it "visually" (by perception) a "complementary" color?

Yellow is (by this definition) complementary to Purple, but it may still not be visual pleasing and there by, even though it's "complementary" by definition, it may not be visually considered by some to be "complementary".
There are phenomena that can be measured. A color placed next to its complementary color will be more striking. If you stare at a red square for a minute and then look at a blank white space, you will see a green after-image. Those are scientific facts.

What is pleasing and what is perceived to be harmonious comes down to taste, or opinion, if you prefer. Fashions change and different cultures treat different colors differently. We can say the same for architecture and geometry or for music- how many tones does your musical scale have?

I once heard someone say that you can make a pretty good color scheme by picking up three or four rocks and shells from a beach. Right now, the view out my window looks a lot like the Buchanan tartan. Pastel blue walls with beige pillows and grey upholstery works for some people, just as rust and gold and green does for others.

Here is a yellow and purple sport coat- in fact, two of them. http://www.ebay.com/itm/POLO-RALPH-L...item51b4ec356b

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=111220052501

Someone can be presumed to have liked the effect. It may not be visually considered by SOME to be complementary, but the same can be said for any garment or color combination. de gustibus non est disputandem.