Complementary Colours/Mixtures

[Val]

  I feel I'm going backwards here. I've been trying to grasp a better understanding of the concept of using more complementary colours, which is supposed to be a good thing. I seem to end up with rather garish looking scenes. Sorry to say I did the unthinkable and sent them to the dustbin. 

Regardless, hoping someone has some thoughts or insights on how to work one complementary alongside another without looking like a circus tent! 

[Win]

Gosh not sure what to advise, can you not lightly blend them together creating a softer line rather than a hard line. Hmmm not sure that Im grasping the problem totally. Hope youve had luck sorting the circus tent look out.

[Val]

Thanks Win. I have played about with it a bit and think it may just come down to using say the wrong orange with the blue I had. Rather like taking an orange from one colour wheel and putting it with the blue of another. Don't know if that makes sense or is even possible....     but that's my story and I'm sticking to it!