Check out Henri's choices

The rule I have always heard is: Darkest darks next to your Lightest lights. Henri was a master of this. His darks (purples) shock us because he is near the light table on the left.

In front with the lady looking at us with a white face against her dark dress.  In the background the dancers and patrons contrast with the light and dark.

Okay it is a brave choice to actually paint this way. To step out and do it. Henri became very adapt at contrasting these colors and began to print posters and make some great money.

So what to do? Keep light against dark and keep your brushes wet.

Let the brush be with you!