Colour Mixing Recipes: A Practical Guide for Artists

Learn how to mix colours. Discover which pigments to use to achieve the greatest range of colour mixes.

How to Mix Colours: A Guide for Artists

Introduction

Colour mixing is a fascinating aspect of artistic expression that allows creators to bring their visions to life. With just a few primary colours and a touch of creativity, a whole spectrum of hues and tones can be unlocked. In this blog post, we will delve into the world of colour mixing, exploring the possibilities and potential that lie within a limited palette. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, understanding the art of colour mixing can be a game-changer in your artistic journey.

If you're just starting out, our beginner's guide to acrylic painting walks through paint consistency and testing swatches before committing colour to canvas — a good companion to the recipes below.

Hues of Blues

Let's begin with the blues. Ultramarine blue and Pthalo blue are two versatile choices that can be found in many artists' palettes. These blues are perfect for creating night skies, but their potential extends far beyond that.

A quick note on temperature, since this is genuinely debated among artists: under the widely-taught split-primaries convention, Ultramarine is classified as the "warmer" blue because of its subtle violet undertone, while Phthalo is classified as "cooler" because of its green undertone. Plenty of working artists disagree with this on sight, since Phthalo can read as bright and tropical while Ultramarine can look icy and remote — it's one of the most argued-over questions in colour theory forums. Worth knowing this is separate from which blue "feels" cold in a finished painting: Ultramarine's depth and violet quality is exactly what gives midnight skies their rich, moody chill, regardless of which pigment is technically warmer on the wheel. Best approach: swatch both side by side and trust what you see for your own palette.

By experimenting with different blues or even mixing them with other premixed versions, such as Prussian blue, you can discover unique shades and colours that suit your artistic intentions.

To create lighter values of blue, choose a blue and add white:

Pthalo Blue or Cobalt Blue + White = light sky blue or pastel blue, depending on ratios
Ultramarine Blue + White = a light blue with a noticeably different character than the Pthalo/Cobalt version above — worth mixing both side by side to see the difference
Prussian Blue + White = powder blue to slate grey, depending on proportions

To mix darker blues for bluish shadows:

Blue + a touch of Purple or Payne's Grey = a deeper, shadow-ready blue
Prussian Blue or Ultramarine Blue + Green = a darker value of green (blue deepens green just as effectively as black, without muddying it)
Prussian Blue + Ultramarine Blue = ocean deep blue

Fiery Reds and Pinks

Moving on to reds, Crimson is an excellent choice for creating warm and vibrant tones. It offers a cooler variation compared to vermilions and scarlets, making it ideal for different applications, especially when mixed with white. The possibilities don't end there; by introducing more white or yellow to the mix, you can achieve a wide range of pale pinks and warm orange-y skin tones.

To create the magenta rose tones essential for capturing skin tones:

Magenta + a hint of Blue or Payne's Grey = magenta rose (note: white will not get you this result — it's the blue or Payne's Grey doing the work here, not a lightener)

And there's pinks that one can create from magenta and white pigments:

Magenta + White = shocking pinks, depending on ratios and the type of white used (zinc vs. titanium white will shift the result)

Gorgeous Greens

Now, let's explore the magical world of greens. By mixing lemon yellow and Pthalo blue, you can create a vibrant lime green colour. This shade is perfect for foliage shadows and can be further enhanced by adding white for highlights. By adjusting the proportions of yellow and black, you can create a variety of green tones, ranging from bright and yellow-y to darker and more muted shades. The versatility of these greens extends beyond foliage, as they can be used for painting subjects like green fruits, outfits, or even frogs. Here are 6 more colour mixing recipes for you to try:

50% Lemon Yellow + 50% Green = chartreuse green
Pthalo/Cobalt Blue + Lemon Yellow + a hint of Crimson Red = olive green
Ultramarine Blue + Pthalo Blue + Cadmium Yellow + Lemon Yellow + White = seafoam green
Ultramarine Blue + Cadmium Yellow = muted green
Pthalo Blue + Lemon Yellow = vibrant green
Prussian Blue + Yellow Ochre = foliage green

Warm Oranges

Orange, a colour that exudes warmth and energy, can be created by mixing Crimson and lemon yellow. The resulting shade can be further adjusted by varying the proportions of these primary colours. By adding white, you can create beautiful pastel oranges that are perfect for sunset-themed paintings or warm summery landscapes.

The range of orange hues is vast, and by experimenting with different recipes, you can capture the breath-taking colours of a sunset or add depth to your artwork. Try mixing Crimson with Cadmium Yellow to observe the difference in the orange recipe created with lemon yellow and crimson red:

Crimson + Cadmium Yellow = deep orange
Crimson + Lemon Yellow = bright orange
Add White to either mix above = pastel oranges

Vivid Violets and Purples

For violets and purples, the combination of blue and red is the key. By adjusting the amounts of each colour, you can create a spectrum of hues, from bluish violets to reddish purples. Adding white to these mixtures allows for the creation of lighter tonal values, while black or Payne's grey can deepen the shades. Violets and purples are versatile colours that can be used in various contexts, from under-painting to complementing cool and warm colours in a painting. They can also be used to represent shadows in paintings instead of darker values of a colour.

Magenta + Ultramarine Blue = brilliant purple
Crimson + Ultramarine Blue = deep purple

Frequently asked questions

What colours make olive green? Pthalo or Cobalt Blue mixed with Lemon Yellow and a small hint of Crimson Red produces olive green.

What white should I use for pastel or shocking pinks? Both zinc and titanium white work, but they shift the result differently — zinc tends to produce a slightly more translucent, softer tint, while titanium gives a more opaque, brighter pink. Worth testing both against Magenta to see which you prefer.

How do I make a deep, shadow-ready blue instead of using black? Add a touch of Purple or Payne's Grey to your blue, or deepen it with a second blue like Prussian or Ultramarine, rather than reaching for black — it tends to keep the colour richer and less muddy.

Conclusion

The art of colour mixing is not limited to specific recipes or formulas. It is an intuitive and experimental process that encourages artists to explore and discover their own colour combinations.

By playing with the proportions of primary colours and adding white and black, the possibilities become infinite. As you gain experience and confidence, you will develop a keen eye for mixing colours that perfectly match your artistic vision. After all, practice makes perfect, right!

Colour mixing is a fundamental skill that empowers artists to create captivating and harmonious compositions. By understanding the characteristics of different primary colours and exploring their interactions, you can unlock the potential of a limited palette. Through experimentation and practice, you will develop a deep understanding of colour relationships and the ability to mix an infinite range of hues and tones.

So, embrace the art of colour mixing, let your creativity flow, and enjoy the journey of discovering the endless possibilities that lie within your palette.

Want a structured, guided walkthrough instead of working it out recipe by recipe? Our free Zen of Colour Mixing e-book builds on everything above, and our Palette, Paint, and Possibilities coaching program is there if you'd like hands-on feedback on your own colour choices.

Happy painting!

Categories: Acrylic Painting · Beginners Guide · Colour Mixing

Categories: : Acrylic Painting, Beginners Guide, Colour Mixing