Creating Perfect Forest Green: Green & Brown Mix

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 7 min read

Unlocking the mysteries of color mixing can provide you with an almost infinite palette to express your creativity. One beautiful hue that can be achieved through mixing is the rich, earthy tone of forest green. If you've ever wondered "what do green and brown make?", the answer lies in this vibrant color. Let's explore the world of color theory and the steps to creating this organic shade.

1. Introduction to Forest Green

Forest green is a color that often resonates with people because of its connection to the natural world. But what exactly is it, and how can you create it yourself? We will start by understanding the basics of color theory, delve into the unique characteristics of forest green, and explore its symbolism and uses.

Understanding Color Theory

Color theory is a framework that artists use to understand how colors interact with each other. For instance, you know that blue and yellow make green, but what about green and brown? What do they make? In this case, they create a deep, earthy forest green. Color theory helps you understand why these colors produce this result and how you can manipulate proportions to achieve different shades and tints.

What is Forest Green?

Forest green is a dark shade of green, similar to what you would see in a densely wooded area. It's not as bright as lime green or as blue-toned as teal, but lies somewhere in between, providing a calm, natural feel. When you mix green and brown, you're essentially adding a bit of red to the green, which dulls the color and makes it darker, resulting in forest green.

Symbolism and Use of Green

Green is a color often associated with nature, calmness, and growth. Forest green, in particular, can evoke feelings of tranquility and peace, as it reminds us of quiet, serene forests. It's a great color to use in art projects when you want to convey these emotions or when you're painting natural landscapes. So, the next time you wonder "what do green and brown make?", think of the peaceful forest and its lush greenery.

2. Choosing Your Paints

Creating the perfect forest green starts with selecting the right paints. You'll need a quality green and brown, and the brand you choose will play a significant role in the final outcome. Let's discuss how to choose the right brand and understand the crucial role of brown in the mixing process.

Selecting the Right Brand

Not all paints are created equal. Some brands offer high pigment concentration, resulting in vibrant colors, while others might be more diluted. For a rich forest green, you'll want to opt for brands known for their quality, such as Winsor & Newton or Golden Artist Colors. Remember, the higher the quality of your green and brown paints, the more stunning your forest green will turn out.

The Role of Brown in Mixing

Brown acts as a darkening agent when mixed with green, creating the earthy, deep hue of forest green. In essence, brown is a mixture of red, blue, and yellow. When you add it to green—which is a mix of blue and yellow—you're essentially adding a touch of red to the equation. This red somewhat neutralizes the green, making it darker and less vibrant, which gives you the forest green shade you're aiming for. So, keep in mind: when you're wondering "what do green and brown make?", remember that the brown is there to deepen and enrich the green.

3. Preparing Your Palette

Having chosen the right paints, the next step is to prepare your palette. This involves organizing your colors and preparing your mixing area. Both of these steps are simple, but they can make a big difference in your painting process.

Organizing Your Colors

Before you begin mixing, you'll want to lay out your paints on your palette. Start with your base colors: green and brown. Place these two colors on opposite ends of your palette. This will prevent unintentional mixing and give you enough space to work with. If you're planning on creating shades of forest green, also keep your white and black paints nearby. Having all your colors organized and within reach will make your mixing process much smoother.

Preparing Your Mixing Area

Just as important as organizing your colors is preparing a suitable mixing area. You'll need a flat, clean surface for your palette. A palette knife can also be a handy tool for mixing your paints. It allows for precise control and keeps your colors from becoming muddied. And remember, while you're preparing your palette, keep in mind the question, "What do green and brown make?" As you'll soon discover, these two colors, when mixed correctly, make the perfect forest green.

4. Mixing Green and Brown

Now, it's time to answer the million-dollar question: What do green and brown make? Let's dive right in and find out.

Step-by-step Mixing Process

First, scoop a bit of green paint with your palette knife and place it in the center of your palette. Next, add a smaller amount of brown paint to the green. Keep in mind, the ratio of green to brown will affect the final color. For a more vibrant forest green, use more green; for a subdued, earthy tone, use more brown. Now, mix the two colors together until they're fully blended. Voila! You've just created a basic forest green.

Tips for Perfect Mixing

Mixing paints is as much art as it is science. Here are some tips to achieve the perfect blend. Start by adding brown to green, not the other way around. This will give you more control over the final color. Also, remember to mix your colors thoroughly. Unmixed colors can lead to a patchy appearance in your painting. Finally, don't be afraid to experiment! The beauty of mixing your own colors is that you can adjust them to fit your vision. So, what do green and brown make? In your hands, they make endless possibilities!

5. Creating Shades of Forest Green

Once you've mixed your basic forest green, you can create an entire spectrum of shades. But how do you do it? Let's explore.

Adding White for Lighter Shades

You can lighten your forest green by adding white paint. Start with a small amount — remember, it's always easier to add more white than to take it away. Mix the white into your green until it's completely blended. The result? A lighter, softer forest green. Experiment with different amounts of white to create a variety of light green shades. Remember, you're in control of the final color!

Adding Black for Darker Shades

On the other hand, you can darken your forest green by adding black. Here too, start small. Black is a strong color and a little goes a long way. Mix it into your green until you get the dark, rich shade you're after. What do green and brown make when you add a touch of black? They make a deep, dark forest green that's full of mystery and depth.

6. Using Your Mixed Color

Now that you've created your perfect forest green shade, it's time to put it to use. Let's explore how you can apply this color and some techniques to make your painting pop.

Applying the Paint

Applying your mixed color is a crucial step in the painting process. Use a clean brush and dip it lightly into your mixed green paint. Apply it to your canvas with smooth, even strokes. Be mindful of the pressure you're applying — the lighter the stroke, the lighter the color will appear on the canvas. Remember, painting is not a race. Take your time to fill in your drawing, and appreciate the magic that what green and brown make is bringing to your artwork.

Painting Techniques

There are many painting techniques you can employ to bring depth and texture to your artwork. For instance, dry brushing allows you to create a rough texture on your canvas. Wet-on-wet, on the other hand, is a technique where you apply wet paint onto already wet paint, which can help to create smooth transitions between colors. Experiment with these techniques and see how they can enhance the forest green you've created from your green and brown mix.

7. Conclusion

And there we have it! You've journeyed through the process of creating the perfect forest green using a simple mix of green and brown. Let's take a moment to reflect on what we've covered and where you can go from here.

Recap of Learnings

We started with an introduction to forest green and color theory, understanding what green and brown make when mixed together. We then moved on to choosing the right paints and preparing your palette for the mixing process. We've walked through the step-by-step process of mixing green and brown, creating different shades of forest green by adding white and black, and finally applying the mixed color using various painting techniques.

Further Exploration

But the adventure doesn't stop here. There's so much more to explore in the world of color mixing. Try experimenting with different shades of green and brown to see the range of forest green shades you can create. And why stop at forest green? There's an entire spectrum of colors waiting for you to discover. What will blue and orange make? Or purple and yellow? The possibilities are endless, limited only by your imagination. So, what colors will you mix next?

If you're looking to expand your color mixing skills and explore the intersection of photography and graphic design, don't miss the workshop 'Creative Crossovers: Photography & Graphic Design' by Jarrett Lampley. This workshop will help you discover new techniques and ideas to elevate your creative projects and take your color mixing abilities to the next level.