Mixing Colors: A Simple Guide to Creating Orange

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 20 June 2023 7 min read

Have you ever wondered what colors make orange? You're not alone! Many people are curious about how to create this vibrant hue. In this guide, we will explore the basics of color theory and learn how to mix colors to create the perfect shade of orange. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, this guide will help you understand the principles behind mixing colors and give you practical tips for creating orange in various mediums. So, let's dive into the world of color and find out how to make orange!

Understanding Color Theory

Before we get into the specifics of what colors make orange, it's important to have a basic understanding of color theory. Color theory is the study of how colors relate to one another and how they can be combined to create new shades and tones. There are three main categories of colors: primary, secondary, and tertiary. Let's explore each of these categories in more detail.

Primary Colors

Primary colors are the building blocks of all other colors. There are three primary colors: red, blue, and yellow. These colors cannot be created by mixing other colors together, which makes them the foundation of any color palette. To create orange, we will need to mix two of these primary colors together.

Secondary Colors

Secondary colors are created by mixing two primary colors together. There are three secondary colors: orange, green, and purple. Orange is the color we're interested in, so let's focus on that. To create orange, we need to mix red and yellow - the two primary colors that make orange. By adjusting the amount of red and yellow, you can create various shades of orange, from a bright, vibrant hue to a more subdued, earthy tone.

Tertiary Colors

Tertiary colors are the result of mixing a primary color with a secondary color. These colors are named by combining the names of the primary and secondary colors used to create them, such as red-orange or yellow-green. Although we won't be focusing on tertiary colors in this guide, it's important to know that they exist and can be used to create even more unique shades and tones in your artwork.

Now that we have a better understanding of color theory, let's move on to the practical side of things and learn how to mix paints to create the perfect shade of orange.

Mixing Paints to Create Orange

Mixing paints to create orange can be a fun and rewarding process, but it's important to know the differences between various types of paints and how they behave when mixed. In this section, we'll explore how to create orange using acrylic paints, oil paints, and watercolors. Each of these mediums has its own unique characteristics, so let's dive in and discover the best way to create orange with each of them!

Acrylic Paints

Acrylic paints are versatile and easy to work with, making them a popular choice among artists of all skill levels. To create orange using acrylic paints, simply follow these steps:

Choose a red and a yellow acrylic paint. Remember, the specific shades of red and yellow you choose will affect the final shade of orange you create.
Place a small amount of red paint on your palette.
Add a small amount of yellow paint to the red paint on your palette.
Use a palette knife or brush to mix the red and yellow paints together until you achieve the desired shade of orange. Adjust the ratio of red to yellow to create different shades of orange.

That's it! You've created orange using acrylic paints. Now, let's explore how to create orange with oil paints.

Oil Paints

Oil paints are known for their rich colors and slow drying times, making them a favorite among professional artists. To mix oil paints to create orange, follow these steps:

Select a red and a yellow oil paint. As with acrylic paints, the specific shades of red and yellow you choose will impact the final shade of orange.
Place a small amount of red paint on your palette.
Add a small amount of yellow paint to the red paint on your palette.
Use a palette knife to mix the red and yellow paints together until you achieve the desired shade of orange. Adjust the ratio of red to yellow to create different shades of orange.

Voila! You've created orange using oil paints. Finally, let's learn how to create orange with watercolors.

Watercolors

Watercolors are known for their transparency and ability to create beautiful, delicate effects. To mix watercolors to create orange, follow these steps:

Select a red and a yellow watercolor paint. Keep in mind that the specific shades of red and yellow you choose will influence the final shade of orange.
Wet your brush and pick up a small amount of red paint.
Apply the red paint to your mixing area or palette.
Wet your brush again and pick up a small amount of yellow paint.
Apply the yellow paint to the red paint on your mixing area or palette.
Use your brush to mix the red and yellow paints together until you achieve the desired shade of orange. Adjust the amount of water and the ratio of red to yellow to create different shades of orange.

Now you know how to create orange using watercolors! With a little practice, you'll be able to mix colors confidently and create the perfect shade of orange for your next masterpiece.

Choosing the Right Brands

Now that you know how to mix different types of paints to create orange, it's important to choose the right brands for your artistic needs. The quality of the paint can make a significant difference in your final results. In this section, we'll discuss three popular and reliable paint brands: Winsor & Newton, Golden Acrylics, and Daler-Rowney.

Winsor & Newton

Winsor & Newton is a well-known and respected brand that offers a wide range of high-quality paints. Whether you're working with oil paints, acrylics, or watercolors, Winsor & Newton has you covered. The brand is known for its:

Consistency: The texture and viscosity of their paints remain consistent across various colors and mediums.
Pigment quality: Winsor & Newton uses high-quality pigments that produce vibrant, long-lasting colors.
Color range: They offer a wide variety of colors, which makes mixing and creating unique shades easier.

Choosing Winsor & Newton paints for your orange-creating adventures will ensure that you have a smooth and pleasant painting experience.

Golden Acrylics

Golden Acrylics is another popular choice among artists, particularly for those who work with acrylic paints. This brand is known for its:

High-quality pigments: Golden Acrylics uses top-grade pigments, which result in highly saturated colors.
Wide range of mediums: They offer various mediums, such as gels, pastes, and additives, which can enhance your painting experience and allow for unique effects.
Consistency options: Golden Acrylics provides different levels of paint viscosity, from heavy body to fluid acrylics, catering to artists' diverse preferences.

Golden Acrylics is an excellent choice if you're looking to create stunning orange hues with acrylic paints.

Daler-Rowney

Daler-Rowney is a reputable brand that offers a wide range of art supplies, including oil paints, acrylics, and watercolors. Some of the best features of Daler-Rowney paints include:

Affordability: Daler-Rowney offers high-quality paints at an affordable price, making them an attractive option for artists on a budget.
Color selection: They provide a diverse range of colors, which makes it easier for you to mix and create the perfect shade of orange.
Reliability: Daler-Rowney has been producing art supplies for over 200 years, ensuring a consistent level of quality in their products.

Consider Daler-Rowney paints when you're looking for a budget-friendly option that still delivers excellent results.

Bringing it all Together

With a solid understanding of color theory, knowledge of how to mix paints to create orange, and the right brands in hand, it's time to put everything together and start experimenting. In this section, we'll discuss experimenting with shades, applying your mixed colors, and cleaning up after mixing.

Experimenting with Shades

When you mix red and yellow to create orange, you'll quickly realize that there's more than just one shade of orange you can make. By adjusting the ratio of red and yellow, you can create a whole range of oranges, from light and pastel to deep and vibrant. Here are a few tips to help you experiment with shades:

Start with a 1:1 ratio: Begin by mixing equal parts of red and yellow. This will give you a basic orange shade as a starting point.
Adjust the ratio: To lighten the orange, add more yellow; to darken it, add more red. Remember to add small amounts at a time, as it's easier to add more color than to remove it.
Introduce white or black: To create a tint (lighter shade) or a shade (darker shade) of orange, mix in small amounts of white or black paint, respectively.

Don't be afraid to experiment and find the perfect orange that suits your artistic vision.

Applying Your Mixed Colors

Once you've mixed your ideal shade of orange, it's time to apply it to your artwork. The application process will vary depending on the medium you're using:

Acrylics: Acrylics dry quickly, so work swiftly or use a medium to slow down the drying time. Apply the paint with a brush, palette knife, or even your fingers for varying effects.
Oil paints: Oil paints take longer to dry, which allows for more time to blend and work with the colors. Be mindful of the fat-over-lean principle — apply thinner layers before thicker ones to prevent cracking.
Watercolors: For watercolors, apply the paint to wet or dry paper using a brush. Dilute the paint with water to achieve lighter, more transparent colors.

Remember to have fun and enjoy the process of bringing your orange hues to life in your artwork.

Cleaning up After Mixing

After you've successfully mixed and applied your orange paint, it's important to clean up your workspace and tools properly:

Brushes: Rinse brushes thoroughly with water for acrylics and watercolors, or with a solvent for oil paints. Use a brush cleaner to remove any stubborn paint residue.
Palette: Scrape off any leftover paint from your palette and clean it with water or a suitable cleaner, depending on the type of paint you used.
Work area: Wipe down your work surface to remove any paint spills or splatters, paying attention to any stains or messes you might have made.

Taking care of your tools and workspace will ensure a more enjoyable and efficient painting experience the next time you ask yourself, "what colors make orange?"

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