Mixing Colors: Getting Blue and Brown Perfectly

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 6 min read

Ever wondered about the magic of colors? It's fascinating, isn't it? How a simple mix of blue and brown can create a myriad of shades, each with its own unique charm. Whether you're an artist trying to understand the depth of these colors or an interior designer trying to create the perfect ambiance, or just someone curious about what color blue and brown make, this blog post is for you.

Getting to Know Blue

Blue, the color of the sky and the ocean, is a primary color that holds a special place in the color wheel. But there's more to blue than meets the eye. Let's dive into the world of blue, explore its shades, understand its representation in different mediums and see what brands offer us in hues of blue.

Exploring Shades of Blue

From the light baby blue to the deep navy blue, there are countless shades of blue waiting to be discovered. Some of the popular ones include:

Cobalt Blue: A bright, intense blue that often reminds you of a clear summer sky.
Teal: A medium to dark greenish-blue, often associated with the color of shallow seawater.
Denim: Just like your favorite pair of jeans, this shade of blue is medium-dark with a slight hint of grey.

Brands Offering Blue

Every brand has its own version of blue. For instance, Pantone's Classic Blue is a timeless and enduring blue hue, while Sherwin-Williams showcases a range of blues from Oceanside to Distance. Meanwhile, Benjamin Moore offers blues ranging from soft, muted tones like Iceberg to bold, saturated shades like Old Navy.

Blue in Different Mediums

Blue is interpreted differently in various mediums. In digital design, blue appears brighter and more vibrant due to the backlit screens. In print, the impact of blue depends on the quality and type of paper used. In paint, blue's effect is influenced by factors such as light conditions and the surface it's applied to. Understanding the behavior of blue in different mediums can help you make the most of this versatile color.

Now that we've got a good grip on blue, it's time to introduce its partner in crime—brown. So, stay tuned as we delve into the world of brown next, followed by the ultimate question: what color does blue and brown make when mixed?

Mastering Brown

Who says brown is boring? While it might not be the first color that pops into your mind when you think of vibrant colors, brown is a versatile and complex color that can add depth and richness to any palette. Let's look at how to make brown from primary colors, explore the range of brown paints available in the market, and learn how to use brown effectively.

Making Brown from Primary Colors

Did you know you can create brown just by mixing the three primary colors—red, blue, and yellow—in the right proportions? Here's a simple guide:

Start by mixing red and yellow to make orange.
Add a touch of blue and voila, you've got brown!
Experiment with different proportions to get a variety of brown shades.

Brown Paints on the Market

From warm chestnut to cool chocolate, the market is flooded with brown paints. Some noteworthy ones include:

Wooden Horse by PPG: A medium brown with a slight hint of red.
Acorn by Benjamin Moore: A warm, golden brown that's perfect for creating a cozy ambiance.
Leather Bound by Behr: A rich, deep brown that exudes sophistication.

Using Brown Effectively

Using brown effectively can create a sense of warmth and earthiness. In interior design, it's often used to create a cozy and comfortable atmosphere. In art, it can add depth and dimension to your work. And in fashion, it can be used to create a classic, timeless look. But remember, balance is key when using brown, as too much of it can be overwhelming.

Now that we're well-versed in the worlds of blue and brown, let's tackle the million-dollar question: what color does blue and brown make when mixed?

Mixing Blue and Brown

So, you've got your blue and brown paints at the ready. Your palette is clean, your brush is poised, and you're about to discover the answer to the question, "What color does blue and brown make?". Let's dive in.

Achieving the Right Tone

Mixing blue and brown isn't just about slapping the two colors together. It's about achieving the right tone. Here's how:

Start with a base of brown.
Add in small amounts of blue, mixing as you go.
Keep adding blue until you reach your desired tone. Remember, a little goes a long way!

What you'll end up with is a color that's often described as 'cool brown' or even grayish. The exact shade can vary, depending on the shades of blue and brown you started with.

Avoiding Muddy Colors

One challenge when mixing blue and brown is avoiding a muddy, indistinct color. The key to avoiding this is to control the amount of each color you're mixing. Too much blue can overpower the brown, resulting in an unappealing color. To avoid this, always start with a larger amount of brown and slowly add blue.

Experimenting with Mixing

Remember, there's no 'one-size-fits-all' answer to "What color does blue and brown make?". The beauty of mixing colors is that you can experiment and create your own unique shades. So, have fun with it! Try mixing different shades of blue and brown. You might be surprised by the results.

Color Theory Basics

Before we move on, let's take a quick detour into the world of color theory. It's crucial for understanding why blue and brown create the colors they do, and can help you make more informed decisions about your color mixing.

Understanding the Color Wheel

The color wheel is a basic tool for combining colors. It's made up of primary colors (red, yellow, and blue), secondary colors (made by mixing the primary colors), and tertiary colors (made by mixing primary and secondary colors).

Blue is a primary color, while brown is a tertiary color—made by mixing all three primary colors. This is why the exact shade of brown you get can vary so much, and why mixing blue and brown can result in such a range of tones.

Complementary Colors

Complementary colors are colors that sit opposite each other on the color wheel. They create a high contrast when placed next to each other, making them pop. Blue and brown aren't complementary colors, but that doesn't mean they can't be used effectively together.

Warm vs Cool Colors

Colors can also be categorized as warm or cool. Blue is typically considered a cool color, while brown can fall into either category depending on its makeup. When you mix blue and brown, the cool tones in the blue can tone down the warmth in the brown, resulting in a cooler brown or even a grayish color.

Practical Application

Now that we've got our color theory down, let's take a look at how to apply it. Understanding what color blue and brown make is one thing, but knowing how to use it effectively is another!

Using Mixed Colors in Art

In the world of art, mixing blue and brown can create a range of colors, from warmer and cooler browns to more muted blues. This kind of color combination can be used to create depth and contrast in a piece. For example, using a blue and brown mix in a landscape painting can create a more realistic depiction of natural elements like trees, rocks, and water.

Mixing Colors in Interior Design

In interior design, the mix of blue and brown can create a sense of calm and comfort. For instance, a bedroom with blue walls and brown furniture can give the room a serene and cozy feel. If you're looking to redesign a room in your house, considering the mix of blue and brown could be a game-changer!

Blue and Brown in Fashion

The fashion industry has also not been left behind. The combination of blue and brown is quite common, especially in men's fashion. A blue suit paired with brown shoes can make for a stylish and sophisticated look. So next time you're out shopping, why not try out this color combo?

If you're looking to perfect your color mixing skills, particularly when it comes to creating blue and brown hues, we highly recommend checking out the workshop 'Making Skin Colours With Paint' by David Shepherd. This workshop will provide you with valuable insights and techniques to create realistic skin tones, which will ultimately help you master the art of mixing colors for various applications in your artwork.