Mixing Purple & Orange: Creating Brown Tones

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 6 min read

When you're delving into the world of color mixing, it's easy to get lost in a rainbow of possibilities. It's even easier to ask questions like "what color do purple and orange make?" - a question that might seem simple but can lead to a spectrum of fascinating results. Today, we're focusing on creating a rich palette of brown tones using these two colors. Let's dive in.

Understanding Color Theory

Color theory is the backbone of any creative endeavor involving colors. It's a toolbox that artists use to communicate visually. Understanding the basics of color theory will help you confidently answer questions like "what color do purple and orange make?" and many more. So, let's start with the basics - primary, secondary, and tertiary colors.

Primary Colors

Primary colors are the big three: red, blue, and yellow. They are the only colors that cannot be made by mixing other colors together. These are the starting points of color creation. When you mix two primary colors, you get a secondary color.

Secondary Colors

Secondary colors are the children of primary colors: green, orange, and purple. They are the result of mixing two primary colors. For example, red and yellow make orange; blue and red make purple; and yellow and blue make green. When you mix a primary color with a secondary color, you get a tertiary color.

Tertiary Colors

Last but not least are the tertiary colors. These are the colors you get when you mix a primary color with a secondary color. These colors usually have two-word names, like red-orange or blue-green. They fill in the gaps in the color wheel between the primary and secondary colors, creating a full spectrum of color possibilities.

Understanding these color categories is the first step in understanding what happens when you mix colors like purple and orange. It's the key to unlocking the full potential of your color mixing adventures!

How to Mix Purple and Orange

Now that we've got our color theory basics down, let's get into the meat of the matter: what color do purple and orange make when mixed together, and how can you achieve this? Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this process.

Choosing the Right Brands

Firstly, the brand of color you choose can make a world of difference. Every brand has its own formula, and this can affect the color outcome. Whether you're using paints, markers, or colored pencils, you'll want to stick with brands that are known for their quality and color accuracy. Some reliable brands include Winsor & Newton for paints, Prismacolor for colored pencils, and Copic for markers.

Determining the Ratio

Next, you need to determine the correct color ratio. The amount of purple and orange you use will directly affect the resulting color. Generally, a 1:1 ratio will yield a brown color. However, adding more orange will result in a warmer brown, while adding more purple will create a cooler brown. Don't be afraid to play with these ratios — you might discover a unique shade that's perfect for your project!

Mixing the Colors

Now, it's time to mix your colors. Be sure to mix them thoroughly to get an even color. A palette knife or a brush can be a great tool for this. Remember, it's better to mix a bit at a time, adding more color as needed. This way, you have more control over the final color. And there you have it — your answer to "what color do purple and orange make?" is a beautiful shade of brown!

Now that you know how to mix purple and orange, let's move on to the next step: creating different brown tones.

Creating Brown Tones

Now that you've mastered the art of mixing purple and orange to get a lovely brown color, let's explore how to create different brown tones. This is where your creativity truly comes into play. Let's dive in!

Achieving the Desired Hue

Creating the perfect hue means adjusting the ratio of purple to orange. Adding more orange will give you a warmer, reddish-brown, while more purple will yield a cooler, bluish-brown. But remember, it's not just about the initial mix. You can also add a touch of white to lighten the hue, or black to darken it. Experiment with these changes to create the exact brown tone you're after.

Adjusting the Tone

Aside from the hue, you can also adjust the tone of your brown. Adding gray to your mix will desaturate the color, giving it a more muted, earthy feel. On the other hand, adding yellow or red can brighten the tone, making it more vibrant and lively. Again, don't hesitate to experiment and find the tone that works best for what you need.

Testing Your Mix

It's always a good idea to test your mix before using it in your main artwork. Use a scrap piece of paper or canvas to see how your color looks when applied. This gives you a chance to make any necessary adjustments before you commit to using it. Remember, the more you experiment, the closer you'll get to answering the question: "what color do purple and orange make?"

Alright, let's move forward. Now that you've got the hang of creating different brown tones, let's look at some common mistakes to avoid.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While mixing colors may seem straightforward, there are a few common pitfalls that can throw off your desired results. Keeping these in mind can save you from a lot of trial and error, and bring you one step closer to mastering the art of color mixing.

Not Using Enough Orange

When trying to figure out what color do purple and orange make, you may be tempted to add more purple than orange. However, not using enough orange can result in a color that's more blue than brown. Remember, a good balance of both colors is key to achieving that perfect brown hue.

Over-mixing the Colors

While it's important to mix your colors well, overdoing it can lead to a muddied, dull color. This is especially true when you're working with acrylics or oils. To avoid this, mix your colors gently and stop as soon as you've achieved the desired shade. And remember: less is more!

Not Testing the Mix

As we mentioned earlier, always testing your mix on a scrap piece of paper or canvas before applying it to your artwork is essential. This can save you from a lot of frustration and wasted paint. So, don't skip this step!

Now, let's wrap things up with some helpful tips that can make your color mixing journey a breeze.

Tips for Success

Now that we've discussed what color purple and orange make and how to avoid common mistakes, let's talk about some tips that can help you succeed in your color mixing journey. These pointers will give you a better understanding of color theory, and also help you perfect the art of mixing colors.

Practice Makes Perfect

Just like any other skill, practice is key when it comes to color mixing. Don't be afraid to experiment with different ratios and brands. Remember, it's okay to make mistakes. That's how you learn. So, keep practicing and soon enough, you'll know exactly what color do purple and orange make.

Experiment with Different Brands

Not all paints are created equal. Some brands might produce a brighter or darker hue than others. So, don't limit yourself to just one brand. Try out different ones and see which works best for you. Who knows, you might find a brand that makes your brown tones pop!

Keep a Color Diary

One effective way to track your progress and learn from your mistakes is to keep a color diary. Jot down the colors and ratios you used for each mix. Also, put a small sample of the resulting color next to each entry. This way, you can easily refer back to your notes when you're trying to recreate a specific shade. Plus, a color diary can serve as a great source of inspiration for your future projects.

So, the next time you wonder "what color do purple and orange make?", remember these tips and you'll be creating beautiful brown tones in no time. Happy mixing!

If you enjoyed our blog post on "Mixing Purple & Orange: Creating Brown Tones," we highly recommend checking out Jauni's workshop, 'How to Pick a Colour Palette.' In this workshop, you'll learn valuable tips and techniques for selecting the perfect color combinations for your projects, ensuring your creations are both visually appealing and harmonious.