What Color Does Red and Blue Make? A Complete Mixing Guide

Contents

1. What is color mixing?
2. How to mix red and blue
3. The result of mixing red and blue
4. How to adjust the shade
5. Why the type of paint matters
6. How lighting affects the result
7. How to use the mixed color in artwork

Have you ever wondered what happens when you combine blue and red? If you're an artist, a DIY enthusiast, or simply someone who loves playing with colors, knowing how colors mix can open up a whole new world of possibilities. This blog post will guide you on a colorful journey where we'll explore the result of combining blue and red, how to adjust the shade, why the type of paint matters, and much more. So, grab your palette and let's dive in.

What is color mixing?

Color mixing is the process of blending two or more colors together to create a new color. It's like a magic trick—you start with separate colors, and with a bit of stirring or blending, you end up with a completely new one! It's fun, it's creative, and it's an essential skill for anyone interested in art or design. So, when you combine blue and red, what do you get?

There are two main types of color mixing: additive and subtractive. Additive color mixing happens when you combine lights of different colors, like on a theater stage or a computer screen. Subtractive color mixing is what you're probably more familiar with—it's what happens when you mix paints, dyes, or inks. In this blog, we're focusing on subtractive color mixing—specifically, what happens when you combine blue and red paint.

• Additive color mixing: This is all about light. When you mix colored lights—say, on a theater stage—the colors combine to make a brighter color. For example, if you shine a red light and a blue light on the same spot, you'll get a bright magenta light!
• Subtractive color mixing: This is the domain of paints, dyes, and inks. When you combine colors this way, you're actually removing colors from the light that hits the mixed paint. So, when you mix red and blue paint, you're taking away all the colors except for... well, we'll reveal that in the next section!

Color mixing might seem like a simple concept, but it's actually quite complex. The results can be influenced by many factors, including the type of paint you use, the lighting conditions, and even the way you perceive color. But don't worry, we'll guide you through all of this. So, are you ready to find out what color you get when you combine blue and red? Let's go!

How to mix red and blue

So, you've decided to combine blue and red. Good choice! But how do you actually go about it? Well, let's break it down into some easy-to-follow steps:

1. Start with the right materials: Before you can mix your colors, you'll need some paint. Acrylics or watercolors are a good choice for beginners. You'll also need a palette for mixing your paints and a palette knife or brush. Don't forget the paper or canvas to paint on!
2. Get your colors ready: Squeeze out equal amounts of red and blue paint onto your palette. If you're just starting out, it's a good idea to use a small amount of paint—you can always add more later.
3. Start mixing: Now comes the fun part! Use your palette knife or brush to scoop up some blue paint, and then scoop up an equal amount of red paint. Mix them together on your palette. You should start to see a new color forming.
4. Check your results: Once you think you've mixed your paints thoroughly, brush a little bit onto your paper or canvas. How does it look? If it's not quite the color you were expecting, don't worry—we'll talk about how to adjust the shade in the next section.

And that's it! You've just mixed red and blue to create a new color. But what is this new color? Is it purple? Is it violet? Is it something else entirely? Well, keep reading, and all will be revealed!

The result of mixing red and blue

When you combine blue and red, you might expect to get purple right away. And you'd be right—sort of. The color you get when you mix red and blue is actually a type of purple, but it's often referred to as magenta.

Magenta is a vibrant and rich color that sits between red and blue on the color wheel. It's a little more complex than your average purple, with a depth and intensity that can really add pop to your artwork. However, depending on the exact shades of red and blue you're using, you might end up with a color that's closer to violet, or even a deep maroon. Remember, color mixing isn't an exact science—it's an art!

So, don't be disappointed if your first attempt at mixing red and blue doesn't result in the perfect shade of magenta. Experimentation is part of the process, and every mistake is a chance to learn something new. Plus, who knows? You might discover a color you love even more!

How to adjust the shade

Now that you've managed to create a shade of purple by combining blue and red, you might be wondering how to tweak it to your liking. Fear not, for adjusting the shade is actually pretty straightforward. Here's how you can do it:

Want a lighter shade? Add some white. Adding white to your mixture will create a lighter, pastel version of your color, also known as a tint. This can be useful if you're aiming for a softer, more delicate effect in your artwork. Just be careful not to add too much at once—you don't want to dilute the original color too much.

And what if you're after a darker shade? That's where black comes in. By adding a touch of black to your mixed color, you'll create a shade, which is basically a darker version of your initial hue. This can be perfect for creating shadows, depth, or a more dramatic effect. But remember, a little black goes a long way, so use it sparingly.

Finally, if you're not quite happy with the color itself, don't be afraid to add more red or blue. Adding more red will warm up the color, while adding more blue will make it cooler. It's all about finding the balance that works for you. So go ahead, get creative, and don't forget to have fun while you're at it!

Why the type of paint matters

Now, you've started to master the art of mixing colors, specifically combining blue and red. But hold on a minute — did you know that the type of paint you're using can make a big difference to your color mixing results?

Let's take oil paints, for instance. These are awesome for creating rich and vibrant colors. When you combine blue and red oil paints, you usually get a deep and intense shade of purple. It's perfect for when you want to make a bold statement in your artwork.

On the other hand, acrylic paints are known for their brightness and are a bit more forgiving. If you're a beginner trying to combine blue and red, acrylics might be your best bet. They are easier to handle and mix, and they dry quickly, which means you can make adjustments to your artwork in no time.

Watercolors, yet another type of paint, can give you light and airy results. When you combine blue and red watercolors, expect a softer, more subtle shade of purple due to their translucent nature.

So, as you can see, the type of paint you use can significantly affect your color mixing outputs. The choice of paint all depends on your personal preference and the specific effect you want to achieve in your artwork. It's all part of the fun and creativity of color mixing!

How lighting affects the result

Now that you've got a handle on how to combine blue and red using different types of paint, let's shine a light on another factor that plays a significant role in your color mixing journey — lighting.

Imagine you've just mixed the perfect shade of purple. It looks fantastic under your studio lights. But wait! When you move your artwork to a different room with softer lighting, the color seems to change. It's less vibrant, more muted. What happened?

The answer lies in the science of light. Different light sources, from the glowing sun to the soft lamp on your desk, can change the way we perceive colors. The same shade of purple can look different under natural light, fluorescent lights, or LED lights. That's why it's essential to consider where your artwork will be displayed and the lighting conditions in that space.

For example, if your art is going to be displayed in a gallery with bright artificial lights, you might want to test how your mixed colors look under similar lighting. Conversely, if your piece is destined for a cozy living room corner with soft, warm light, ensure that your colors retain their charm in that setting.

Remember, when you combine blue and red, or any colors for that matter, lighting can be your ally or your challenge. But once you understand how it works, you can use it to your advantage to bring out the best in your color mixes.

How to use the mixed color in artwork

So, you've mastered the art of combining blue and red to create a variety of shades of purple. You've even figured out how different types of lighting can affect your final outcome. Now, let's talk about how you can use your newly mixed colors in your artwork to create a masterpiece!

First things first, don't be shy to experiment. Art is all about self-expression, after all. Now that you've learned to mix blue and red, why not try adding a little more red to get a hotter shade of purple, or add more blue for a cooler tone? Art is anything but predictable, and your color mixes shouldn't be either.

Using your mixed colors effectively can tell a story. For example, cooler purples can evoke feelings of calm and tranquility, making them ideal for serene landscapes or soothing abstract pieces. On the other hand, fiery, red-toned purples can bring intensity and passion to your work, perfect for dramatic scenes or bold, expressive pieces.

And don't forget about contrast! Placing your newly mixed purple next to its parent colors—red and blue—can make it pop and draw the viewer's eye. Or, you can use it alongside its complementary color, yellow, for a vibrant, eye-catching look.

So, whether you're creating a peaceful seascape or an electrifying portrait, remember that the way you combine blue and red and use your mixed color can greatly influence the mood and impact of your artwork. So go ahead, pick up that brush, and let your colors tell a story!

If you enjoyed learning about color mixing in this blog post, we recommend checking out the workshop 'Refreshing your Colours in Procreate' by Faira. This workshop will help you gain a deeper understanding of color theory and teach you how to create stunning color palettes in Procreate, enhancing your digital art skills.