Mixing paint colors to achieve the perfect shade can be challenging. When trying to mix brown specifically, it helps to understand color theory and how to use a color wheel. With some basic knowledge of color combinations, you can learn to mix custom browns in any medium like paint, icing, polymer clay, and more. This guide will explain the basics of using a color wheel to mix browns.
Complementary Colors
The simplest way to mix brown is to use complementary colors. Complementary colors are located opposite each other on the color wheel. They create a striking contrast when placed next to each other. When mixed together, they neutralize each other’s intensity, creating a muddy, brownish tone.
Some examples of complementary color pairs that can make brown are:
| Orange | Blue |
| Red-orange | Blue-green |
| Yellow-orange | Blue-violet |
Start by mixing a small amount of each complementary color. Adjust the proportions until you achieve your desired shade of brown. Add more of the warmer color for reddish-browns, or more of the cooler color for greenish-browns.
Triadic Colors
The triadic color scheme uses three colors that are evenly spaced around the color wheel. When mixed together, they also produce muted, brownish tones. Some triadic combinations that work well are:
| Orange | Blue-violet | Blue-green |
| Red-orange | Green | Blue-violet |
| Yellow-orange | Red-violet | Blue-green |
Start with equal parts of each color. Adjust the mixture by adding more of one or two colors until you achieve the exact brown you want.
Analogous Colors
Analogous colors sit next to each other on the color wheel. They have a harmonious relationship. Mixing adjacent analogous colors together will tone down their brightness while keeping them visually coordinated. Some analogous combinations for brown include:
| Yellow | Yellow-orange | Orange |
| Orange | Red-orange | Red |
| Blue | Blue-violet | Violet |
When blending adjacent colors, start with two parts of the middle color and one part of each outer color. Adjust as needed to reach your ideal brown tone.
Tetradic Colors
The tetradic scheme uses four colors spaced evenly around the wheel. It is made up of two complementary pairs. Tetradic combinations make rich, complex browns. Some examples are:
| Red-orange | Green | Blue | Violet |
| Yellow-orange | Blue-violet | Red | Blue-green |
When mixing a tetradic tetrad, start with equal small amounts of each color. Adjust the proportions based on the specific hue of brown you want.
Monochromatic Colors
A monochromatic scheme uses different tones, shades and tints of one color. Mixing monochromatic variations of an intense color like red, orange, or purple can also produce brown.
Some monochromatic options are:
| Dark orange | Mid-tone orange | Light orange |
| Maroon | Red | Pink |
| Dark purple | Lavender | Lilac |
Start by mixing equal amounts of the darkest and lightest shades, then add smaller amounts of the mid-tone until the color is neutralized.
Mixing Tips
– Start with small amounts of paint or coloring and slowly tweak the proportions. It’s easier to adjust a mixture when working with less.
– Make sure to stir thoroughly each time you add a new color. This ensures even blending.
– Test your mixed color on a spare canvas or piece of paper before applying it to your main project.
– Natural light is best when mixing colors. If possible, work near a window or under a daylight lamp.
– Take notes on your color mixtures and ratios so you can recreate special browns.
– Buy quality paints, icing gels, polymer clay, etc. Inexpensive coloring tends to produce muddy results.
– Be patient and persistent. Finding the perfect custom brown may take some trial and error.
Mixing Brown Icing
Making brown icing for cake decorating takes some color theory finesse. Here are tips for mixing brown icing using gel food colors:
– Choose gels over liquid food coloring for more intensity and saturation.
– Use a toothpick to add tiny amounts of gel at a time – a little goes a long way.
– Start with white icing. Add complementary colors like orange and blue or red and green.
– For lighter browns, add more white icing to the mixture.
– For deeper chocolate browns, use touch of black gel along with the color complements.
– For a coppery bronze brown, mix orange, lemon yellow and a tiny bit of red-violet.
– Test the icing color on a plate or napkin before decorating. Adjust until you achieve the perfect shade.
Brown Color Inspiration
Browns can be warm, cool, neutral, deep, soft, and anywhere in between. Here are some gorgeous shades of brown and color combinations to try mixing:
| Mocha – Rich coffee brown | Sepia – Vintage reddish brown |
| Hazelnut – Golden tan brown | Cocoa – Deep chocolate brown |
| Almond – Soft pinkish tan | Pecan – Neutral medium brown |
| Walnut – Dark brown with grey undertone | Chestnut – Deep red-brown |
| Caramel – Warm golden brown | Latte – Creamy light brown |
| Taupe – Cool greyish brown | Khaki – Dusty greenish tan |
Explore different color combinations until you find your own perfect custom browns. With practice mixing colors, you’ll be able to create any brown shade your project needs.
Conclusion
Learning color theory provides endless options for mixing the perfect brown. Complementary, triadic, analogous, and monochromatic color schemes are all great starting points for blending custom browns. Approach color mixing systematically but creatively. Test and adjust color mixtures until you achieve exactly the brown tone you envisioned. With a basic understanding of the color wheel, you’ll be able to mix versatile browns for any artistic need.
