Pink is a light red color that is made by blending red and white pigments or light wavelengths. There are many different shades of pink that can be made by adjusting the ratio of red to white. Pink gets its name from the flowers of the same name which often have pink petals. Here is a quick overview of how to blend colors to make different shades of pink:
Primary Colors for Mixing Pink
The two primary colors that are blended to make pink are red and white. Here is some background on these two pigments:
| Red | Red is one of the three primary colors along with blue and yellow. It sits at the end of the visible color spectrum and has the longest wavelength of visible light. Red pigment contains warm, fiery undertones. |
| White | White is the presence of all visible wavelengths of light. White pigment acts as a tinting color when blended with other pigments. It lightens colors and adds opacity. |
By blending these two primary colors in different ratios, all shades of pink can be created. More red makes a vivid pink while more white makes a pale, baby pink.
Making Vivid Pinks
Vivid pinks like magenta and fuchsia have more red pigment than white. Here are some examples of mixing reds and whites to make vivid pinks:
| Magenta | Magenta is made by blending roughly two parts red pigment to one part white pigment. It is a rich, purplish pink. |
| Fuchsia | Fuchsia contains slightly more red pigment compared to magenta, making it brighter. The ratio is roughly three parts red to one part white. |
| Shocking Pink | This is an intense pink made with even more red pigment, around three to four parts red to one white. |
The more red used, the more saturated and intense the pink becomes. These vivid pinks are bold, fiery, and eye-catching. They have a warm, reddish undertone.
Making Soft Pinks
For softer, lighter pinks, more white pigment is used. Here are some examples:
| Baby Pink | Baby pink is very soft and delicate, made with about one part red to two parts white pigment. |
| Blush Pink | Blush pink has slightly more red at around one part red to one and a half parts white. It has a rosier undertone. |
| Cotton Candy Pink | This very pale pink uses around one part red to three or four parts white. It is sweet and subtle. |
The more white pigment used, the softer and more delicate the pink becomes. These pale pinks are associated with femininity, romance, and youth. They have a cooler undertone from the white pigment.
Tinting Pink with Other Colors
While red and white make a pure pink, other colors can be blended in to alter the shade and undertone. Here are some examples:
| Dusty Pink | Mix in a small amount of brown pigment to make a muted, dusty pink. |
| Salmon Pink | Blend in a little orange pigment to create a warmer, salmon hue. |
| Bubblegum Pink | Add a touch of light blue pigment to make a cooler pink with a hint of purple. |
These other pigments subtly shift the shade and temperature of pink. Browns, oranges, and purples complement and enrich pink nicely.
Mixing Pink Paint and Icing
The same color mixing principles apply when making pink with paints or food coloring for icing and baking. Here are some tips:
| Paint | Use red and white paint in different ratios. Start with a 1:1 ratio then adjust. Add a third color like brown or purple to alter the undertone. |
| Icing | Use a few drops of red food coloring mixed into white icing. Add more red for vibrant pinks. For pastels add a touch of blue or yellow coloring. |
Always start by mixing a small amount and adjusting as needed. When working with paint or icing, the colors tend to bleed together more creating a soft, blended look.
Mixing Pink With Light
Pink can also be made by blending wavelengths of colored light. This is done with stage lighting or colored bulbs. Here are some tips:
| Lighting Filters | Place a red gel filter and a white filter in front of a light source. Adjust the intensity of each to control the color. |
| RGB Bulbs | Use bulbs that mix red, green and blue light. Increase the red and blue channels to make pink hues. |
Computer screens and LED lights also mix colors using RGB channels. By increasing red and decreasing blue and green, various pink tones can be created digitally.
Natural Sources of Pink
In nature, pink appears in some flowers, animals, and minerals. Here are a few examples:
| Cherry Blossoms | These blooms have soft pink petals, ranging from pale pink to vibrant magenta. |
| Flamingos | Flamingos get their pink hue from the carotenoid pigments in the shrimp and algae they eat. |
| Rhodochrosite | This vivid pink mineral contains manganese oxide which gives it its rosy color. |
Pink also appears in sunrises, sunsets, and alpine glow when red and white light mix in the atmosphere. Nature provides beautiful examples of pink color blending.
Conclusion
Pink is created by mixing red and white pigments or light. The ratio can be adjusted to create vivid hot pinks or soft pastel pinks. While red and white make a pure pink, adding colors like purple, orange or brown alters the shade and undertone. Pink can be mixed with paint, icing, lighting, and in nature. Understanding the basics of blending red and white helps create stunning pink tones and hues for any purpose.
