Making a color mixing chart is a useful skill for any artist looking to expand their knowledge of color theory and blend new hues. With some basic supplies and a systematic approach, both beginning and experienced painters can create a personalized color mixing reference to use again and again.
What is a color mixing chart?
A color mixing chart is a reference tool that shows what colors can be created by blending different pigments together. It allows artists to experiment with combining paints and quickly look up recipes for mixing specific shades. While color mixing guides are available commercially, many artists prefer to make their own charts tailored to the particular paints and ratios they prefer to use.
Color mixing charts come in many formats, but will typically include some arrangement of color swatches along with notes about the pigments and mixtures used to create each swatch. They allow artists to visualize relationships between colors and gain an intuitive understanding of color theory and blending techniques.
Why make your own color mixing chart?
Here are some of the key benefits of creating your own personalized color mixing reference:
- Tailor it to your preferred paints and color palette
- Control the ratios of mixtures you want to document
- Learn through hands-on color blending experimentation
- Visual reference instantly at your fingertips while painting
- Expand your color mixing knowledge over time by adding to it
- Gain a deeper understanding of your materials and their color properties
While pre-printed color mixing guides can be handy, they are more limited than creating your own customizable chart based on your unique needs and learning style as an artist.
How to make your color mixing chart
Follow these steps to create your own color mixing reference:
1. Gather your materials
You’ll need pigments to blend, a mixing surface, and a surface to create the chart itself. Recommended materials include:
- Paints – Acrylics, oils, gouache, or watercolors. Limit your chart to an appropriate number for your chosen medium.
- A palette or plastic plate for mixing. White is best to see true colors.
- Paper or canvas for the chart. White and gradated color backgrounds offer flexibility.
- Brushes and a water container as needed for the paints.
2. Select your color palette
Choose which specific paint colors you want to include on your chart. Aim for 6-12 colors in a single medium depending on how extensive you want your chart to be. Remember you can always add more colors later. Options include:
- Primary colors (red, blue, yellow)
- Secondary colors made by mixing primaries
- Premixed convenience colors like teals, oranges, purples
- Earth tones, greens, neutrals – whatever you use frequently
- A monochromatic chart focusing on shades of a single hue
3. Determine the layout
Plan how you want to arrange your color mixtures on the page. Some options include:
- Grouping by primary, secondary, tertiary colors
- Arranging from light to dark
- Ordering by adjacent colors on the color wheel
- A grid of columns based on different ratio mixtures
Leave space between mixtures to add your notes. Allow room to expand your chart in the future as well.
4. Mix and match colors
Now the fun begins! Use your palette to experiment blending together different combinations of your selected paints. Mix varying ratios like:
- 50/50 mixes of two colors
- 25/75 mixes favoring more of one color
- A gradation adding increasing amounts of a color
- Mixes using three or more colors
Make sure to add a dab of any single colors you want to reference too. Document your discoveries as you go.
5. Record your color combinations
For each unique blend you create, add a swatch of it to your chart along with notes about the mixture. Include details like:
- Names of the colors and ratios used
- Visual observations about the hue, tint, and tone
- How transparent or opaque the blend is
- Texture and handling properties of the paint mixture
Be as scientific or creative as you desire with your notes to make the chart as practical or expressive as you wish.
6. Define the swatches
Paint larger swatches of your color combinations next to your notes defining each one. Aim for square swatches at least 1 inch or so in size. Leaving space between them helps distinguish each swatch.
Repeat any swatches as needed on separate areas of your chart to have quick color references all ready to go while painting. You can connect duplicate swatches with arrows or lines to indicate the same mixture is in multiple locations.
7. Add color names and tints
Once your main color mixtures are mapped out, you can further develop your chart by:
- Naming each swatch if colors don’t have obvious names
- Adding tints by lightening colors with white
- Noting complements on opposite sides of the color wheel
Add these extra references as you build familiarity and skill with your chosen palette of paints.
8. Leave room for growth
Be sure to leave blank areas on your chart to keep filling it in over time. Once you master mixing the basics, continue expanding your swatches by:
- Exploring more exotic paint mixtures
- Testing new paint colors as you acquire them
- Marking favorite combinations you discover
- Reserving space for future inspiration and learning
Let your color mixing chart evolve alongside your artistic journey!
Tips for making an effective color mixing chart
Follow these tips for getting the most out of your color mixing reference:
- Label clearly – Write out ratios and color names without abbreviating so info is easy to understand later.
- Include white and black – Adding white makes tints, black makes shades for useful color variations.
- Mix consistent ratios – Be precise mixing set ratios like 50/50 to allow direct color comparisons.
- Note properties – Describe how each blend handles for your medium so you can recreate it reliably.
- Swatch neutrals too – Don’t forget to mix grays, browns, and other earthy tones.
- Consider permanence – Use permanent pigments if making an oil painting reference to avoid color shifts over time.
Color Mixing Chart Examples
To give you ideas and inspiration, here are a few examples of basic color mixing charts made using common primary color pigments:
RYB Color Mixing
This chart maps out mixtures using the traditional red, yellow, and blue primaries commonly used in painting:
| Red | Orange | Yellow |
| Purple | Red + Blue | Green |
| Blue | Violet | Blue + Yellow |
RYGB Color Mixing
This expanded chart includes green as a primary color for richer mixing possibilities:
| Red | Red + Yellow | Yellow | Yellow + Blue |
| Red + Blue | Red + Yellow + Blue | Yellow + Blue | Blue |
| Red + Blue + Yellow | Red + Green | Yellow + Green | Blue + Green |
| Green | Red + Green + Blue | Yellow + Green + Blue | Green + Blue |
Monochromatic Mixing
This chart displays a range of shades and tints for a single hue:
| Cobalt Blue + White | Cobalt Blue | Cobalt Blue + Ultramarine Blue |
| Cobalt Blue + Titanium White | Cobalt Blue + Ultramarine Blue + White | Cobalt Blue + Ultramarine Blue + Mars Black |
Troubleshooting color mixing issues
Use your color mixing chart to troubleshoot and problem solve when issues arise in the painting process. Here are some potential problems and solutions:
Colors look different when blended
– Confirm ratios match your chart and adjust as needed.
– Some colors naturally shift hue when mixed. Make note on your chart.
New mixtures are muddy or dull
– Allow time for layers to dry first. Wet-on-wet blending mutes vibrancy.
– Too much white makes tints chalky. Add gradually until balanced.
– Use opaque pigments. Transparent ones won’t cover well when mixed.
Can’t mix exact swatch color again
– Recheck ratios used – sometimes small adjustments make a difference.
– Mark favorite mixtures you want to recreate consistently.
– Remake swatches over time as paints may settle and shift in the tube.
Paint separates when blending
– Some pigments naturally repel each other. Try a third bridging color.
– Add medium or water to improve blending of stubborn mixtures.
– Switch paint consistency between thin and thick layers for better fusion.
Conclusion
Learning how to make your own color mixing chart is one of the most useful skills an artist can develop. Let the act of creating your personalized reference guide deepen your understanding of color relationships while also giving you a handy tool to use for endless painting projects. Allow your chart to grow and evolve with you as you continue mastering color mixing and developing your artistic abilities.
