Green is one of the three primary colors, along with red and blue. When green is mixed with either of the other two primary colors, it forms a secondary color. The two secondary colors that can be made by mixing green with another primary color are yellow-green and blue-green.
Mixing Green and Red Makes Yellow-Green
When green and red light mix together, the result is yellow. This is because green and red are on opposite sides of the color wheel. Green has a wavelength of 495-570 nm and red has a wavelength of 620-750 nm. When these overlap, they stimulate both the red and green color receptors in the eye, which the brain interprets as yellow.
The same principle applies when mixing green and red pigments. Green paint contains pigments that absorb red light and reflect green light. Red paint absorbs green light and reflects red light. When mixed together, both red and green light are absorbed, while yellow light is reflected back. This creates the secondary color yellow-green.
There are many different shades of yellow-green depending on the proportion of green and red used. Mixing a large amount of green with a small amount of red will create a yellowish green. Using more equal parts green and red will make a truer yellow-green. Here are some specific shades of yellow-green:
- Chartreuse – A yellowish green named after a French liqueur.
- Green-yellow – A color between green and yellow on the color wheel.
- Lawn green – A bright yellowish green named after healthy grass.
- Spring bud – A light yellow-green, like new leaves in spring.
- Yellow-green – A secondary color midway between green and yellow.
Yellow-green sits between the primary colors green and red on the color wheel. It combines the earthy qualities of green with the bright cheerfulness of yellow. Yellow-green evokes the freshness of spring and is associated with new growth and renewal.
Mixing Green and Blue Makes Blue-Green
When green light and blue light mix together, the result is a bluish-green cyan color. Green light has wavelengths of 495-570 nm while blue light is in the range of 450-495 nm. Where these wavelengths overlap, the eye perceives the color cyan or blue-green.
In terms of pigments, green paint absorbs red light while reflecting green. Blue paint absorbs red and green light while reflecting blue. When green and blue pigments mix, both red light and some green light are absorbed. What remains visible is predominantly blue light with some green light, creating a blue-green secondary color.
Varying the ratio of green and blue produces different shades of blue-green, including:
- Aquamarine – A medium blue-green named after the colors of seawater.
- Cyan – A primary color in the CMYK color model used for printing.
- Teal – A dark blue-green similar to the color of a teal bird’s plumage.
- Turquoise – A greenish-blue named after the gemstone.
- Blue-green – The secondary color midway between blue and green.
Blue-green sits opposite red on the color wheel, combining the calm stability of blue with the vitality of green. It evokes images of the sky meeting the ocean and is associated with water, tranquility and health.
The Mixing Rules for Green’s Secondary Colors
When mixing green with another primary color to make a secondary color, there are a couple key rules to follow:
- Mixing green light with red light makes yellow.
- Mixing green light with blue light makes cyan (blue-green).
- Mixing green pigment with red pigment makes a yellow-green.
- Mixing green pigment with blue pigment makes a blue-green.
- The more green used, the greener the resulting secondary color will be.
- Equal parts green and the other primary make a true yellow-green or blue-green.
Understanding these basic principles of color theory allows artists to mix a wide range of shades of yellow-green and blue-green. Variations in brightness and saturation can create new shades like neon green-yellow or deep teal.
Properties of Green’s Secondary Colors
The two secondary colors made by mixing green with red or blue have unique properties and symbolism.
Yellow-Green
- Located between green and yellow on the color wheel.
- Combines the vitality of yellow and the harmony of green.
- Represents spring, renewal, and new growth.
- Bright and cheerful like its component yellow.
- More balanced and mellow than bright yellow.
Blue-Green
- Located between green and blue on the color wheel.
- Combines the tranquility of blue and growth of green.
- Represents water, nature, environmentalism.
- Soothing and calming like its component blue.
- Also refreshing and inviting like green.
Artists and designers use the symbolism and aesthetics associated with these secondary colors to evoke certain moods and emotions.
Complementary Colors
The complementary color for each of green’s secondary colors is the primary color opposite it on the color wheel:
- The complementary color of yellow-green is red-purple.
- The complementary color of blue-green is red-orange.
Complementary color pairs contrast strongly, which can create vibrant and visually striking color combinations. However, complementaries can also clash if not used carefully. Analogous and triadic color schemes are alternatives that offer a subtler contrast.
Uses of Green’s Secondary Colors
Yellow-green and blue-green have many uses across design, fashion, marketing, printing, and beyond:
Yellow-Green
- Representing renewal and fresh growth in spring
- Evoking a fresh, invigorating mood
- Pairing with blues and purples to create light spring palettes
- Adding a pop of brightness to dark neutrals like grays and browns
- Creating a retro 1970s look
Blue-Green
- Representing water, sky, and environmental causes
- Creating a tranquil, relaxing mood
- Pairing with oranges and reds as a complementary scheme
- Providing a natural accent to neutrals
- Making bold, dramatic statements in dark shades
Both secondary colors work well in evoking natural themes. Yellow-green brings to mind new leaves and grass in spring, while blue-green suggests tropical seas and skies. When used effectively, these colors can add energy and atmosphere to any design.
Examples of Green’s Secondary Colors in Use
Here are some examples of yellow-green and blue-green used effectively in various industries:
Yellow-Green
- Chartreuse liqueur bottles
- Sports team colors (Green Bay Packers, Oakland Athletics)
- Caterpillar’s construction equipment
- Packaging for natural/eco-friendly consumer goods
- Accent colors in interior design
Blue-Green
- Environmental group logos
- Waterpark and aquatic center branding
- Spa and wellness marketing materials
- Seafood restaurant interiors
- Turquoise jewelry
These examples illustrate the lively, natural themes these secondary colors can represent. Bright yellow-greens grab attention, while deeper blue-greens promote relaxation. Using these colors strategically can reinforce organizational goals or product benefits.
How to Mix Custom Yellow-Greens and Blue-Greens
With basic color theory, you can mix a wide range of custom yellow-green and blue-green shades. Here are some tips:
Yellow-Green
- Start with a green and add small amounts of yellow, red, or orange
- Increase brightness by adding more yellow
- Deepen with a touch of brown or black
- Desaturate with white, gray, or the complement (purple)
Blue-Green
- Start with a green and add small amounts of blue or cyan
- Increase brightness with more green
- Mute with a neutral gray or brown
- Desaturate with white, black, or the complement (orange)
Test colors on a blank canvas to perfect the hue. Once the desired secondary is mixed, it can be saved and reproduced for future projects.
Conclusion
Green is a dynamic primary color that mixes with red and blue to form the secondary colors yellow-green and blue-green. These colors combine the vitality of green with the joy of yellow and tranquility of blue. Yellow-green evokes spring and new growth, while blue-green suggests water, sky, and environmentalism.
Understanding color theory allows artists and designers to strategically use these colors to evoke the desired emotions and associations. Vibrant yellow-greens energize, while soothing blue-greens create serene moods. Using green’s secondary colors effectively can bring any creative vision to life visually.
With the right color combinations, the possibilities with green’s secondary colors are endless. Whether seeking to inspire renewal in spring or promote aquatic serenity, yellow-green and blue-green offer dynamic options for vivid and natural color palettes.
