Red is a primary color that can be produced by mixing other colors together. The specific combination of colors that creates red depends on whether you are working with additive colors, like light, or subtractive colors, like paint pigments. By understanding color theory and the color wheel, we can determine what two colors combine to make red.
Additive vs. Subtractive Color Mixing
There are two main color models that are used – additive and subtractive. Additive color mixing involves light. The primary additive colors are red, green, and blue. When you mix all three of these colors of light together, they produce white light. Computer and TV screens use additive color mixing with RGB pixels to create images.
Subtractive color mixing involves pigments, dyes, inks, and paints. The primary subtractive colors are cyan, magenta, and yellow. When you mix all three of these pigments together, they produce black. Printers use subtractive color mixing with CMYK inks to create printed images.
So to determine what makes red, we need to consider whether we are mixing colors of light or pigments. The combinations will be different based on the color model.
Additive Color Mixing
With additive color mixing, red is a primary color. This means it cannot be created by mixing other colors – red light is needed to produce red. You cannot make red by mixing green and blue light together.
However, you can make different hues of red by mixing it with the other primary colors:
- Red + Green = Yellowish orange/amber
- Red + Blue = Magenta/hot pink
By varying the proportions of the mixed colors, you can produce different shades of red. But pure red light is needed as a base.
Subtractive Color Mixing
With subtractive color mixing using pigments, red is created by mixing two primary colors – magenta and yellow:
| Magenta pigment | + | Yellow pigment | = | Red |
On the color wheel used in art and design, red sits between magenta and yellow. By mixing more or less of the two colors, you can create different shades and hues of red.
Some examples of combinations that can make red are:
- Magenta + Orange (which contains yellow)
- Deep magenta + Lemon yellow
- Alizarin crimson (cool red) + Cadmium yellow (warm yellow)
The exact ratio needed depends on the starting colors and the desired red hue. But in general, mixing a vibrant magenta with a bright yellow will produce red.
Tertiary Colors
In additive color mixing, red cannot be created from other colors. But with subtractive color mixing, red is considered a tertiary color, meaning it is created by combining two primary colors.
The other tertiary colors created from primary pigment combinations are:
- Cyan + Yellow = Green
- Cyan + Magenta = Blue
- Magenta + Yellow = Red
So red pigment is the result of mixing the primary subtractive colors of magenta and yellow. The specific proportions can be adjusted to create different shades and hues.
Color Wheel Relationships
The color wheel illustrates the systematic relationships between colors. Looking at the wheel shows us how combining magenta and yellow, located on either side of red, will logically mix together to create red.
Other useful color combinations related to red that the wheel shows us are:
- Red’s complementary color is Green
- Red’s triadic colors are Blue and Yellow
- Red’s analogous colors are Magenta and Orange
These color relationships help artists and designers choose harmonious color combinations for aesthetically pleasing results.
Light vs. Pigment Summary
In summary:
- Additive red light cannot be created by mixing other colors – red light is necessary
- Subtractive red pigment is created by mixing magenta and yellow pigments
The intermixing of red’s complement green, triadic colors blue and yellow, and analogous colors magenta and orange can create a wide range of rich and vibrant red hues and shades.
Uses of Red
Now that we understand how to make red, let’s look at some of its uses. Red is a bold, intense color that has symbolism associated with it:
- Passion, love, danger
- Energy, strength, power
- Action, excitement, speed
Here are some examples of how red is used:
- Traffic signs and signals – Red commands attention and alerts us to stop, danger, or warnings
- Branding – Companies like Netflix, YouTube, Coca-Cola, Canon use red in their logos to stand out
- Food products – Bright red apples, tomatoes, cherries, meat indicate ripeness and freshness
- Clothing and makeup – Red dresses, lipstick, and Valentine’s roses signify romance and seduction
Varying shades of red can evoke slightly different feelings from bright, bold scarlet to deeper burgundy or mars red. But in all its variations, red attracts attention and conveys passion and excitement.
Psychology of Red
Research into the psychology of color shows that red provokes strong reactions in humans. Our eyes are drawn to red quickly compared to other colors. Red boosts our metabolism, blood pressure, respiration, and heart rate.
In the brain, red is associated with survival and threat instincts. Our ancestors evolved to be alerted by the red of blood and flames. Today we retain that innate reaction – both attraction and aversion – to the color.
Red is emotionally intense and stimulating. Studies show red can:
- Increase appetite – that’s why it’s prevalent in fast food logos
- Boost attraction and arousal – red clothing makes the wearer appear more desirable
- Increase aggressiveness and competitiveness – athletes choose to wear red to intimidate opponents
- Raise motivation and performance – tests showed solving challenging puzzles was faster in red environments
But too much red can also provoke anxiety, so it’s best used in moderation. Overall red conjures up a visceral, gut reaction in people that is unlike any other color.
Conclusion
Red is a vivid color with a striking visual impact. In additive color systems, red is a primary color. In subtractive systems like paint and pigment, red arises from combining the primary colors magenta and yellow on the color wheel. Red commands attention, signifies danger and excitement, and stimulates strong psychological and physiological reactions in humans.
