Yellow is a bright, warm color that is often associated with sunshine, happiness and optimism. In the visual arts, yellow is a primary color and it can be created by mixing other colors together. When it comes to painting, there are two main ways to make the color yellow.
Combining Primary Colors
The first way to make yellow is by combining the primary colors red and green. Primary colors are sets of colors that can be mixed together to create all the other colors on the color wheel. The primary colors are red, blue and yellow.
Red and green are on opposite sides of the color wheel from each other. When blended together, they make the secondary color yellow. The more red is added, the more orange the yellow becomes. The more green is added, the more lime green the yellow becomes. Mixing equal parts red and green results in a pure, lemony yellow.
Combining Paint Colors
The second way to make yellow is by mixing complementary paint colors together. Complementary colors are located directly across from each other on the color wheel. They create a strong contrast when placed next to each other.
The complement of yellow is violet. Mixing yellow and violet paint colors together will also result in a yellow color. Yellow is the dominant color in this mixture, with the violet dulling it down slightly and giving it some grayish tones.
| Color 1 | Color 2 | Resulting Color |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Green | Yellow |
| Yellow | Violet | Yellow with grayish tone |
The table above summarizes the two color combinations that result in yellow. While both methods create a yellow color, mixing primary colors red and green provides the purest and brightest yellow.
Tertiary Colors for Yellow
In addition to primary and complementary colors, yellow can also be made by mixing two tertiary colors together. Tertiary colors are created by combining a primary color with a secondary color. There are 6 tertiary colors within the color wheel.
Two tertiary color combinations that can make yellow are:
- Orange + Chartreuse Green
- Orange + Spring Green
Orange contains red and yellow, while chartreuse green and spring green contain yellow and green. Mixing an orange paint with either chartreuse or spring green will result in a lively, zesty yellow.
Warm and Cool Yellows
Not all yellows are the same brightness and temperature. Depending on which colors are mixed together, yellow can take on warm, fiery tones or cool, spring-like tones.
Here are some examples of color combinations that create warm and cool yellows:
| Warm Yellows | Cool Yellows |
|---|---|
| Red + Lemon Yellow | Green + Lemon Yellow |
| Orange + Cadmium Yellow | Viridian Green + Cadmium Yellow |
| Scarlet + Yellow Ochre | Emerald Green + Yellow Ochre |
Warm yellows contain more red, orange and yellow ochre tones. Cool yellows contain more green, viridian and lemon yellow tones. Adjusting the color combinations provides a wide range of vibrant yellow hues.
Lightening and Darkening Yellow
The brightness and saturation of yellow can also be adjusted by adding white, black or complementary colors.
To lighten or brighten a yellow, add white paint. This creates a tinted yellow with a lighter, softer tone. For example, mixing white with cadmium yellow will produce a pale lemon color.
To shade or darken a yellow, add black paint. This makes a shaded yellow with a deeper, earthy tone. Mixing black with yellow ochre makes a golden brown color.
Adding small amounts of a yellow’s complement, violet, can also darken and mute a yellow. The violet grayness neutralizes the yellow brightness. A touch of violet can turn bright lemon yellow into a mustard tone.
Color Theory for Mixing Yellow
Understanding some basic principles of color theory can help when learning to mix shades of yellow. Here are some useful tips to keep in mind:
- Use the primary colors red and green to get the brightest yellow. Combine in equal parts for pure yellow.
- Mix secondaries yellow and violet for a more muted, grayed yellow.
- Try combining tertiary colors like orange and chartreuse for lively yellows.
- Add warm colors like red, orange and yellow ochre for fiery golden yellows.
- Use cool colors like green, viridian and lemon for spring-like yellows.
- Lighten yellow with white and darken it with black or violet.
With a basic understanding of color combinations and color theory, mixing new yellow shades becomes an enjoyable and creative experiment. Don’t be afraid to try unusual color pairings and see what interesting hues you can invent.
Creative Uses for Yellow
Now that you know how to mix yellow paint, here are some creative ways to use this cheery color in your artwork and designs:
- Paint sunny landscapes with bright, warm yellows
- Use light lemon yellows for a spring flower painting
- Choose mustard or golden yellows for an autumn scene
- Add sunny yellow accents to colorful abstract paintings
- Highlight important elements in illustrations with vibrant yellow
- Use a range of yellow shades in a cheerful color study
- Incorporate yellow into crazy, psychedelic color schemes
Yellow’s association with joy, positivity and energy makes it a wonderful color for adding visual interest and dynamism to artwork. Don’t be afraid to go bold with lots of yellow. Used creatively, this shade can really make a painting pop.
Mixing Yellow with Other Colors
Yellow is an extremely versatile color that can be mixed with any other hue to transform it. Here are some examples of how yellow mixes with other pigments:
- Yellow + Red = Orange
- Yellow + Blue = Green
- Yellow + Purple = Tones down intensity of purple
- Yellow + Pink = Peach, Melon, Light Orange
- Yellow + Brown = Mustard, Khaki, Tan
- Yellow + Gray = Buttery Yellow, Pale Lemon
- Yellow + Black = Olive, Dirty Gold
- Yellow + White = Lighter Tints of Yellow
Trying out different mixes leads to an endless palette of original colors. See what interesting shades you can create by blending yellow with your other favorite pigments.
Applying Yellow Paint
Here are some tips for working with and applying yellow paint:
- Use a clean, dry brush to prevent dulling or muddying your yellows
- Build up the color slowly in thin layers for best results
- Avoid overmixing yellow – it can start to look chalky
- Glaze over dark base coats to make yellows pop and glow
- Use thick applications of yellow for textured, impasto effects
- Mix enough paint for the entire area you want to cover
- Clean your palette and brushes well between colors
With a little care, yellow paint can be applied beautifully. Experiment to find techniques that work for the effects you want to achieve.
Ready-Made Yellow Paints
While mixing your own yellow tones is rewarding, you can also buy pre-mixed yellow paints. Some common types of manufactured yellow pigments include:
- Cadmium Yellow
- Hansa Yellow
- Lemon Yellow
- Azo Yellow
- Quinacridone Yellow
- Pthalo Yellow
- Indanthrone Yellow
Each brand and variety will have a slightly different hue. Having a range allows you to quickly grab the perfect shade for your project. Mixing custom yellows offers endless options.
Storing Mixed Yellow Paint
To save mixed custom yellow paint for future projects, transfer it from the palette to an airtight container. Glass or acrylic jars work well for storage. Cover the surface with plastic wrap before securing the lid.
Write the color name, brand and mix ratio on the container with a marker. Store paints in a cool, dark place to preserve the pigments. The paint may need slight remixing after storage to regain its consistency.
With proper care, custom mixed paints can be saved for many months. Keep your yellow mixes on hand so you can easily access that perfect hue whenever inspiration strikes.
Conclusion
Yellow is an energetic, cheerful color that can be mixed in many ways. Combining primary colors red and green makes a pure, bright yellow. Mixing secondaries yellow and violet creates a more muted yellow. Adding warm colors like orange and cool colors like green results in a wide spectrum of yellow tones. With a basic grasp of color theory, you can experiment with different paints to mix the perfect yellow for your artistic vision.
