Orange and purple are complementary colors on the color wheel, meaning they are directly opposite each other. When blended together, they make a striking and vibrant color combination. But before we get into the specific colors that make orange and purple, let’s break down the basics.
What is the Color Wheel?
The color wheel is a circular diagram that shows the relationship between colors. It’s a useful tool for understanding color theory. The color wheel shows three primary colors – red, yellow and blue. By mixing the primary colors in different combinations and ratios, you can create all the other colors on the wheel.
There are also three secondary colors that are created by mixing two primary colors – orange, green and purple. Orange is made by mixing red and yellow. Green is made by mixing yellow and blue. Purple is made by mixing red and blue.
Complementary Colors
Complementary colors are any two colors that are directly opposite each other on the color wheel. Some examples of complementary color pairs:
| Red | Green |
| Yellow | Purple |
| Orange | Blue |
When complementary colors are mixed together, they neutralize each other. This means they create a grey, white or brown shade. However, when placed side-by-side, complementary colors create a vibrant contrast that draws attention.
Making Orange
As mentioned above, the primary colors that make orange are red and yellow. By mixing different amounts of red and yellow paint, ink or light, you can create different hues and shades of orange.
Here are some examples of red and yellow mixes that make orange colors:
– Mixing a larger amount of red with a smaller amount of yellow makes a reddish-orange color.
– Mixing an equal amount of red and yellow makes a pure orange.
– Mixing a larger amount of yellow with a smaller amount of red makes a yellowish-orange color.
– Adding a small amount of red to a large amount of yellow makes a light peach color.
– Adding a large amount of red to a small amount of yellow makes a deep crimson orange.
Making Purple
The primary colors that make purple are red and blue. Just like with orange, you can mix red and blue in different ratios to create different shades and tones of purple.
Here are some examples:
– Mixing a larger amount of red with a smaller amount of blue makes a reddish-purple.
– Mixing an equal amount of red and blue makes a pure purple.
– Mixing a larger amount of blue with a smaller amount of red makes a bluish-purple.
– Adding a small amount of blue to a large amount of red makes a pale lavender.
– Adding a large amount of blue to a small amount of red makes a deep indigo.
Making Orange and Purple Together
When creating a palette with both orange and purple, you’ll want to pay attention to the red content in each color.
For example, an orange with a lot of red mixed in will look best alongside a purple with less red and more blue. This creates enough contrast between the two colors.
Some examples of orange and purple combinations:
– Red-orange and blue-purple
– Orange and light lavender
– Peach and violet
– Burnt orange and plum
– Salmon and lilac
Avoid pairing a red-heavy orange with a red-heavy purple as they will end up looking too similar.
Conclusion
In summary, the primary colors that make orange are red and yellow, while the primaries that make purple are red and blue. By adjusting the ratios and amounts of the primaries, you can mix a wide range of orange and purple hues, tints and shades. When pairing orange and purple together, aim for enough contrast by balancing the red content in each color. With the right orange and purple combination, you can create an eye-catching color scheme.
