The color blue + violet refers to a mix of the colors blue and violet. When these two colors are combined, the resulting color is a shade that lies between blue and violet on the color wheel. To understand what color blue + violet makes, it is helpful to first look at the individual colors blue and violet.
Blue is a primary color and sits between green and violet on the color wheel. It is associated with calmness, stability, and productivity. Some shades of blue include navy, sky blue, and turquoise. Violet, on the other hand, is a secondary color made by mixing red and blue. It lies between blue and red on the wheel. Violet is associated with spirituality, royalty, and luxury. Some shades of violet include mauve, lilac, and purple.
When blue and violet are combined, the resulting color is a cool, rich shade that brings together the best qualities of both original colors. It is deeper and more complex than basic blue, but not as bold as pure violet. It has an air of sophistication and intrigue.
The Color Wheel
To better understand the mix of blue and violet, it is helpful to look at a color wheel. The color wheel arranges colors in a circle based on their relation to each other. Complementary colors sit opposite each other, while analogous colors sit side-by-side.
| Color | Degrees on Wheel |
|---|---|
| Red | 0° |
| Red-orange | 30° |
| Orange | 60° |
| Yellow-orange | 90° |
| Yellow | 120° |
| Yellow-green | 150° |
| Green | 180° |
| Blue-green | 210° |
| Blue | 240° |
| Blue-violet | 270° |
| Violet | 300° |
| Red-violet | 330° |
On the color wheel, blue sits at 240° while violet is at 300°. This means blue and violet are 60° apart, making them analogous colors. When analogous colors are combined, they create shades that are rich and harmonious.
Mixing Blue and Violet
When blending the blue and violet pigments, the resulting color will be a shade between the two original colors. It will carry undertones of both blue and violet. As more violet pigment is added to blue, the color will gradually shift from a blue-leaning mix toward a more violet-dominant shade.
Similarly, as more blue pigment is added to violet, the mix will become cooler and less intense than pure violet. By varying the proportions of each color, artists can create a wide spectrum of blue-violet hues. Some examples of shades that can be made by mixing blue and violet include:
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Periwinkle | Soft, light blue-violet |
| Blue-violet | Balanced mix of blue and violet |
| Violet-blue | Blue-dominant blue-violet |
| Royal purple | Deep, rich violet-blue |
| Electric indigo | Vibrant blue-violet |
The exact proportions needed to produce each shade will vary between color mediums. Mixing colored pigments requires different ratios than combining light colors (like on a computer screen). But no matter the medium, adding blue to violet and vice versa will produce lovely results.
Uses and Meanings
Blue-violet colors have many applications across art, fashion, decor, and beyond. Here are some common uses and color meanings associated with blue-violet hues:
| Use/Meaning | Description |
|---|---|
| calming | Blue-violet can promote relaxation in interior design. |
| spiritual | Deep blue-violets like indigo have spiritual symbolism. |
| luxury | Vivid violet-blues suggest riches and royalty. |
| night | Darker shades evoke nights and evenings. |
| imagination | Blue-violets can stir the imagination. |
In branding, blue-violets convey uniqueness and vision. Used in small pops, they can draw attention while still seeming refined. In fashion, blue-violet offers a bold yet elegant look. Lighter shades complement spring and summer styles, while darker hues match fall and winter. Across industries, blue-violet shades add depth and intrigue.
Mixing Tips
Here are some tips for mixing different shades of blue-violet:
– Use more violet than blue for bolder, richer shades. Use more blue for cooler, softer hues.
– Add white to lighten a blue-violet mix. Add black to darken and deepen the color.
– Use color theory to pick complementary and analogous shades that work well with a blue-violet palette.
– Look to nature like hydrangeas, irises, and water for blue-violet color inspiration.
– Test colors on a small scrap or swatch first to perfect the proportions.
– Adjust color mixing ratios based on the medium being used. More violet may be needed for paint than for dyed fabric.
– Photography apps like Instagram have preset blue-violet filters that can be applied to images.
With some practice and experimentation, blue and violet can be blended to create stunning new shades for any project or purpose. Exploring the mix of these two complementary colors is an excellent way to expand a color palette.
Conclusion
Blue and violet combine to make a rich, intriguing shade that brings together the best qualities of both colors. On the color wheel, blue and violet are 60° apart as analogous colors, creating harmonious blends when mixed. By adjusting the proportions of each color, a wide spectrum of sophisticated blue-violet hues can be made, ranging from light periwinkle to deep indigo. Blue-violet shades are associated with relaxation, spirituality, luxury, and imagination. They have many applications across art, fashion, decor, branding, and beyond. With some color mixing knowledge and experimentation, blue and violet can be blended seamlessly to suit any project needs. The hues produced by these two colors offer depth, elegance, and visual interest.