When light pink and light blue are mixed together, the resulting color is often described as a pastel purple or lavender shade. The exact hue that is produced depends on the specific shades of pink and blue used as well as the ratios in which they are mixed. By exploring color theory and the basics of mixing paints and light, we can gain a better understanding of what happens when these two colors combine.
Understanding the Color Wheel
On the traditional color wheel used by painters and artists, pink and blue are complementary colors located opposite each other. Complementary colors are any two colors that are directly across from each other on the wheel. Some examples of complementary pairs are red and green, yellow and purple, and orange and blue.
When complementary colors are mixed together, they have the effect of desaturating or “muddying” each other. This causes the resulting mixture to be a less intense, neutralized version of the two original colors. Mixing a color with its complement results in a grayscale shade.
Since pink and blue are not exact complements, mixing them together does not completely neutralize the colors. Blue contains some green, while pink contains some red and purple. The resulting blend retains some chroma or saturation from these non-common components.
The Physics of Mixing Colored Light
When working with paints and pigments, combining colors follows the rules of subtractive color mixing. This means that each color absorbs or subtracts certain wavelengths of light. However, mixing colored light relies on the principles of additive color mixing.
With light, the primary colors are red, green, and blue (RGB). Mixing varying intensities of these adds color wavelengths together to create a cumulative effect. Computer and television screens create color in this manner.
Some examples of mixing light colors:
– Red + Green = Yellow
– Green + Blue = Cyan (light blue)
– Red + Blue = Magenta (light pink)
Looking at the primary colors of light helps explain why pink and blue combine to make shades like lavender and lilac. Blue light mixed with red light yields magenta, which is a light pink. Adding this pink-toned magenta with the blue source color produces a light pastel purple.
Mixing Pink and Blue Paint
When working with paint, ink, dye, or other pigments, the colors follow subtractive color mixing principles instead. Because paints absorb certain wavelengths and reflect others, combining two paint colors means the mixture will only reflect what is common between them.
Pure red and pure green paints mix together to create black, since together they absorb all visible light wavelengths. Mixing more moderate shades, like a pink and light blue, retains some of the reflected wavelengths in common between them.
The resulting color has:
– Some blue from the blue paint pigment
– Some red from the pink paint pigment
– Less intensity than either original color
This makes a lavender, lilac, or light violet shade depending on the exact pink and blue used. A very pale pink and light sky blue makes an extremely light lavender pastel. Deep fuchsia pink and indigo blue blend to a richer purple hue. The ratios also influence the balance between pink and blue in the final mixed color.
Affected by Lighting Conditions
It’s important to note that the lighting conditions will also affect the look of the blended color. Under incandescent or candlelight, the warmth emphasizes yellows and oranges in a painting. This makes purple mixtures take on a more pink or red cast.
Under cool fluorescent lighting, blues and greens are accentuated. The purple blend will likely appear more bluish in this environment. Bright sunlight provides the most neutral “true color” revelation of the real mixed shade.
Examples of Pink and Blue Color Mixing
Here are some different examples of pinks and blues and the approximate shades they make when combined:
| Pink | Blue | Mixed Color |
|---|---|---|
| Baby pink | Sky blue | Very pale lavender |
| Cotton candy pink | Periwinkle blue | Light lilac |
| Orchid pink | Cornflower blue | Lavender purple |
| Magenta pink | Royal blue | Violet purple |
| Deep fuchsia | Navy blue | Dark violet |
As shown, the resulting colors fall along the spectrum from very pale purples to deep violets depending on the pink and blue components. Mixing light tints yields pastel lilacs, while strong, saturated shades make richer royal purples.
Psychology of Pink and Blue
Beyond just the physical color blending, the psychology and symbolism of the original colors also impact the feel of the mixed shade.
Pink is strongly associated with feminine qualities like nurturing, sweetness, and romance. It also represents joy, playfulness, and youthful innocence.
Blue is linked to depth, stability, wisdom, and masculinity. It is often described as a calming, tranquil color.
When pink and blue intersect in the middle, the resulting purple evokes some of the best aspects of both colors. Purples are often seen as mystical and spiritual colors associated with imagination and creativity. The whimsical, sweet quality of pink combined with the depth and wisdom of blue creates an enlightened, romantic color.
Light pink and blue mixtures are sometimes seen as having a traditional, antique feel. Darker pink and blue blends may seem more mysterious, magical, and luxurious.
Uses for Light Pink and Blue Colors
Some typical uses for colors generated by mixing light pinks and blues include:
– Baby shower decorations, nursery colors, and baby products
– Easter decorations involving eggs, bunnies, chicks, and spring flowers
– Feminine bedroom color schemes and accents
– Vintage-inspired goods like hats, teacups, and wedding decor
– Romantic products and packaging like candles and cosmetics
– Whimsical baked goods like cupcakes, macarons, and candy
– Children’s toys, clothing, and accessories
– Jewelry, fashion, and accessories requiring a touch of feminine flair
– Watercolor and oil paints for impressionist style floral paintings
The lightness, calmness, and tranquility of these colors also work well in relaxation spaces like spas. The vintage vibe fits a shabby chic cottage decor theme. Richer purples lend elegance to home decor, event spaces, offices, and luxury brands.
Conclusion
When combined, light pink and light blue make a distinctive range of pastel purples from airy lavenders to regal violets. The specific hue depends on the originating colors and ratios used. Mixing colored lights follows additive principles, while mixing pigments follows subtractive laws. Environmental lighting also may shift tones warmer or cooler.
These soft hues draw on the best symbolic qualities of both pink and blue. They evoke imagination, spirituality, and vintage romance. Pastel pinks and blues generate an ideal palette for baby items, Easter decor, nostalgic goods, and women’s fashion. The resulting purples retain a magical, mystical feeling. Mixing pink and blue creates a versatile color family with sweet sophistication.
