Red is a bold, warm, and attention-grabbing color that is associated with intensity and passion. It comes in many shades and varieties, each with their own unique names and characteristics. Exploring the diverse world of red hues and discovering their distinct identities is an illuminating exercise for artists, interior decorators, and anyone interested in color. In this article, we will examine some of the most popular types of red colors and delve into what makes them special.
The Main Red Pigments
Before surveying the varieties of red, it helps to understand where red color comes from. The two main red pigments used by painters and in manufacturing that produce the many shades of red are cadmium red and vermilion.
Cadmium red is a rich, warm red that leans slightly towards orange. It is made using cadmium sulfide and was a favorite of Matisse and Van Gogh. Vermilion is also a warm, orange-tinted red. However, it is lighter and brighter than cadmium red. Vermilion is a mercury compound and has been used as a pigment since ancient times. Both cadmium red and vermilion produce vivid, strong reds with excellent tinting strength. Many other red pigments are derived from these two core red colors.
The Primary Red – Red
The purest, most saturated red is simply called “red” or sometimes “primary red.” This red is the epitome of the color – a bold, passionate, unmixed hue. It lies exactly opposite green on the color wheel and draws the eye like no other color. Primary red is the red found in classic symbols like stop signs, fire engines, and Santa Claus’s suit. It represents concepts like danger, excitement, energy, and love.
In painting, primary red is made by mixing a warm cadmium or vermilion red with a cool bluish red. This balances the undertones and produces the true, intense red. Some examples of vivid primary reds are Naphthol Red, Cadmium Red Medium Hue, and Pyrrole Red. Primary red makes a striking accent color and gives energy to any painting.
Scarlet
Scarlet is an exuberant, lightly orange-infused red. It is associated with luxury and vibrancy. True scarlet contains no traces of blue – only pure primary red with a dash of yellow. The name comes from the rich red cloth historically worn by nobility and the clergy.
Some examples of scarlet pigments are Cadmium Scarlet, Pyrrole Scarlet, and Perylene Scarlet. These are all transparent staining colors that deliver vivid results. Scarlet is commonly seen in fashion, product branding, and home furnishings. A bright scarlet injects a sense of drama and sensuality into designs.
Crimson
Crimson is a rich, deep red with a slight blue undertone. It is regal and elegant, evoking images of monarchs, opulence, and ceremony. The distinctive blue tinge gives it a cooler, less orangey appearance than many reds.
Historically, crimson was produced using the precious kermes insect. Today, modern synthetic pigments like Quinacridone Crimson offer the same sumptuous color. Crimson dyes and paints were originally very expensive, befitting the noble image of the color. It is now more widely available and popular for home decor, clothing, and art.
Burgundy
Burgundy is a sophisticated, wine-reminiscent red that conjures up visions of velvet drapes and cigars in an aristocratic study. It is a dark, muted red with plenty of brown undertones. The name comes from the Burgundy region of France, which is famous for its red wines.
In paint, true burgundy is made by mixing an earthy opaque red like Burnt Sienna with a transparent bluish red like Alizarin Crimson. This produces the subtle, deep tone. Burgundy works beautifully in interior design, formalwear, packaging, and art where you want to create an air of refinement.
Carmine
Carmine is a clear, cool red with reduced warmth and very little yellow/orange. It lies closer to magenta on the color wheel than orange-red. Carmine was originally made from cochineal – tiny insects that produced the coveted crimson dye. Now synthetic reds reproduce the distinctive carmine hue.
Carmine is electrically vibrant yet soft. Painters mix it with blues and purples to generate rich shadows and glowing blush tones. Carmine also graces anything from clothing to food coloring with its distinctively vivid flush. It pairs naturally with shades like fuchsia and periwinkle.
Vermilion
As a pure, saturated orange-red, vermilion has serious impact. It is energetic and attention-grabbing. Historically, vermilion came from the mineral cinnabar and was associated with Spanish explorers and the Chinese empire. Today it is synthesized artificially.
Vermilion energizes any painting with its unmistakable zest. However, it can easily overpower other hues, so it is best used in moderation. Vermilion is also bold and confident in home decor, graphic design, and fashion. It expresses excitement, celebration, enthusiasm, and power.
Ruby
Ruby captures the essence of red – passionate, lively, and confident. It is a rich, balanced red that draws the eye without being overbearing. The name comes from the ruby gemstone, which exhibits a glowing pure red.
When painting rubies, mixing warm cadmium red with a cooler red like Alizarin Crimson produces a nicely blended ruby. Rubies inject energy into artwork without clashing. They also feel elegant and lively in fashion, branding, and interior design. Overall, ruby red conveys love, vitality, and cheerfulness.
Maroon
Maroon is a darkened, brownish crimson red associated with autumn and winter. It feels warm, earthy, and comfortable. Originally, the word “maroon” referred to fugitive slaves who formed independent mountain settlements in the Caribbean.
In paint, maroon is made by blending reds with umber, sienna, and black. It creates a cozy, soothing tone. Maroon is ubiquitous in winter clothing and looks classic in leather armchairs or rich curtains. It also pairs well with evergreen, terra cotta, mustard, and cream.
Cabernet
Cabernet is the deep reddish-purple tone seen in cabernet sauvignon wine. It is sophisticated and subtle, bringing to mind images of dining out or wine tasting. Cabernet contains more blue and purple than true reds.
Painters can mix Alizarin and French Ultramarine to achieve a rich cabernet. It works well glazed over blacks or blues. Cabernet also feels luxurious and refined in formalwear, chocolate packaging, and spa products. Overall, it suggests maturity, elegance, and depth.
Fire Engine Red
Fire engine red is an electrifying, full-powered red specially formulated to stand out. Emergency vehicles and stop signs use this attention-grabbing hue precisely because the eye perceives it so distinctively. It truly looks like red at its most intense chroma.
Achieving this effect with paint requires a special mix of warm and cool reds to maximize the color saturation. Fire engine red represents unmistakable visibility and urgency. It cuts through any environment dynamically. It also energizes displays, packaging, and announcements when you really want to get noticed.
Chinese Red
Chinese red, also known as Chinese vermilion, is an exotic, warming red with an orange/yellow undertone. In China, red symbolizes luck, joy, and prosperity. Chinese red appears on temples, banners, lacquerware, and more.
Painters can mix Cadmium Red or Vermilion with white to produce a bright Chinese red. The color conveys celebration, luck, and warmth. It also stands out beautifully on dark backgrounds. Chinese red feels ornate and auspicious in home decor, products, and graphic design.
Raspberry
Raspberry captures the delectable color of ripe raspberries. It is a rich pink-red that feels sweet, fruity, and mouthwatering. When painters mix a little white into carmine or crimson reds, it lightens them to raspberry hues.
Raspberry looks delicious on cakes, confections, beverages, and gelatos. It also evokes floral beauty in lipsticks, blushes, and cosmetics. And it makes a fun, feminine accent color in fashion and decor. Overall, raspberry conveys summer charm, sweetness, and indulgence.
Rose Red
Rose red is the soft, lush red of rose blossoms. It is gentle and romantic rather than bold. Rose red leans towards pink and involves plenty of white mixed into a crimson base. Painters often layer colors to build up translucent rose red glazes.
In design, rose red feels feminine, delicate, and loving. It naturally suits flower motifs, perfumes, chocolates, and wedding themes. Light rose reds also make pretty fashion and makeup colors for creating a soft, rosy glow. Overall, rose red conveys tenderness, affection, and poetry.
Oxblood
Oxblood draws its name from the deep reddish-brown color of ox blood. It is a very dark muted red that can look almost burgundy or chocolate brown. Oxblood has an antiqued, vintage look.
Painters can mix burnt sienna, maroon, and black to produce an oxblood effect. Its mood is sober, old-fashioned, and somber. Oxblood lends a classic look to leather shoes, bags, and furniture. It also suits academic interiors, antique shops, and period costumes. Overall, it conjures up antiquity, seriousness, and tradition.
Cardinal
Cardinal red captures the distinctive scarlet shade worn by Catholic cardinals. It is a vivid, clean red tempered with a little blue to avoid looking orangey. The eye strongly discerns its pure, saturated redness.
Painters can mix a pure primary red with a hint of ultramarine blue to produce cardinal. It makes a striking accent against darker neutrals. Cardinal red suggests formality and high rank. It stands out elegantly in uniforms, academic robes, and religious attire.
Conclusion
The red family encompasses an exciting diversity of vivid, energizing hues. From bold primary red to refined burgundy, red offers an expressive range. Vermilion, crimson, ruby, carmine, and other red varieties each transmit their own nuanced moods. By harnessing the power of red thoughtfully, artists and designers can make a memorable visual statement and bring energy to their work.
