When mixing colors, the ratio of different pigments needed to make a new color depends on the properties of those starting pigments. To make green by mixing blue and yellow, the exact proportions needed will vary based on the specific shades of blue and yellow used. However, some general guidelines can help determine appropriate ratios to try when attempting to mix a green color.
The Color Wheel
The color wheel provides a useful visual representation of color relationships that can guide color mixing. The color wheel arranges colors by hue in a circular format. Colors that are across from each other on the wheel are considered complementary colors. Green is located between yellow and blue on the color wheel, meaning it can be made by mixing these two complementary colors.
When mixing complementary colors, adding more of one color will make the mix more like that color. For example, adding more yellow will shift the mix toward yellowish greens, while adding more blue will shift it toward bluish greens. Adjusting the ratio allows creating different green shades.
Starting Blue and Yellow Shades
When mixing colors, the specific shades of blue and yellow used as starting points impact the ratio needed. Mixing a darker blue with a lighter yellow will require more yellow to reach green than mixing a lighter blue with a darker yellow. Some combinations to consider:
- Dark blue + light yellow: More yellow needed
- Light blue + dark yellow: More blue needed
- Light blue + light yellow: Roughly equal parts
- Dark blue + dark yellow: Roughly equal parts
So the exact blue and yellow shades in the mix influence the ratio. But generally, green results from adding blue and yellow in similar proportions.
Recommended Starting Ratios
As a starting point, aim for a 1:1 ratio when mixing blue and yellow to make green. This means equal parts blue and yellow pigments. A good general guideline is:
| Blue | Yellow |
|---|---|
| 1 part | 1 part |
From there, adjust the ratio as needed based on the resulting color:
- More yellow for yellow-greens
- More blue for blue-greens
For convenience, premixed green paints are available in various hues and shades. Mixing from scratch allows customizing the exact green color.
Cyan Instead of Blue
When working with light instead of pigments, such as on a computer screen, cyan instead of blue can mix with yellow to make green. This is because cyan is one of the primary colors of light, along with magenta and yellow.
The equivalent starting ratio when mixing light is:
| Cyan | Yellow |
|---|---|
| 1 part | 1 part |
Again, adjust from there based on the desired green hue and shade.
Other Color Mixing Ratios
Using complementary colors is a common technique when mixing paint or light to create new hues. Other examples of color ratios include:
| Color 1 | Color 2 | Makes |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Green | Brown |
| Red | Blue | Purple |
| Yellow | Purple | Red |
Starting with equal parts, then adjusting, allows finding the right proportions for the desired new color.
Mixing Pigments vs. Light
When mixing colored pigments, such as paints or inks, the colors physically blend together. Mixing light, such as on a computer or TV screen, relies on the eye blending the separate light frequencies.
This difference changes some color relationships. For example, red and green light mix to make yellow light. But red and green pigments mix to make a brownish or olive color.
So the same ratios don’t work across mixing mediums. Keep this in mind when selecting colors and ratios.
Mixing Tints and Shades
In addition to mixing colors to create different hues, colors can be mixed with white or black to make tints and shades.
Some examples include:
- Green + white = light green (tint)
- Green + black = dark green (shade)
When making a tint or shade, start with a small amount of white or black pigment. Then gradually increase the amount if needed to get the desired lightness or darkness.
Using Color Mixing Ratios
Understanding color relationships and using starting ratios provides guidance when mixing paints, dyes, lighting gels, digital effects, and other color applications. Some tips:
- Refer to a color wheel for complementary colors
- Start with equal parts of primary colors
- Test ratios and adjust in small increments
- Mixing light follows different rules than pigments
- Add white (tints) or black (shades) to modify color lightness
Mixing colors provides endless options for obtaining custom hues. Following basic principles allows intentionally achieving the color you want.
Conclusion
When mixing blue and yellow to make green, a 1:1 ratio is a good starting point. This means combining equal parts of blue and yellow pigments or light. Adjusting the ratio by incrementally adding more of one color shifts the mix towards blue-green or yellow-green hues. The specific shades of blue and yellow impact the exact ratio needed as well. Darker shades require adding more of the lighter color. Following color wheel guidance and testing ratios by gradually modifying in small amounts can achieve the perfect custom green.
