The color wheel
The color wheel

What Color Mixed With Orange Makes Red?

Orange you curious about the magic of color mixing? It’s a common misconception that you can mix orange with another color to get red. While orange is a vibrant and warm color often associated with sunsets and citrus fruits, it’s actually created by mixing red and yellow. This means that red is a parent color of orange, not the other way around. So, adding any color to orange won’t lead you to red.

Let’s dive into the fascinating world of color theory to understand why!

Understanding the Color Wheel

The color wheel is our guide to understanding color relationships. It’s divided into:

  • Primary colors: Red, yellow, and blue. These are the building blocks of all other colors and cannot be created by mixing.
  • Secondary colors: Orange, green, and violet. These are created by mixing two primary colors.
  • Tertiary colors: These are formed by mixing a primary color with a neighboring secondary color (e.g., red-orange, yellow-green).

The color wheelThe color wheel

Why You Can’t Get Red from Orange

Remember, orange is made by combining red and yellow. Adding any other color to this mix will only move you further away from pure red on the color wheel. For instance:

  • Adding blue to orange: Creates a muddy brown or gray.
  • Adding green to orange: Results in a brownish hue.
  • Adding violet to orange: Produces a muddy brown tone.

How to Get Red

The only way to achieve a true red is to start with a red pigment. Here are some options:

  • Use pure red paint: This is the most straightforward method.
  • Mix red shades: Experiment with different red hues like crimson, scarlet, or maroon to achieve your desired shade.

Tips for Working with Red and Orange

  • Start with small amounts: When mixing colors, it’s always best to start with small amounts and gradually add more until you achieve the desired shade.
  • Use high-quality paints: The quality of your paints can impact the vibrancy and accuracy of your mixed colors.
  • Experiment and have fun: Don’t be afraid to try different color combinations and see what unique shades you can create!

FAQs about Mixing Orange and Red

Can you lighten orange to get red?

No, lightening orange will create lighter shades of orange, such as peach or coral, but not red.

What happens if I add white to orange?

Adding white to orange creates lighter, pastel shades of orange, but not red.

Can I mix orange and red to get a different color?

Yes, mixing orange and red creates red-orange, a warm and energetic tertiary color.

What are some complementary colors to orange and red?

Blue is complementary to orange, while green is complementary to red. These color pairings create striking contrasts when used together.

Need Help with Your Color Choices?

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