Introduction
The combination of pink and red to make purple is a common question for those interested in color theory and mixing pigments. While these colors are close on the visible spectrum, the specific shades and ratios needed to mix together to create the perfect purple hue can be complicated. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind mixing pink and red to achieve purple, look at the color theory behind the process, and provide some simple guidance on the best pink and red shades to use.
The Basics of Mixing Pink and Red
At first glance, it may seem obvious that mixing pink and red paint or pigments will result in a purple color. Since pink is a tinted version of red with the addition of white, and purple is next to red on the color wheel, combining these colors should naturally create purple. However, the specific shades of pink and red and the ratios used make a big difference in the final color.
Here are some basics to understand:
- A pure, saturated red mixed with white will create pink. The more white added, the lighter the pink becomes.
- Purple is a secondary color on the color wheel, created by mixing the primary colors red and blue.
- Mixing a light pink and a dark red will generally create a light purple.
- Using a darker pink (with less white added) and a bright red will usually result in a darker, richer purple.
- Equal parts red and pink usually won’t create a vivid purple, but rather a muted shade like lavender or mauve.
The reasons these combinations work have to do with the underlying pigments and light wavelengths that make up the different shades. Let’s look at some color theory basics.
Color Theory Behind Mixing Pink and Red
On the visible color spectrum, pink, red, and purple sit next to one another, which explains why they can be combined with overlapping wavelengths of light. However, the specific pigments and ratios used make all the difference.
| Color | Primary Pigment |
|---|---|
| Pink | Red + white pigment |
| Red | Cadmium red, naphthol red |
| Purple | Mix of red and blue pigments |
As shown in the table, pink contains red pigment with the addition of white. True purple contains both red and blue pigments. This explains why you cannot achieve a pure, vibrant purple from pink and red alone – there is no blue pigment.
However, combining different shades of pink (with more or less white pigment) and red allows overlapping the wavelengths of light to create shades similar to purple, like lavender and mauve.
Best Red and Pink Shades for Mixing Purple
Now that we understand the color theory behind mixing pink and red, which specific shades work best?
Here are some tips on selecting pink and red pigments to mix purple:
- Use a bright, cool red like cadmium red light. Stay away from orangey reds.
- Pick a bolder pink with less white versus a light baby pink.
- Mixing equal parts may result in lavender or mauve rather than true purple.
- Combine 2 parts red to 1 part pink for a deep purple.
- Mixing 1 part pink to 2 parts red will create a bright purple.
Refer to this table for examples of ideal red and pink shades to mix:
| Ideal Reds | Ideal Pinks |
|---|---|
| Cadmium red light or medium | Quinacridone pink |
| Naphthol red light | Alizarin crimson pink |
| Pyrrole red | Permanent rose |
Using any of these pairings with the right ratios should produce pleasing purples. Always start by mixing small amounts until you achieve the desired hue.
Mixing Pink and Red Paint Step-by-Step
Follow these steps when mixing different shades of pink and red paint to create purple:
- Choose two paints – one red and one pink – from the ideal shades above.
- Start by mixing equal small amounts of each, such as one drop of red and one drop of pink.
- Add more red for a deeper, richer purple. Add more pink for a lighter, brighter purple.
- Mix thoroughly until you achieve your desired purple shade.
- Test on a palette first before applying to your painting surface.
- Adjust ratios and shades as needed to tweak the color.
It may take some experimenting until you mix the perfect purple for your needs. Mixing a greater quantity of paint helps maintain color consistency across larger painting areas.
Trying Other Medums Beyond Paint
While much of the focus here is on mixing pink and red paint, similar color theory applies to other mediums as well. Here are some tips:
- With colored pencils or crayons, layer pink and red for a blended purple.
- Overlap red and pink markers to get purple shades.
- Use a blending tool with pink and red chalk pastels to make purple tones.
- Mix pink and red dyes together when tie-dyeing fabrics.
- Combine pink and red food coloring gels for purple icing or cake batter.
The same principles apply, like starting with bolder reds and pinks and adjusting ratios to achieve different purple tones.
Creating Purple Digitally from Pink and Red
Another way to mix shades of pink and red to create purple is by using digital design software. Programs like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign allow users to input specific RGB or CMYK color values to produce precise shades.
You can utilize color pickers and palettes to sample pinks and reds and see the resulting mixed colors. Overlaying semi-transparent layers of virtual pink and red paint will also blend the colors into purples. Work within color mode and value sliders to fine-tune the purple hues.
If printing mixed colors, be aware that RGB on screen displays differently than CMYK for printed materials. Consult online conversion tools to match colors between modes. Testing printed samples will help get the purples you want.
Conclusion
While pink and red won’t mix to create a pure, vivid purple with no blue pigment involved, you can still blend pleasing shades of lavender, mauve, and other variations. Use color theory to select bolder reds and pinks, adjust the ratios, and experiment with different mediums. Pairing a cool red with a medium pink at a 2:1 ratio will generally yield nice purples. Be creative and have fun seeing what you can mix!