Purple is a beautiful and regal color that can add richness and depth to any design. But mixing the perfect purple hue can be tricky. There are a few key considerations when trying to mix a vibrant, balanced purple. In this article, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to mix the best purple for any project.
Understand Color Theory Basics
Before diving into mixing purple, it’s helpful to understand some color theory basics. Purple is considered a secondary color, meaning it’s created by mixing two primary colors – red and blue. By adjusting the ratio of red to blue, you can create different purple hues.
Red and blue are complementary colors, meaning they’re opposite each other on the color wheel. This complementary relationship is important when mixing purple – balancing the two primaries is key for creating a rich, vibrant secondary shade.
Choose Your Purple Pigments
When mixing purple, you’ll need to select suitable red and blue pigments. For the red, a warm, ruby or magenta red will mix well. Cooler reds may end up creating a more muted purple. On the blue side, an ultramarine or violet-leaning blue will blend nicely.
Here are some of the best pigment options for mixing purple:
| Red Pigments | Blue Pigments |
|---|---|
| Quinacridone Magenta | Ultramarine Blue |
| Naphthol Red | Phthalo Blue |
| Pyrrol Red | Cobalt Blue |
These vivid primaries will allow you to mix a range of beautiful, saturated purple shades.
Consider Color Temperature
When blending your paints, pay attention to the temperature of the colors. Warm reds and cool blues will create a more balanced, neutral purple. If you use warm versions of both red and blue, the purple may end up feeling too hot and intense. Using cool shades of both pigments may lead to a dull, lifeless purple. Aim for a mix – a warm red and cool blue is often perfect.
Start with Black, White or Gray
Before diving straight into mixing colors, it can help to start with a grayscale foundation. Add a touch of black, white or gray paint to your mixing surface. Then, slowly incorporate drops of your red and blue pigments. This allows you to build up the purple tone gently, making it easier to control the hue and saturation.
Using a gray or neutral base is especially helpful for mixing softer pastel purples. The neutral tone knocks back the intensity while still allowing vibrant hues to shine through.
Pay Attention to Undertones
The undertone of the purple paint can drastically affect the overall look. Purples with red undertones take on a warmer, more pinkish or fuchsia tone. Blue-leaning purples feel cooler and may have a periwinkle tint.
Think about the look you’re aiming for,
