When it comes to color mixing, green and orange seem like an unlikely combination. However, these colors can actually mix to create some beautiful and unexpected shades. In this article, we’ll explore what happens when you mix green and orange, look at some examples of green-orange mixes, and explain why certain colors result from this blend.
The Basics of Mixing Green and Orange
Green and orange are complementary colors on the color wheel. This means they are directly opposite each other. Complementary colors create a strong visual contrast when placed side-by-side. But when complementary colors are mixed together, they have a muting or graying effect on each other.
Green contains mostly blue and yellow pigments, while orange contains mostly red and yellow. When green and orange mix, the blue cancels out the red, leaving behind yellow. This results in a range of yellow-based colors.
The exact shade that results from mixing green and orange depends on the brightness and proportions of each color.
- Mixing a bright green with a bright orange will make a brighter, more saturated yellow.
- Mixing a dull or olive green with a burnt orange will create an earthy, brownish-yellow.
- Using more orange than green will shift the result towards orange-yellow.
- Using more green than orange will shift the result towards chartreuse green-yellow.
Adjusting the ratio allows you to create a range of yellowy-green to orangey-yellow shades.
Examples of Green-Orange Mixes
Here are some examples of popular colors created by mixing green and orange:
| Color Name | Hex Code |
|---|---|
| Chartreuse | #7FFF00 |
| Yellow-Green | #9ACD32 |
| Green-Yellow | #ADFF2F |
| Yellow Orange | #FFAE42 |
Chartreuse is created by mixing a bright yellowish-green with a hint of orange. The result is an intense light green-yellow. Yellow-green and green-yellow are slightly more muted shades in the middle of the green to orange spectrum.
Yellow-orange, as the name suggests, is a vibrant reddish-orange with a strong yellow undertone from the green. Olive green and burnt orange will blend to make earthy mustard yellows and browns.
The Science Behind Green-Orange Mixing
The color wheel is based on the primary colors red, blue and yellow. Mixing two primary colors makes a secondary color. Green is a secondary color made from blue and yellow. Orange is a secondary color made from red and yellow.
When complementary colors green and orange mix, the blue cancels out the red. This scientific principle of color theory explains why mixing green and orange creates yellows.
On a technical level, green and orange mixing produces colors in the yellow part of the visible spectrum of light. The wavelengths combine to excite the cones in our eyes that detect yellows around 570-590 nanometers.
Different shades result from the specific wavelengths of green and orange that are mixed. For example:
- Chartreuse green wavelength ~510nm
- Orange wavelength ~607nm
When combined, wavelengths in the middle yellow range are produced.
Mixing Green and Orange Paints vs. Light
Mixing colored light wavelengths is different from mixing pigmented paints. With light, combining different wavelengths produces additive mixing – the colors directly combine to make new wavelengths and colors.
With paints, the pigment particles absorb and reflect different wavelengths. The blending is more complex, and muddier brownish-greys can sometimes result. However, paint mixing still generally follows basic color theory.
When mixing green and orange paints, aim for bright translucent hues. Layer the paints thinly and mix thoroughly to allow the underlying colors to show through. This helps retain brightness and luminosity.
Uses for Green-Orange Color Combinations
Color palettes with contrasting or complementary colors can create bold, vibrant designs. Mixing your own custom green-orange shades provides endless possibilities for graphic design, interior decor, art projects, and more.
Here are some ways to effectively use green and orange together:
- Choose one color for the background and the other for accents.
- Use a green-orange mixture as a bold accent on a neutral background.
- Paint one wall green and the opposite orange to create dynamic contrast.
- Make the green darker and orange lighter (or vice versa) for a bold split complementary palette.
- Use alternating green and orange shapes in abstract graphic designs.
Grade the colors from dark to light or saturated to muted for smoother blending. Just remember that green and orange have a strong visual impact due to their complementary relationship, so use them thoughtfully for best results.
Conclusion
Mixing the complementary colors green and orange results in a range of yellow-based hues from chartreuse to orange-yellow. The specific shade depends on the brightness and ratio of the green and orange. Understanding color theory helps explain why these colors combine to create shades of yellow.
Green-orange color combinations are bold and energetic. Mix your own custom greens and oranges to find exciting combinations for eye-catching designs. With some color mixing experiments, you can achieve beautiful and vibrant yellows.
