When we think about the colors red and green, most people immediately think of Christmas. The combination of these two colors is deeply associated with the holiday season in many cultures around the world. But red and green can be combined in other interesting ways as well. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what happens when you mix red and green, both scientifically and artistically. We’ll also explore some examples of where we see this color combination in nature, culture, and design.
The Science of Mixing Red and Green
On a technical level, mixing any two colors together results in a new color. This is because of the nature of light and pigmentation. When different wavelengths of light mix together, or when different pigments blend together, they produce an additive or subtractive combination.
Red and green are primary colors. When mixed together, they make a secondary color – yellow. Here’s why:
Additive Color Mixing
With light, red and green are primary additive colors. This means that when red and green light mix together, our eyes see the combination as yellow light. Here’s a visualization:
| Red light |
| Green light |
| Combined makes yellow light |
On a TV or computer screen, which uses light to create color, mixing pure red and pure green light produces yellow.
Subtractive Color Mixing
With pigments and dyes, such as paint, ink, or fabric, red and green are primary subtractive colors. When red and green pigments are blended, they absorb some wavelengths of light and reflect others. The combination ends up reflecting mostly yellow light back to our eyes.
For example, mixing red and green paint together makes yellow paint. A visualization:
| Red paint |
| Green paint |
| Combined makes yellow paint |
So in summary, red and green combined make yellow, whether we’re talking about light, paint, or other pigmented materials.
Artistic Combinations of Red and Green
Beyond just making yellow, artists can blend red and green in more nuanced ways to create a wide palette of colors. Having an understanding of color theory allows painters to mix the two colors to achieve different hues, tints, tones, and shades.
Some examples of colors that can be mixed from red and green pigments:
| Pink | Mint green |
| Scarlet | Lime green |
| Khaki | Orchid |
The quantities of each color used, along with adding white, black, or complementary colors, provides artists with an infinite spectrum to work from.
Many great painters have expertly blended red and green to create stunning works of art. Vermeer’s The Milkmaid uses a vivid red skirt contrasted with a green table for a dramatic effect. Van Gogh’s famous Cafe Terrace at Night uses red and green lights to portray the atmosphere of a restaurant under the night sky.
Examples of Red and Green Together in Nature
The combination of red and green can also be commonly found in the natural world. Here are some examples:
Christmas Trees and Holly Plants
Evergreen conifers like pine, fir, and spruce trees stay green year-round but are often decorated with red ornaments, bows, and garland during the Christmas season. The green foliage paired with red decorations has become an iconic holiday symbol.
Holly plants also display glossy green leaves with contrasting red berries, which is why they are used in Christmas wreaths and floral arrangements.
Cardinal Birds
The male cardinal bird has bright red feathers contrasting with green and brown accents. The distinctive red and green coloring helps cardinals spot each other and identify as a group.
Watermelon
Watermelon has a thick green rind on the outside that gives way to juicy, bright red flesh on the inside. The pairing of the two colors is a mouthwatering symbol of summer.
Traffic Lights
Perhaps the most ubiquitous example of red and green in the world around us is the traffic light. Red tells drivers to stop, while green signals them to go. This clear color-coding helps keep traffic flowing smoothly and safely.
Uses of Red and Green Together
Beyond science, art, and nature, red and green are purposefully combined in many other areas as well. Here are some examples of using the two colors together:
Christmas
As mentioned, red and green are strongly associated with the Christmas season across many cultures. Red and green decorations, food, clothing, and other holiday elements can be seen everywhere during this time of year. For example, red and green peppers, cookies, candles, wrapping paper, and more.
Sporting Teams
Many professional sports teams have adopted red and green as their official team colors. For example, the Minnesota Vikings, Washington Commanders, and Manchester United soccer club all wear uniforms featuring red and green. Fans often wear apparel coordinating with team colors.
Recycling Symbols
The universal recycling symbol uses three chasing arrows in red, green, and blue. This helps remind people to recycle paper, plastic, glass, and other everyday materials to help the environment. The symbol is now recognized globally.
Traffic Lights and Signs
As mentioned earlier, red and green traffic lights are used to signal stop or go. Road sign colors also follow consistent color-coding, such as green for highway signs and red for stop signs. This helps drivers respond quickly and safely.
Branding and Marketing
Many major brands leverage red and green in their logos and marketing materials. For example, YouTube, Nintendo, 7-Eleven, and more all use some combination of red and green in their branding. Holiday marketing campaigns often shift to red and green branding as well.
Conclusion
Red and green are a vibrant color pairing that complement each other well when combined correctly. From the science of how they make yellow to their many uses in art, nature, and culture, these primary colors work together in interesting ways. Whether signaling stop or go, evoking the holidays, or adding a pop of color, red and green will continue to be a versatile and visually appealing mix.