When we mix the colors blue and green together, we get a new color as a result. Mixing colors is an important part of art, design, and science. Understanding what happens when we combine two colors helps us learn more about how color works. In this article, we’ll look at what happens when blue and green are mixed together. We’ll discuss the science behind mixing colors, what shade results from combining blue and green, and some examples of places you might see the blue-green color combination.
The Basics of Mixing Colors
Mixing colors is based on the color wheel and basic color theory principles. The color wheel shows the relationship between colors. Complementary colors are opposite each other on the wheel. When complementary colors are mixed, they cancel each other out and create a neutral gray or brown. Colors that are next to each other on the color wheel are analogous colors. Mixing analogous colors results in a color that is between the two hues.
When two colors are mixed, the shade that results is determined by the ratio of the two colors. If there is more of one color than the other, the mixed shade will be closer to that dominant color. By varying the proportions of each color, many different shades can be created.
Mixing Blue and Green
Blue and green are analogous colors, meaning they sit next to each other on the color wheel. Blue is a primary color, while green is a secondary color made by mixing the primaries blue and yellow. When blue and green are mixed, the resulting color is a blue-green shade.
Since blue and green are next to each other, mixing them results in a teal or aqua shade. Equal parts blue and green makes a balanced teal. More blue mixed with green will be a blue-green, while more green mixed with blue makes a green-blue. The exact shade can range from a blue-tinted aqua to a greenish teal.
The Science of Mixing Blue and Green
On a scientific level, mixing blue and green has to do with the wavelengths of light that each color reflects. Blue has a shorter wavelength than green. When the two combine, the resulting light has a wavelength in between blue and green’s wavelengths. Our eyes perceive this mid-range wavelength as teal or aqua.
The specific shades that appear when mixing paint colors has to do with subtractive color mixing. With paint pigments, mixing colors together results in a subtractive combination, while mixing light is an additive process. Paint pigments absorb and reflect different wavelengths, which affects the color our eyes see when two are combined.
Examples of Using Blue-Green
The cool, aquatic color that results from mixing blue and green is widely used in graphic design, fashion, interior design, and art. Here are some examples of where you might see blue-green shades used:
Nature
– Ocean, sea, lakes, rivers
– Peacock feathers, tails, and eyespots
– Tropical fish like bettas and parrotfish
– Turquoise minerals
Human-made Objects and Materials
– Paints, dyes, and other colorants
– Sports team colors (Seahawks, Dolphins)
– Fabrics, apparel, accessories
– Tiles, countertops, wall colors
Branding and Marketing
– Social media branding for calm, trustworthy image
– Healthcare and wellness industries
– Environmental and eco-conscious companies
| Blue-Green Shades | Name | Blue Ratio | Green Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teal | 50% | 50% | |
| Turquoise | 60% | 40% | |
| Dark cyan | 70% | 30% | |
| Dark turquoise | 80% | 20% | |
| Pale turquoise | 90% | 10% |
Conclusion
When blue and green are mixed together, the resulting color is a shade of blue-green, ranging from teal to aqua. The exact hue that results depends on the ratio of blue to green used. Mixing these analogous colors produces a cooling, watery color that is found both in nature and human design. Blue-green shades are widely used in marketing, design, and art because of their relaxing, natural appeal. Understanding color mixing allows us to deliberately create color combinations for aesthetic, scientific, and practical applications.