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Red and Green Make WHAT Color? It May Surprise You

What Color Do Red and Green Make When Mixed?

Have you ever wondered what color red and green make when mixed? You might expect that combining two primary colors would produce a vibrant secondary color. However, the result may surprise you 🙂

In this article, we will explore the world of color mixing and discover the unexpected hue that emerges when we mix red and green. So, red and green make WHAT color exactly? Let’s get ready to dive into the fascinating world of color theory.

Key Takeaways:

  • Mixing red and green results in the creation of a new color: BROWN.
  • Red and green are both primary colors, used as building blocks for creating secondary and tertiary colors. Colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel are known as complementary colors (aka the opposites). Mixing color opposites neutralizes their intensity. When we blend complementary colors, they lose their vividness, resulting in a black or brown hue.
  • The color of brown you get depends on the green you mix. More blue in the green makes a purplish brown. More yellow in the green makes a lighter, hazelnut brown (almost orange in some cases!).
  • Likewise, more blue undertones in your red results in more purplish brown. More yellow undertones results in warmer kind of brown.

Before we explore the red and green combo, let’s get back to basics and brush up on color mixing. By mixing different colors, we can create entirely new shades and hues that never existed before.

“Mixing red and green for Christmas is like inviting Santa and the Grinch to the same party. They might clash, but in the end, you’ll get the most festive brown ever!” 🙂


The Basics of Color Mixing: Color Wheel and Primary Colors

“Red and green make WHAT color?” you still ask. Let’s get to the basics, to take a look at the color wheel. The color wheel is where the tale begins.

Primary colors, as the name suggests, are fundamental, pure hues that cannot be created by mixing other colors together. Red, blue, and yellow are the three primary hues. Mixing primary colors together will produce secondary colors.

But green, orange, and purple aren’t considered primary colors. They are secondary colors. Why? Because green, for example, can be created by mixing blue and yellow. Orange can be made by blending red and yellow, and purple can be crafted by mixing blue and red. See the pattern?

The color wheel represents the spectrum of hues, which is organized into twelve colors. These are further broken down and categorized into primary, secondary, and tertiary colors. Looking at the color wheel also shows each color’s position compared to other colors. It shows that complementary colors (colors that are located opposite to each other – aka opposites) are:

  • Red and green;
  • Yellow and purple;
  • Blue and orange.
complementary colors

In a color wheel, they can be found opposite from one another. See? So, what happens when mixing complementary colors – what color do red and green make when mixing?


Complementary Colors and Their Effects

As red and green are complementary colors, that means they have a strong visual contrast when placed side by side. This is what makes them a popular choice during the holiday season. But this relationship also influences the color that is created when red and green are mixed.

When you mix red and green, it may seem logical to assume that you’d get some sort of “Christmas color,” but that’s not the case. Instead, their unique pairing creates a new and unexpected hue – brown! That’s right, mixing the two primary colors of red and green together results in a warm and earthy brown color.

It is important to know that mixing color opposites always neutralizes their intensity. It doesn’t matter which colors exactly we are talking about. When we blend red and green, yellow and purple, blue and orange, the colors lose their vividness, resulting in a black or brown hue.

(Take a look at this good blog post on how to mix other complementary colors).

So, when you mix red and green, the resulting color is not what you might expect. Instead of creating a vibrant or secondary hue, these two seemingly opposite colors combine to create a daring new shade. Brace yourself, ladies and gentlemen, for the big reveal: the color that red and green make when mixed together is… *drumroll*… brown!

The Surprising Result of Mixing Red and Green

“What? Red and green make WHAT color? Brown?!” Yes, you read that right. Not greenish-red or anything of the sort – brown. But don’t let its unassuming appearance fool you; brown has its own unique charm and personality traits. This earthy, grounding color is often associated with warmth, comfort, and retro vibes.

Despite what you may think, brown is a versatile shade that can convey a range of emotions. Think of rich, dark chocolate brown conveying sophistication and elegance, or lighter, beige-brown denoting a sense of calm and relaxation. Going for a rugged, natural aesthetic? Brown has got you covered there too.

How exactly to get a hazelnut brown? How to get a mahogany brown? It all boils down to these principles:

  • The color of brown you get depends on the exact green and red that you mix.
  • More blue in the green makes a purplish brown. More yellow in the green makes a lighter, hazelnut brown (almost orange in some cases!).
  • Likewise, more blue undertones in your red results in more purplish brown. More yellow undertones results in warmer kind of brown. Take a look at this image below:
red and green make what color

Different Types of Brown Green And Red Make

Now, take different reds and greens and mix these one by one together. Add more yellow to some reds, add more blue to some greens. There are so many different types of browns to get, after all! 🙂 Here’s a list of the most common browns:

  1. Hazelnut Brown: A light, warm brown reminiscent of roasted hazelnuts.
  2. Chestnut Brown: A rich, reddish-brown, similar to the color of chestnuts.
  3. Mahogany Brown: A deep, reddish-brown, often associated with the wood of the same name.
  4. Walnut Brown: A dark, cool brown, akin to the color of walnut wood.
  5. Caramel Brown: A medium, golden brown, similar to the color of caramel candy.
  6. Espresso Brown: A very dark, almost black brown, like a strong espresso coffee.
  7. Umber Brown: A natural brown with a slight greenish undertone, found in umber pigments.
  8. Sienna Brown: A reddish-brown, derived from earth pigments and associated with the Italian city of Sienna.
  9. Burnt Sienna: A rich, warm brown with an orange undertone, created by heating raw sienna.
  10. Burnt Umber: A darker, more intense version of umber, produced by heating raw umber.
  11. Taupe Brown: A grayish-brown, often considered a neutral tone.
  12. Beaver Brown: A dark shade of brown, with a slightly grayish cast.
  13. Saddle Brown: A medium to dark brown, similar to the color of leather saddles.
  14. Cinnamon Brown: A warm, reddish-brown, like the spice cinnamon.
  15. Sepia Brown: A dark, reddish-brown, associated with the ink derived from the cuttlefish ‘sepia’.
  16. Tawny Brown: A light to medium brown with an orange or golden undertone.
  17. Bistre Brown: A deep, dark brown, traditionally made from soot.
  18. Chocolate Brown: A deep, rich brown, resembling dark chocolate.
  19. Mocha Brown: A medium to dark brown with hints of coffee-like tones.
  20. Ochre Brown: A dull, light brown with yellowish undertones, found in natural ochre pigments.

Each of these browns brings a unique mood and character, often inspired by natural elements and materials. So, feel free to experiment with various hues.


So, in Conclusion: Red and Green Make WHAT Color When Mixed?

Well, there you have it – the answer to the age-old question of “what color do red and green make?” is brown. Who would have guessed? It’s not exactly the vibrant or secondary color you may have anticipated. But hey, as they say, you learn something new every day 🙂

So the next time you ask yourself what color red and green make when mixed, you’ll be equipped with the right answer. Brown – the color that defies expectations and packs a surprise punch.

And on that note, we bid adieu to this colorful discussion. Thanks for joining us on this journey of discovery. Keep exploring the mysteries of color, and who knows what new insights you may uncover 🙂

Now – if you are more interested in painting, check out this blog post about the differences between acrylic and oil paints and more specifically, how to get started with acrylic paints! And to find some inspiration, here are my best ideas for canvas painting for beginners 🙂

red and green make what color

Frequently Asked Questions

What color do red and green make when mixed?

When red and green are mixed together, they create the color brown. The specific hue varies depending on the intensity and proportion of each color used.

What color does red and green make?

The combination of red and green produces brown.

Mixing red and green results in what color?

The resulting color of mixing red and green is brown.

What happens when you mix red and green?

Red and green combine to create the hue of brown.

Are there any other colors that red and green can make?

No, the only color that red and green create when mixed is brown.

Is it true that red and green make brown?

Yes, it is true. The combination of red and green indeed produces the color brown.

What is the result of mixing green and red?

Green and red, when mixed, give birth to the color brown.

Do red and green create a secondary color when mixed?

No, the combination of red and green does not produce a vibrant or secondary color. Instead, it creates the hue of brown.

Can mixing red and green create any other color?

No, the only color that emerges from mixing red and green is brown. However, depending on the exact hue of green and red that you used, the result may be more brownish or purplish.

How does the combination of red and green create the color brown?

The specific wavelengths and pigments present in red and green light, when combined, lead to the perception of brown.

green and red make what color

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