what colors make brown?
To create the color brown, there are several methods and combinations of colors you can use, particularly within the RYB (Red, Yellow, Blue) color model.
Mixing Primary Colors
The most fundamental way to make brown is by mixing all three primary colors:
Using Secondary Colors
You can also achieve brown by mixing secondary colors, which are derived from the primary colors:
- Orange (Red + Yellow) + Green (Yellow + Blue) = Brown
- Orange + Blue = Brown (though this can veer towards greens or purples depending on the ratios)
- Yellow + Purple (Red + Blue) = Brown124.
Complementary Color Mixes
Mixing complementary colors can also produce brown:
- Red + Green = Brown (since green is yellow + blue, this combination includes all three primaries)
- Yellow + Purple = Brown
- Orange + Black = Brown (a common method for creating various shades of brown, especially useful for skin tones)134.
Other Combinations
Other combinations include:
- Red + Black (can produce brown, but may need less saturated red to avoid a rust color)
- Pink + Green = Light Brown or Tan (since pink is a lighter version of red)
- Orange + Purple = Reddish Brown or Russet134.
Varying Ratios and Shades
The exact shade of brown can vary significantly depending on the ratios of the colors used. For example, adding more of one primary color can shift the brown towards different hues, and adding black can darken the brown125.
By understanding these combinations, you can create a wide range of brown shades for various artistic and decorative purposes.