How to Mix Acrylic Colors: A Beginner’s Guide to Getting the Color You Want
Learning to mix acrylic paint is one of the most rewarding skills a beginner painter can master. It’s the key to getting rich, vibrant colors that feel personal and intentional—rather than just squeezing paint straight from the tube. In this post, I’ll walk you through the basics of acrylic color mixing so you can start creating the exact shades you envision.
How to Mix Acrylic Color: Start with the Primary Colors
All colors begin with three primaries: red, yellow, and blue. These form the foundation of every other hue. When you mix:
Red + Yellow = Orange
Blue + Yellow = Green
Red + Blue = Purple
By adjusting how much of each color you use, you can make endless variations—burnt orange, sage green, deep violet, and so on.
Understand Warm vs. Cool Colors
Not all reds, blues, or yellows are created equal. Each primary color has a warm and cool version. For example:
Cadmium red is a warm red; alizarin crimson is cool.
Ultramarine blue is warm; cerulean blue is cool.
Cadmium yellow is warm; lemon yellow is cool.
Mixing warm versions together gives warmer, more vibrant secondary colors, while cool primaries yield more muted or subtle tones.
Use a Limited Palette
Using fewer colors makes mixing easier. A limited palette might include:
Cadmium red (warm)
Alizarin crimson (cool)
Cadmium yellow (warm)
Lemon yellow (cool)
Ultramarine blue (warm)
Cerulean blue (cool)
Titanium white
Burnt umber or black (for darkening)
This small set allows you to mix most colors you’ll need and keeps your work harmonious.
How to Lighten and Darken Colors
To lighten a color, add titanium white. Start small—a little white goes a long way.
To darken, avoid black when possible (it can dull your colors). Instead, use the complementary color (the color opposite on the color wheel). For example, darken red with a touch of green, or yellow with a touch of purple.
Keep a Mixing Journal
As you experiment, jot down your recipes. Paint a swatch and note which colors you used and in what amounts. This habit will help you recreate your favorite mixes later.
Mix More Paint Than You Need
Acrylic paint dries fast. Always mix a bit more color than you think you’ll use so you don’t run out mid-painting.
Mastering color mixing takes practice, but it’s worth every minute. Want to keep learning? Follow my YouTube channel for step-by-step demos—and check out my books on how to sell art without social media at yellowdotartist.com.
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