What Colors Make Yellow & How to Mix Different Shades
In this article we are taking a look at what two colors make yellow, and also how to mix to create different shades.
Yellow is mostly associated with enjoyment, happiness, and general positivity. See the following page for more on the symbolic meanings of yellow.
We were taught in school that there are three primary colors, yellow being one of these colors, and that these primary colors cannot be created by mixing other colors. However, it’s not that simple. We were not told the full truth of the situation.
The reason for only teaching us about the RYB colors is likely to simplify things for children. It’s not particularly complicated, but understanding the different models may be seen as confusing.
Yellow is a primary color on the RYB and CMY color models. On these models, all other colors can be created by mixing these three primary colors. So, really, yellow doesn’t need to be mixed. However, these color models are only standards. They are representations of a fixed and rigid law about colors and mixing.
What Two Colors Make Yellow – RGB
On the RGB color model, yellow is a secondary color. Yellow is created by mixing or combining red and green. This is how our eyes interpret the long wavelengths of red, and the medium wavelengths of green. This is also how our computer devices and televisions display different colors.
It’s important to note that this will only work when it comes to mixing in additive light, and not with subtractive pigments (Paint). If you mix red and green paint, you will get something that resembles more of a brown color. When you mix colors in light, it generally creates a lighter color, and when you mix colors in paint, you get a darker color.
When it comes to mixing different shades, the basics are, adding white creates a lighter and paler tint, and adding black creates a darker shade. All shades of white and black are not equal, so, the shade you use will also affect the outcome and final color produced.
It often doesn’t take much to make a big difference, so, it’s always recommended to only add small and gradual amounts. Otherwise, you risk completely changing the color.
Other colors can also be used. For example, adding gray will dilute the color. You could also add dark shades of brown, blue and purple. Adding red will create something similar to amber. Red will move in color towards orange, so you need to be careful with the amounts you mix.
