Creating pink might seem as simple as mixing two colors, and in essence, it is. The common knowledge is that red and white make pink. However, if you’ve ever tried mixing pink paint and been less than thrilled with the result, you’re not alone. Perhaps your pink turned out too salmon-like, or you were aiming for a vibrant hot pink and ended up with something duller. The secret to achieving the perfect pink lies in understanding the nuances of red paint and its undertones.
Understanding Red Undertones for Perfect Pink
The reason mixing pink isn’t always straightforward comes down to the subtle undertones present in different red paints. A quick look at various red paints reveals that not all reds are created equal, especially when it comes to mixing them with white. Using the wrong type of red can prevent you from achieving that bright, lively pink you envision.
Take Cadmium Red, for example. While a beautiful red in its own right, it’s not the best choice if you’re aiming for a vibrant, hot pink. Mixing Cadmium Red with white often results in a salmon-pink hue, which might not be what you’re looking for.
Alt text: Four tubes of red paint laid out on a white surface, including Cadmium Red Light, Alizarin Crimson, Permanent Alizarin Crimson, and Quinacridone Red, demonstrating the variety of red pigments available for artists.
Why Some Reds Make Salmon Pink and Others Hot Pink
The key is color bias, a concept that refers to the hidden undertones within a pigment. Cadmium Red has an orange bias, meaning it leans slightly towards orange. When you mix it with white, which itself has a cool, bluish undertone, the orange bias in Cadmium Red becomes more pronounced, leading to a salmon or peachy pink rather than a true, vibrant pink.
On the other hand, reds like Alizarin Crimson and Quinacridone Red have a blue or purple bias. These “cooler” reds are ideal for creating bright, vibrant pinks because their undertones complement the coolness of white, resulting in cleaner, truer pink hues. Quinacridone Red, in particular, is known for producing exceptionally bright and vivid pinks when mixed with white.
Consider the visual difference when white is added to various reds:
- Cadmium Red Light: Mixes with white to create a salmon, muted pink.
- Alizarin Crimson: Even with its dark mass tone, it mixes into a surprisingly bright and pink hue, leaning towards a purplish pink compared to Cadmium reds.
- Quinacridone Red: Creates a super bright, vibrant pink.
Alt text: Close-up of different shades of pink paint mixtures created by blending various red paints with white, illustrating the diverse pink hues achievable based on the initial red pigment’s undertone.
As you can see, the choice of red paint is crucial in determining the final pink color. When aiming for a bright, vibrant pink, opt for reds with a cooler, blue or purple undertone like Alizarin Crimson or Quinacridone Red. If you desire a warmer, salmon pink, Cadmium Red can be used.
Mixing Bright Purple: The Red Connection
Interestingly, the same principle of red undertones applies when mixing purple. Just as the right red influences your pink, it also dictates the vibrancy of your purple. Reds with a blue bias, like Alizarin Crimson and Quinacridone Red, are also your best bet for creating bright, lively purples when mixed with blue. Using a red with an orange bias, like Cadmium Red, will result in a muted, less vibrant purple, often leaning towards grey. This is due to the “muting down” effect of complementary colors – orange and blue are complementary, and their combination tends to neutralize each other.
Alt text: Color mixing chart demonstrating the impact of different red paints (Cadmium Red, Alizarin Crimson, Quinacridone Red) when mixed with blue, highlighting how red undertones affect the resulting purple hues and vibrancy.
Choosing Your Reds Wisely
To summarize, while the simple answer to “what two colors make pink?” is red and white, achieving the perfect pink is all about selecting the right red. Consider the undertones of your red paint:
- For Hot Pinks & Vibrant Purples: Choose reds with a blue or purple bias such as Alizarin Crimson, Permanent Alizarin Crimson, or Quinacridone Red.
- For Salmon Pinks: Cadmium Red (light or medium) will produce warmer, salmon-toned pinks.
Experimenting with different red paints and white is the best way to truly understand how undertones influence your color mixing. By paying attention to these subtle biases, you can unlock a wider range of pinks and purples and elevate your painting skills.
Further Resources:
For a deeper dive into color bias and color mixing, explore resources from Will Kemp Art School and other reputable art education platforms. Understanding color theory is a continuous journey, and mastering pink mixing is a fantastic step in that direction!
