What Two Colors Make Yellow?

The primary colors of pigments—red, yellow, and blue—are the basis for all other colors in the world. Many colors can be blended together to form new colors, and the color yellow is no exception. When two colors are blended together to make yellow, it’s usually due to mixing of two primary colors.

Primary Color Blending

One way to make yellow is to blend two of the primary colors together: red and blue. When these colors are combined, they create a purple hue. If a small amount of yellow paint is then added to the mix, the deep purple tone will lighten, creating a lighter and more yellow hue.

Another way to make yellow is to mix red and yellow paint. This time, rather than creating a purple color, the two colors blend together, adding intensity and brightness to create a deep yellow color. Again, a small amount of paint, usually white, can be added to the blend to create a softened, lighter yellow.

Complementary Colors

In addition to using the primary colors, yellow can also be formed by mixing two complementary colors together. Analogous to the primary colors, these hues are opposites on the color wheel and cannot be blended together to create one color. When placed together, however, the two colors result in a completely new color.

For yellow, the complementary colors are green and red. When green paint is added to red paint in equal parts, a pleasant, yellow hue is created. It’s a great way to add a splash of color to any artwork, while mixing just the right amount of warm and cool tones together.

Non-Primary Colors

Finally, yellow can also be created using colors that aren’t part of the primary color grouping. Depending on the shade of yellow desired, countless other colors from the color wheel and beyond can be used.

For example, adding a teaspoon of red paint and intense green paint to any regular yellow paint can give it a more vibrant, neon yellow look. And creating yellow from gray and blue is a great way to lighten up a room or find the perfect match for a wall color combination.

No matter which colors are chosen, when mixing paint to create yellow, it’s important to start with very small amounts until the desired shade is achieved. With a few simple blends and a touch of patience, yellow can easily created.