Before we move on, let’s take a quick detour into the world of color theory. It’s crucial for understanding why blue and brown create the colors they do, and can help you make more informed decisions about your color mixing.
Mixing Colours
Ask the students if they know about the primary colours, red, yellow, and blue. Tell them that mixing the primary colours can create other colours. This can be demonstrated by mixing yellow and blue acrylic paint to get green.
Problem: “Picasso has three recipes for mixing green paint. They are:
A: One part of blue with three parts of yellow (1:3)
B: Four parts of blue with eight parts of yellow (4:8)
C: Three parts of blue with five parts of yellow (3:5)
Which recipe will give him the darkest shade of green?” (It is the relative quantity of blue to yellow that makes the green darker.)
Get the students to build Unifix cube or beans models of the three recipes:
Ask the students how the different ratios could be compared. Their responses might
include:
(i) Relating the recipes to equivalent fractions, e.g., 1:3 is the same as 1/4 , 4:8 is the same as 4/12 = 1/3 , 3:5 is the same as 3/8 .
(ii) Equalising the lengths of the cube models by building up or breaking down, for example, 1:3 makes up to 6:18 (six times), which is a smaller ratio than 4:8, which makes up to 8:16 (two times). Both stacks have 24 cubes.
(iii) Mapping one of blue onto so many yellows, for example, 3:5 means that one blue is mapped onto one and two-thirds yellows (1:1 2/3), 4:8 means that one blue is mapped to two yellows (1:2).
Considering method (ii), the students might make duplicates of the recipes until the lengths are equalised. The yellows and blues are then collected so that the ratios can be compared.
This is easily drawn on a double number line:
Challenge the students to represent each ratio using the rotating region. This provides an excellent link to percentages as each circle has one hundred divisions around its circumference.
These circles can be rotated to show any two fractions that add to one. Pose similar problems for the students to explore using cubes or beans.
Recipes for orange:
X: 3 parts red to 7 parts yellow (3:7 or 3/10)
Y: 5 parts red to 15 parts yellow (5:15 or 5/20)
Z: 1 parts red to 4 parts yellow (1:4 or 1/5)
“Which recipe gives the darkest orange?” (It is the relative quantity of red to yellow that makes the colour darker.)
Using Imaging
Shielding: Pose problems that make comparison easy. For each recipe, make a stack with cubes. Trace around each length of cubes and mark and shade the colour break.
Ensure that the ratios are recorded so that the students can refer to them.
Problem: Recipe for purple:
P: 6 parts red with 14 parts blue
Q: 4 parts red with 6 parts blue
R: 7 parts red with 8 parts blue
“Which recipe gives the darkest purple?” (It is the relative quantity of blue to red that makes the colour darker.)
Using Number Properties
Pose problems of ratio comparison using only numbers. Record these problems using symbols:
“Which blue-to-yellow ratio gives a darker shade of green?
2:5 or 3:4 7:15 or 3:6 1:4 or 18:80 4:7 or 9:18 7:8 or 8:9”
(Note: Once again, it is the quantity of blue that determines the darkness of the colour.)
The students will need to consider these ratios as proportions, for example, 2:5 is equivalent to 2/7.
Getting to Know Blue
Blue, the color of the sky and the ocean, is a primary color that holds a special place in the color wheel. But there’s more to blue than meets the eye. Let’s dive into the world of blue, explore its shades, understand its representation in different mediums and see what brands offer us in hues of blue.
Exploring Shades of Blue
From the light baby blue to the deep navy blue, there are countless shades of blue waiting to be discovered. Some of the popular ones include:
- Cobalt Blue: A bright, intense blue that often reminds you of a clear summer sky.
- Teal: A medium to dark greenish-blue, often associated with the color of shallow seawater.
- Denim: Just like your favorite pair of jeans, this shade of blue is medium-dark with a slight hint of grey.
Brands Offering Blue
Every brand has its own version of blue. For instance, Pantone’s Classic Blue is a timeless and enduring blue hue, while Sherwin-Williams showcases a range of blues from Oceanside to Distance. Meanwhile, Benjamin Moore offers blues ranging from soft, muted tones like Iceberg to bold, saturated shades like Old Navy.
Blue in Different Mediums
Blue is interpreted differently in various mediums. In digital design, blue appears brighter and more vibrant due to the backlit screens. In print, the impact of blue depends on the quality and type of paper used. In paint, blue’s effect is influenced by factors such as light conditions and the surface it’s applied to. Understanding the behavior of blue in different mediums can help you make the most of this versatile color.
Now that we’ve got a good grip on blue, it’s time to introduce its partner in crime—brown. So, stay tuned as we delve into the world of brown next, followed by the ultimate question: what color does blue and brown make when mixed?
Mastering Brown
Who says brown is boring? While it might not be the first color that pops into your mind when you think of vibrant colors, brown is a versatile and complex color that can add depth and richness to any palette. Let’s look at how to make brown from primary colors, explore the range of brown paints available in the market, and learn how to use brown effectively.
Making Brown from Primary Colors
Did you know you can create brown just by mixing the three primary colors—red, blue, and yellow—in the right proportions? Here’s a simple guide:
- Start by mixing red and yellow to make orange.
- Add a touch of blue and voila, you’ve got brown!
- Experiment with different proportions to get a variety of brown shades.
Brown Paints on the Market
From warm chestnut to cool chocolate, the market is flooded with brown paints. Some noteworthy ones include:
- Wooden Horse by PPG: A medium brown with a slight hint of red.
- Acorn by Benjamin Moore: A warm, golden brown that’s perfect for creating a cozy ambiance.
- Leather Bound by Behr: A rich, deep brown that exudes sophistication.
Using Brown Effectively
Using brown effectively can create a sense of warmth and earthiness. In interior design, it’s often used to create a cozy and comfortable atmosphere. In art, it can add depth and dimension to your work. And in fashion, it can be used to create a classic, timeless look. But remember, balance is key when using brown, as too much of it can be overwhelming.
Now that we’re well-versed in the worlds of blue and brown, let’s tackle the million-dollar question: what color does blue and brown make when mixed?
Mixing Blue and Brown
So, you’ve got your blue and brown paints at the ready. Your palette is clean, your brush is poised, and you’re about to discover the answer to the question, “What color does blue and brown make?”. Let’s dive in.
Achieving the Right Tone
Mixing blue and brown isn’t just about slapping the two colors together. It’s about achieving the right tone. Here’s how:
- Start with a base of brown.
- Add in small amounts of blue, mixing as you go.
- Keep adding blue until you reach your desired tone. Remember, a little goes a long way!
What you’ll end up with is a color that’s often described as ‘cool brown’ or even grayish. The exact shade can vary, depending on the shades of blue and brown you started with.
Avoiding Muddy Colors
One challenge when mixing blue and brown is avoiding a muddy, indistinct color. The key to avoiding this is to control the amount of each color you’re mixing. Too much blue can overpower the brown, resulting in an unappealing color. To avoid this, always start with a larger amount of brown and slowly add blue.
Experimenting with Mixing
Remember, there’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ answer to “What color does blue and brown make?”. The beauty of mixing colors is that you can experiment and create your own unique shades. So, have fun with it! Try mixing different shades of blue and brown. You might be surprised by the results.
