Make brown using four easy formulas.
People use basic color theory for mixing colors. The three primary colors of red, yellow and blue combine and make secondary colors. The secondary colors are purple, green and orange. If a primary color and secondary color or two secondary colors combine, a tertiary color is created. Tertiary colors are muted, muddy colors like brown and gray. Brown is a tertiary color created using several different formulas.
Instructions
1. Place your paints on a flat surface, and check the colors. Make sure the red is a true red. Some reds look bluish, and some have an orange tint to the color. These reds don't mix well. You want a cadmium deep red or alizarin crimson. Either one works well for mixing.
2. Create brown using all primary colors by mixing equal amounts of red, yellow and blue paint. Blend the paint thoroughly. If it looks too purple, add a little yellow. If it looks too green, add a little red. If it looks too orange, add a little blue. It may take a few minutes before the color looks right.
3. Make brown by mixing equal amounts of orange and blue. This makes a grayish-brown color that works well when painting old wood, trees or skin. If it looks gray instead of brown, add a little more orange to the mixture.
4. Blend equal amounts of red and green together for a rich, warm brown. It makes a cherry wood color.
5. Put equal amounts of yellow and purple together, and blend thoroughly. This mixture makes a brown that works well for painting swampy areas.
6. Test the color by painting a dab of paint on paper. Let it dry before using the paint. Some types of paint get darker when they dry.
