What Are Secondary Colors? A Simple Guide for Artists, Students, and Parents

Some colors just click together. Think of orange leaves against a deep blue sky = instant pop. The reason is basic color theory: secondary colors. In this guide, you’ll learn what they are, how to mix them, and how to use them to make your art look better, without guesswork.

In one sentence: Secondary colors are made by mixing two primary colors in equal parts. Orange = red + yellow, green = blue + yellow, purple = red + blue.

What Are Secondary Colors?

On the classic artist’s color wheel (RYB), secondary colors sit between their parent primaries:

• Orange between red and yellow
• Green between blue and yellow
• Purple between red and blue

They act like bridges on the wheel and help you build palettes that feel balanced and clear.

How to Mix the 3 Secondary Colors (Paint)

General tips

• Start 1:1 with the two primaries.
• Adjust slowly—some pigments are strong.
• Test mixes on scrap before using them in your piece.

Orange = Red + Yellow

• Too red? Add a touch more yellow.
• Looks dull? Try warm versions: vermilion/cadmium red + primary yellow.

Green = Blue + Yellow

• Too cool/dark? Add more yellow.
• Too neon? Neutralize with a pinch of red.
• Fresh leaves → yellow-leaning; pine trees → blue-leaning.

Purple = Red + Blue

• Looks muddy? Use cool pigments: magenta/quinacridone + ultramarine.
• Warmer purple → add a bit more red. Cooler violet → add more blue.

Watercolor note: Build color with light layers (glazing) and let each layer dry.

RYB vs. RGB vs. CMYK (Why screens look different)

• Painting & classroom art (RYB): primaries are red, yellow, blue → secondaries are orange, green, purple.
• Screens/light (RGB): primaries are red, green, blue → mixing two makes cyan, magenta, yellow.
• Printing (CMYK): cyan, magenta, yellow + black; mixes lean toward RGB hues on paper.

Takeaway: For paint and school projects, think RYB. For digital work, expect RGB behavior.

Easy Harmony Recipes

You could take a look at the Adobe Color Wheel to get some inspiration of matching colors.

Complementary pop (opposites):

• Orange ↔ Blue
• Green ↔ Red
• Purple ↔ Yellow
  Use one as the main color, the opposite as a small accent for instant contrast.

Triadic balance:

• Orange + Green + Purple
  Keep two softer; let one be bright.

Analogous calm:

• Pick a color and its neighbors (e.g., yellow → yellow-green → green) for a smooth, cozy look.

Mood quick guide:

• Orange: warm, energetic, cozy
• Green: natural, fresh, calm
• Purple: elegant, dreamy, mysterious

Common Mixing Problems (Quick Fixes)

• Mud: Clean the brush often; avoid mixing more than 2–3 colors at once.
• Too bright: Add a tiny bit of the complement to tone it down.
• Flat look: Change value (light vs. dark), not just hue.
• Streaky blends (acrylic): Work while wet or add a drop of glazing medium.
• Chalky tints: Add white slowly; warm with a touch of yellow if needed.

10-Minute Practice: Secondary Color Tiles

1. Tape off 6 small squares.
2. Mix true orange, green, purple (aim for 1:1).
3. Next to each, make a tint (add white/water) and a shade (add a tiny bit of the complement or a touch of black).
4. Note your ratios so you can repeat them.

Real-World Examples

• Landscapes: greens dominate; small red accents (barns, flowers) stand out.
• Sunsets: orange skies with blue shadows add depth.
• Portraits & fantasy: purple shadows feel rich and magical.

FAQ: What Are Secondary Colors?

Keep the color momentum going:

• Learn the basics of primary colors
• Paint a cozy scene with fall colors

Or take a look at our Pinterest for more inspiration.