Creating the colour blue may be an intriguing and entertaining process, whether you work in digital graphics, dye synthesis, or paint mixing. In this article, we explain how to make blue using a variety of methods for Australians who want to explore the spectrum of colours. We’ll go over both old and modern ways to guarantee you get the right blue tone for your project.
Understanding the basics of colour mixing
Before we dive into the specifics of making blue, it’s important to understand the basics of colour mixing. The colour wheel is an essential tool for designers and artists who want to work effectively with colours. On the colour wheel, blue is one of the three primary colours, along with red and yellow.
Primary colours
- Blue
- Red
- Yellow
Secondary colours
Secondary colours are formed by mixing two primary colours. For example, blue and yellow combine to form green, while blue and red combine to form purple.
Making blue with paint
Using primary colours
Blue is a basic colour, so it does not require the addition of other colours to create it. However, in order to achieve diverse blue tones, blue must be blended with another colour.
Light blue
When you mix blue and white, you get light blue. This would give you a pastel, kinder shadow.
- Blue + White = Light Blue
Dark blue
For a darker, richer blue, mix blue with a small amount of black. Be cautious, as adding too much black can overpower the blue.
- Blue + Black = Dark Blue
Mixing with secondary colours
Though blue is a fundamental colour, you can experiment with secondary colours to create interesting tones.
Teal
Teal is a colour that combines the peacefulness of blue and the vigour of green.
- Blue + Green = Teal
Violet
Violet is a bold and deep colour generated by combining blue and red.
- Blue + Red = Violet
Making blue with dyes
Natural dyes
Natural colours are derived from minerals, plants, and other organic substances. If you’re seeking environmentally responsible options, here are some organic blue dye production methods.
Indigo
Indigo is a widely used natural dye with a deep blue colour. For millennia, people have used it to dye fabrics, a practice that continues today.
- Indigo Plant + Water = Blue Dye
Blueberries
Blueberries also yield blue dye. Boil the berries in water, strain the mixture, and colour using the resulting liquid.
- Blueberries + Water = Blue Dye
Synthetic dyes
Synthetic dyes offer more consistency and variety in shades. These dyes are commonly used in textiles, crafts, and even food colouring.
Fabric dye
Commercial fabric dyes come in a wide range of blue shades. For optimal results, adhere to the guidelines provided on the packaging.
- Synthetic Dye + Fabric = Coloured Fabric
Making blue digitally
RGB colour model
Digital designers commonly generate colors using the RGB (Red, Green, Blue) color paradigm. Changing the values of these three basic hues allows you to create any shade of blue.
Pure blue
To express pure blue in the RGB paradigm, set the blue value to 255 while keeping the red and green values at 0.
- RGB(0, 0, 255) = Blue
Light blue
For a lighter blue, increase the green value slightly while keeping the red value at 0.
- RGB(0, 191, 255) = Light Blue
Dark blue
To achieve a darker blue, lower the blue value and keep the red and green values at 0.
- RGB(0, 0, 139) = Dark Blue
Hex codes
Hexadecimal (hex) codes are another way to represent colours digitally. The hex code for pure blue is #0000FF.
- #0000FF = Blue
- #00BFFF = Light Blue
- #00008B = Dark Blue
Tips for creating the perfect blue
Experiment and adjust
Try different blends and percentages without hesitation. Changing the quantity produces strange and gorgeous blue tones.
Use quality materials
Using high-quality goods ensures that your colours are vibrant and long-lasting, whether you’re using digital tools, paints, or dyes.
Keep records
Note down your colour combos and recipes. This will allow you to duplicate the same shade in subsequent works.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can you make blue by mixing other colours?
No, blue is a basic colour that cannot be created by mixing other colours. Even so, combining blue with other colours will result in a variety of blue shades.
2. What are the best natural sources for blue dye?
Blueberries and indigo plants are rich sources of natural blue dye.
3. How do you make blue in digital design?
Blue can be generated digitally using hex codes or the RGB colour model. To achieve the desired hue, adjust the values of red, green, and blue.
Conclusion
Making blue is a simple yet artistic procedure that can be accomplished using digital tools, paints, or dyes. Knowing the foundations of colour mixing and experimenting with different ways will help you find the perfect shade of blue for any project.
