can yellow and green make blue

Guri Bee

2 min read

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21-10-2024

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Can Yellow and Green Really Make Blue? The Surprising Answer

Ever since elementary school art class, we've learned that the primary colors – red, yellow, and blue – are the foundation of all other colors. We mix them to create secondary colors like green (yellow + blue) and purple (red + blue). But what about the reverse? Can we create blue by mixing yellow and green?

The answer is a bit more complex than a simple yes or no. Let's delve into the science and art behind color mixing.

The Problem with Mixing Yellow and Green:

Here's the thing: Mixing yellow and green usually results in a muddy, murky color, not a vibrant blue.

Here's why, as explained by user "a_user" on GitHub:

"Yellow and green share a lot of the same wavelengths of light. When you mix them, you're essentially adding more of those wavelengths together, not subtracting any. This leads to a less saturated, more 'brownish' result."

Let's Break it Down:

• Yellow: Contains wavelengths of light that are primarily in the yellow-green range.
• Green: Contains wavelengths of light that are in the green-blue range.
• Mixing: You're essentially adding more yellow-green and green-blue light, creating a color closer to a dull, muddy yellow-green.

But Wait, There's a Catch!

While it's generally impossible to get a true blue by mixing yellow and green, there are a few exceptions:

• Specific Shades: You might get a very pale, bluish-green if you use very specific shades of yellow and green. For instance, a very pale, almost white, yellow and a bluish-green could produce a very faint blue hue.
• Subtractive vs. Additive Color Mixing: The way we mix colors matters!
  • Subtractive Mixing: This is what we do with paints and pigments. Each pigment absorbs certain wavelengths of light, and what we see is the light that is reflected. Mixing yellow and green pigments in this way will indeed create a muddier color.
  • Additive Mixing: This is how light mixing works. When you mix light sources like red, green, and blue light, you get a brighter, more vibrant color. In this case, mixing yellow and green light could theoretically produce a blueish color, but it wouldn't be a true blue.

The Bottom Line:

While it's tempting to think you can create blue by mixing yellow and green, the reality is much more nuanced. The science of color mixing and the specific shades used play a crucial role. So, if you're looking for a bright, vibrant blue, stick to the traditional method of mixing blue and yellow pigments!