Green… surely the most important colour on a landscape painter's palette! Did you know that green is also a popular shade for underpainting a canvas before painting portraits? It enhances the warmth of flesh tones, making them look more 'alive'.
What two colours make green?
To make green, all you need are two primary colours: blue and yellow. You can make a variety of shades of green by altering the ratio of blue and yellow in the mixture, or adding a touch of red, white or black.
Some artists like to use black instead of blue, because black has a blue undertone that creates a more muted and natural shade of green. Have a play and see what you think!
How to make green
Mix together equal parts of blue and yellow paint (ratio 1:1).
Add more yellow for a brighter shade, or blue to make a darker green.
How to make lime green
Take your green mixture and add white in increments until the colour lightens to your desired shade of lime green.
How to make autumnal green
Take your green mixture and add a touch of red.
How to make olive green
For making olive green try using black instead of blue to mix with yellow. The colour black has a blue undertone that will create a more muted shade of green.
How to make green for your paint palette
Have fun playing with different tones of yellow and blue to make a variety of green shades. What would they be suitable for? Grass on a bright summer's day? A bowl of limes? An army uniform?
How to make orange
Enjoy making green and want to try another colour? Learn how to make orange with our easy guide.
