Magenta is associated with harmony as well as creating a feeling of balance. To make the color stand out, pair it with green as this is its complementary color. Magenta can also work well with other shades of pink as well as with bright blues and even shades of yellow.
What Colors Make Magenta? – How to Make Magenta Paint Yourself!
What color is magenta? There are a few variations to its description, but it has been defined as a reddish-purple or purplish-red. Magenta has also been described as part of the pink and violet family. In this article, we will try to clarify what two colors make magenta if there are any, and how to make magenta using acrylic paints.
Table of Contents
- 1 Interesting Facts About Magenta
- 2 What Two Colors Make Magenta?
- 2.1 Subtractive Color Model
- 2.2 Additive Color Model
- 3.1 How to Make Magenta Paint Darker
- 3.2 How to Make Paint Mediums With Magenta Pigment
- 3.3 What Colors Can You Substitute for Magenta?
- 4.1 What Colors Make Magenta?
- 4.2 What Color Is Magenta?
- 4.3 What Colors Work Well With Magenta?
- 4.4 Is Magenta a Color?
Interesting Facts About Magenta
Let us start with how the name magenta came to be. First, there was the invention of the synthetic aniline dye, by William Perkin in 1856, which was named mauveine. This discovery then inspired many other chemists to experiment to create more colors. The name magenta was also taken from what was known as an aniline dye, which was discovered and patented by Francois-Emmanuel Verguin, who was a French chemist during the mid-19 th century. The patent was then sold to the Renard brothers, who then manufactured the dye commercially. Before it became well-known as magenta, the dye formula itself was called fuchsine, which is also known as rosaniline hydrochloride.
ContentsThe actual name magenta was taken from the Battle of Magenta, which was in honor of the Italian-French victory. This battle was fought between the French and Austrians in 1859 close to the Italian town, also known as Magenta, which is in Lombardy and forms a part of Northern Italy. Soon after the French chemist Verguin, came two British chemists, George Maule, and Chambers Nicolson, who also created an almost identical color known as roseine. Many artists began using the color on the canvas after its discovery. For example, Portrait of Marie Lagadu (1890) by the artist Gauguin.
Portrait of Marie Lagadu (1890) by Paul Gauguin; Paul Gauguin, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Many of these synthetic dyes and pigments tended to fade quite fast, which was fine for commercial art. However, these types of pigments were not ideal for fine art. So, in the early 20 th century, quinacridone, an organic compound was found to be more suitable as a pigment because of its lightfast properties. This compound is often used as magenta and various shades of this color can be produced by simply adding various amounts of white paint.Does the color magenta exist in nature? This is a somewhat curious matter as the answer is a simple no. So, where does magenta fit in? The color magenta has no wavelength of light that is in the visible spectrum. The color is produced or perceived by our brain, which interprets the blending of blue and red colors of light. Many flowers are the color of magenta, especially those that are indigenous to the tropics as well as sub-tropics. These magenta flowers, along with green stems and leaves, create a high contrast, which helps make the plants more enticing to insects and animals for pollination.
In our society, magenta is a color that is mostly associated with happiness, appreciation, and emotional harmony.
What Two Colors Make Magenta?
This is not as simple to explain as it sounds, as magenta can be considered a primary and secondary color in various color models. Let us explain. When talking about pigments or dyes, red, blue as well as yellow are considered primary colors. This is known as the RYB model, which is used to mix paints. Combining these colors will then form your secondary colors and then your tertiary or intermediate colors. All these colors can be seen on the color wheel. However, many use the modern color model that uses magenta in place of red, cyan in place of blue, and yellow, which are the primary colors. When mixing red and blue paint, depending on the type of red or blue, it should give you a violet or purple color. The following are other important color models many use every day.
Subtractive Color Model
This is when colors are produced from reflected light, this includes mixing paint and pigments, for example, in printing. This color model also makes use of magenta, cyan, as well as yellow. Pigments or chemical dyes create color by absorbing or subtracting some wavelengths and reflecting others when light is shined on them. For example, cyan will absorb red, which then leaves green and blue, to make cyan. Magenta will absorb green, which leaves yellow and red, which is what produces magenta. The cyan, magenta, yellow, as well as black (CMYK) model type is used in printing, where these colors are used to create all other colors including black.
For example, cyan and magenta create blue, yellow, and magenta make red, and all three colors create black.
Additive Color Model
This color model contains the colors red, green, and blue (RGB), and is used by certain light sources like your computer screen or television. Color is created by adding light, which is why it is called an additive color model. So, if you combine all the colors, you should end up with white. In this case, when combining red and blue, you get cyan or green and red creates yellow. What two colors make magenta? In this case, red and blue will create magenta, which makes it a secondary color in this model. So, when referring to the color magenta, it is mostly to do with your CMYK and RGB color model systems.
There are some slight variations between the magenta colors used on the web and for printing. The color used in printing is also known as Process magenta, pigment, or printer’s magenta. This magenta is less vibrant than the magenta you see on your computer screen. The magenta color on the screen cannot be reproduced exactly on paper. On paper, it is called fuchsia and does not appear as vivid as on the screen but has the same hex code. Hex codes are what you can use to identify colors online, and each color shows how much color is needed for web projects or printing. Below is a table presenting these codes. As with many colors, there are many shades of magenta
Magenta Shade Magenta Hex Code CMYK Magenta Color Code RGB Magenta Color Code Magenta Color Magenta #ff00ff 0, 100, 0, 0 255, 0, 255
History of Magenta
The history of the color magenta is quite extraordinary, providing us with two separate origins. The first being the introduction of synthetic magenta dyes, as well as the introduction of the name itself. But first, let us explore how our descendants had to find this extravagant color in nature!
Despite its eccentric appearance, magenta can still be found sporadically throughout nature. Magenta can appear in flowers such as lilies and roses, as previously mentioned, but can also be found on Andean flamingos, certain species of dragonflies, and reef fish, as well as coral formations situated around the Persian Gulf. You can even find them in between a double rainbow! It has even been discovered by astronomers that spectral class T brown dwarf stars turn magenta in color due to their mass absorption of sodium and potassium atoms.
Portrait of Marie Lagadu (1890) by Paul Gauguin; Paul Gauguin, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Because of its irregular occurrence here on Earth, however, the regular use of magenta only became a possibility when the color was first synthesized by the infamous French chemist, François-Emmanuel Verguin, in the mid-19th century. Due to the textile industry’s high demand for more vibrant and beautiful colors, many of which could only be derived from infrequently occurring natural sources, Verguin set his sights on creating a new color pigment. Soon after figuring out what colors make magenta, his efforts led to the creation of what was then known as fuchsine, named after the fuchsia flower that has a similar pinkish-purple hue.
As a result of its vibrant color and ability to resist fading when exposed to sunlight, fuchsine became a major breakthrough throughout the textile industry in 1856. However, this newly synthesized shade would only attain its current name three years later after the occurrence of a bloody battle between France and Austria.
Despite France’s inferior numbers compared to Austria’s, 54,000 to 58,000 respectively, the battle’s underdog was able to execute a victorious maneuver. This, however, led to mass casualties on both sides.
As the French suffered 4,000 dead and wounded, Austria suffered a greater 5,700, resulting in a battlefield that was left in a deep red from all the blood spilled. This would result in the previously named fuchsine to then be named after the Italian town in which this battle occurred, Magenta.
In our modern times, however, this color is often seen in a much lighter and more loving manner. As it is now widely used in a variety of art forms such as paintings, films, fashion, and design, artists have discovered the strong emotions that have been associated with magenta. Magenta has been described in different shades of mostly positive, as some may refer to the feeling of magenta as being exciting and energetic, while others may instead find it calming and peaceful.
These differences in perception can be easy to understand by looking at what two colors make magenta, namely red and blue. While red may be associated with feelings of passion, love, and anger, blue is instead associated with peace, tranquility, and intelligence. When combined in magenta, it turns out that the resulting hue can be quite emotionally charged and dynamic.
Shades of Magenta
With a history that is as mesmerizing as the color itself, you may be left with the question “how do you make magenta?”, whether it be for paintings and clothing, or even just to gain a deeper understanding of this already deep shade. However, it is vital that you first come to terms with the various shades that can be found within magenta itself. While there may be too many different shades of magenta to mention in this article alone, a few of the most popular choices can include the following:
Magenta Color Hex Code RGB CMYK (%) Shade of Magenta Magenta #ff00ff 255, 0, 255 0, 100, 0, 0 Violet #ee82ee 238, 130, 238 30, 70, 0, 0 Pastel Magenta #f49ac2 244, 154, 194 0, 37, 20, 4 Ultra Pink #ff6fff 255, 111, 255 0, 56, 0, 0 Rich Brilliant Lavender #f1a7fe 241, 167, 254 5, 34, 0, 0 Sky Magenta #cf71af 207, 113, 175 0, 45, 15, 19 Vivid Orchid #cc00ff 204, 0, 255 0, 49, 2, 15 Purple Pizzazz #fe4eda 254, 78, 218 0, 69, 14, 0 Flirt #a2006d 162, 0, 109 0 30 18 52 Magenta Haze #9f4576 159, 69, 118 0 35 16 38 As you may tell, magenta is a bold and vibrant color that ranges from bright pink hues to muted and purplish shades. This color’s lighter, more pinkish tones, namely pastel pink, are often associated with feelings of love and romance. Such tones provide a delicate and feminine energy, and are perfect for adding a touch of sweetness and warmth to any space or outfit.
Magenta’s deeper and more saturated shades, however, begin to take on a greater sense of vigor and energy. Bright and electric shades of magenta are bold and can grab anyone’s attention. Such tones are not uncommon in all forms of art and media, and are used to attract audience attention through posters, paintings, and clothing.
In contrast, the darker, richer shades of purple provide more sophisticated hues that seem to almost radiate a sense of mystery and intrigue. These shades can add a touch of elegance and glamor to practically any space.
Due to its rich variety of shades, magenta has become widely used in the fashion and design industries. Its uses vary from making bold statements to simply adding a dash of color to any outfit or environment when paired with neutral or similarly bold colors.
Simply put, the shades of magenta remain diverse and varied, ideal for suiting any and all tastes and preferences.
What Color Is Magenta?
In a world that is still predominantly bathed in natural tones such as browns, grays, and greens, it can often be quite jarring to see the color magenta in our day to day lives. This is a color that is immediately noticeable when found in nature due to how its bright and inviting shades are in stark contrast to its surrounding environment. If you were to ask the average person, “what color is magenta?”, you will likely hear it be described as a pinkish-purple color, one that is both bright and vibrant.
To imagine what color is magenta in the form of a physical object, try to imagine a bouquet of flowers. There are countless flowers in nature, namely roses and lilies, that have petals with a deep shade of pink. Incredibly similar to magenta, this shade is created through a combination of red and blue pigments that can be found within the flower petals. Due to its beautiful appearance, many have found that placing flowers, paintings, and other decorations can bring any home together.
How to Make Magenta
Now, with such a rich diversity of shades at your disposal, you may be wondering about how you can make magenta paint for your own personal or professional projects. This can be a fun and creative process that most can enjoy, and with a bit of knowledge and practice, you will be able to create the perfect shade of magenta for your project. However, we suggest that you first come to understand what two colors make magenta, that is red and blue.
On one hand, we have red, a powerful and emotive color that has become widely associated with a range of strong emotions such as passion and desire.
As a result of its seductive and alluring nature, red is commonly used in fashion and design to create a sense of sensuality and attractiveness. Additionally, this color is also strongly associated with feelings of anger and aggression. It is widely known that the mere sight of red is able to raise the heart rate and increase feelings of arousal, both of which can contribute to feelings of anger and aggression. This is why red is used as warning colors and on stop signs in particular, as it grabs attention with ease and conveys a sense of urgency.
Red Color Hex Code RGB CMYK (%) Shade of Red Red #ff0000 255, 0, 0 0, 100, 100, 0 On the other hand, we have blue, a calm and soothing color that is commonly associated with a range of positive emotions. The most common of these associations would have to be feelings of peace and tranquility. While rare in any physical nature, blue is most observed in the form of our sky during daytime and our oceans, both of which connote a sense of vastness and depth that is closely related to intelligence and wisdom. As a result, blue can just as commonly be found throughout businesses and educational institutes as it can be found in fashion and design schools around the world.
Blue Color Hex Code RGB CMYK (%) Shade of Blue Blue #0000ff 0, 0, 255 100,100, 0, 0 With the combination of such colors coming in the form of magenta, it can provide us with a variety of feelings and sensations at any given moment. These feelings can change drastically by moving through the rich tapestry of shades that magenta provides. Because of this, artists are given the resources needed to easily tap into a number of otherwise untouchable emotions when viewing their works. Frankly, it is no wonder why so many up-and-coming artists and designers are eager to figure out how to make magenta paint.
To start, you will need to add a small amount of red paint to your palette. You can do so by either using a primary red paint, or you can mix your own by combining equal parts yellow and blue paint. Following this, you will need to add a small amount of blue paint to your palette. Similarly, you can either do so by adding a primary blue, or you can mix your own by combining equal parts green and red paint.
Now, you can begin to mix the red and blue paints together. As you do so, you will begin to see the colors blending together to create a range of varying shades. Keep mixing until you have reached your desired shade of magenta. If you are looking to attain a lighter shade of magenta, all you need to do is add a small amount of white paint to your mix. However, if you are looking to instead reach a darker shade, you can add more red or blue paint until you have reached your preferred shade.
It is clear to see that the color magenta is as vibrant and captivating as ever. We hope to have aided your artistic journey by helping you find the answer to the question, “how do you make magenta”. Thankfully, understanding and mixing the color magenta for yourself is easy for both newcomers and seasoned veterans alike. Join us next time as we continue to cover more fascinating colors that make up our everyday world!
Making Magenta with Acrylic Paint
Needless to say, making magenta with acrylic paint is also easy for most beginners. Like our other two processes, it also requires magenta pigment.
Step 1: Take Clear Gesso Acrylic and Pigment
A clear gesso acrylic is a good option for making magenta acrylic paint. Nevertheless, you can also take white gesso instead of clear gesso for this purpose.
But for better results, clear gesso acrylic is recommended first since white gesso requires comparatively more pigment to make a dark or regular magenta paint.
Step 2: Mix Them
Mix the clear gesso acrylic and magenta pigment properly and get beautiful magenta acrylic paint.
How to Bright Magenta Paint?
A bright magenta color looks basically like purplish-pink or red-heavy purple hence you see a hue mostly red. So, to make bright magenta paint, first, take a cool and bright shade of red. Then mix it with a bit of the color white. It will result in bright pink color.
Now, to bring the bright magenta paint, mix blue with it in a small amount. Or, you can also even add purple color and mix them. It will provide a slight and low purplish hue.
If you don’t know, magenta is considered a cool color along with green and blue. Unlike red, yellow, or orange, it doesn’t have a warm color. So, brightening magenta paint is not hard enough.
Final Words
Finally, to make magenta paint, you need to know its hue properly. There are certainly different lighter or darker tones of magenta. Yet, all you need to know is that it is a member of the family violet and purple. If you mix red and blue together, you will get a shade within its range.
Hopefully, our guideline regarding this topic helps you out with making the perfect magenta paint. We have suggested going for the magenta pigment. It comes at a cheaper rate and is also great for making larger quantities of magenta paint.
