Let’s explore how to mix colors to make new colors, the relationships between colors, and even the idea that color can induce an emotional response. These color mixing charts are an easy way to introduce lots of color concepts in an easy, hands on way.
Color mixing charts….
Young kids, and really, anyone inexperienced in mixing colors, tend to be satisfied using the colors right out of the box or tube. Crayola provides 12 or 18 colors. That ought to be enough, right? These two pages provide space for your kiddos to mix way more colors than that without any more instruction than that. Play, mix, create. It’s a color mixing challenge.
My nine year old daughter and I recently sat down with a box of watercolor paints and the “Can you make 42 different colors?” page below. She started excitedly mixing colors and got a few rows down and said “There aren’t any more colors.” What she really meant was “There aren’t any more colors that I like.”
Besides the basic, bright colors encourage your kids to make the dull, in between colors. Knowing how to mix neutral colors is worthwhile skill.
These two pages of color mixing challenges can be done in whatever paint you have available. We used simple Crayola watercolors but feel free to use what you have!
Mixing complementary colors….
Complementary colors are opposite each other on the color wheel. Learning to mix them opens up a whole new world of neutral colors and not so bright colors that are crucial to painting in a lifelike way. Real life doesn’t happen in only candy bright colors!
This color mixing chart allows for experimenting with mixing pairs of complementary colors as well as the addition of black and white. You certainly can use watercolor paints for this this, just as we did on the color mixing chart above. Adding black and white is a little different when using watercolor paints though, and you might want to give your kids a heads up. Traditionally watercolor paints don’t use white but instead the color gets lighter with the addition of more water. Using watercolor paints for this color mixing exercise requires a but more delicacy which may or may not be a strength of your kiddos.
Using tempera paints (washable) or craft acrylics paints (not washable) are both great cost effective options for kids for all kinds of painting experiences!
Mixing primary colors, secondary colors, and beyond…..
This color mixing chart provides a little more structure than the “How many colors can you mix…” charts. This page will walk your student through making first the primary colors, then the secondary colors, the tertiary colors, as well as experiment with mixing pairs of complementary colors and values.
Analogous colors….
Analogous colors are neighbors. They are groups of three colors that are next to each other on the color wheel. It’s a big word to describe a simple concept. Since analogous colors are similar they tend to create a harmonious feeling. Groups of harmonious colors blend into one another easily and just look pleasing together!
This color mixing chart give your kids the chance to identify the colors analogous to the three primary colors.
A value scale….
Value is the lightness or darkness of a color. Tints are created by adding white to a color while shades are created by adding black to a color.
The value scale color mixing chart below can be completed in either watercolor or an opaque paint like tempera or acrylic. (See notes and paint suggestions listed under the complementary colors mixing chart.)
Want to grab you own color mixing chart….
Do you want a copy of these color mixing printables for your kids to color? These beauties are free for Kitchen Table Classroom subscribers.
Use the form below to become a subscriber. Then check your email and confirm that you really meant to subscribe. Upon confirmation you’ll receive the PDF immediately.
Are you already a KTC subscriber…
If you are already a subscriber- thank you! You can still go through this same process to grab these printable color mixing resource. It’s quick and easy! You won’t be sent duplicate emails- I promise.
After you become a KTC subscriber you’ll also receive a password to my Free Resource Library where you can find this color mixing page and browse all the free printables in one convenient place! (I’m talking hundreds of free pages!)
If you love this color mixing chart but are looking for this same concepts presented in a more elementary manner check out this free printable book all about colors concepts!
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