What Colors Make Orange? Guide On How To Make Orange

Orange is one of those vibrant, happy colors that instantly brings warmth, energy, and creativity to any piece of art. Whether you’re painting a sunset, autumn leaves, or bold abstract art, knowing how to mix the perfect shade of orange is a must! In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what colors make orange, how to adjust its shades, and how you can create endless variations using Drawlish Acrylic Paints and the Drawlish Paint Palette, both available on Drawlish.com.

What Colors Make Orange?

At its core, orange is made by mixing red and yellow. But it’s not just that simple — the exact red and yellow you use can completely change the tone of your orange.

• For a bright, vivid orange:
   Use a warm red (like scarlet) and a bright lemon yellow.
  

• For a deeper, burnt orange:
   Mix a darker red (like crimson) with golden yellow.
  

• For a softer, peachy orange:
   Use a light pinkish red and pale yellow, then add a touch of white.
  

Quick Orange Mixing Cheat Sheet:

How to Make Different Shades of Orange:

1. Light Orange
    Add a small amount of white to your mixed orange. Perfect for soft pastels, floral art, or backgrounds.
   

2. Dark Orange
    Add a tiny bit of blue or a deeper red to mute and darken the color. Be cautious — too much blue will turn it brown!
   

3. Muted or Earthy Orange
    Add a dab of brown or a complementary color (like a tiny bit of blue or gray) to tone down the vibrancy. This shade is excellent for fall leaves, rustic decor, and vintage paintings.
   

4. Reddish Orange
    Add more red to the mix to achieve a fiery, warm orange — ideal for sunsets and fiery accents.
   

5. Yellowish Orange
    Add more yellow to achieve a sunny, golden orange — perfect for summer art and bright, joyful pieces.
   

Pro Tips for Mixing Orange:

• Start with small amounts and build up the color gradually.
  

• Use the Drawlish Paint Palette to keep your mixes clean and experiment with different ratios.
  

• Always test your shade on a piece of scrap paper before applying it to your artwork.
  

Why Use Drawlish Acrylic Paints for Mixing Orange?

At Drawlish, we’re obsessed with quality. Our premium acrylic paints are richly pigmented, smooth, and blend effortlessly. Whether you’re working on canvas, paper, wood, or fabric, Drawlish Acrylic Paints give you consistent, vibrant color every time.

And don’t forget — using the Drawlish Paint Palette makes mixing, blending, and adjusting shades so much easier. Its smooth, easy-to-clean surface is designed for artists who love to experiment and create!

Shop Now and Start Mixing!

Ready to create the perfect shade of orange for your next masterpiece?

Check out the Drawlish Acrylic Paints — available in a wide range of colors perfect for mixing.
Don’t forget to grab the Drawlish Paint Palette for easy, mess-free mixing!

Mixing orange is simple, but mastering all its shades opens up a world of creativity. Whether you're painting bold abstract art or delicate florals, understanding how red and yellow interact will help you create depth and personality in your work.