How to Mix Oil Paints for Turquoise: A Guide for Artists

Creating the perfect shade of turquoise can be a challenge for artists, but with the right mixture of colors, you can achieve this beautiful, serene hue. Turquoise is known for its vibrant greenish-blue blend that creates a captivating look in many artworks. This guide will walk you through the steps of mixing oil paints to create the perfect turquoise tone.

Turquoise Colors in Oil Paints

When it comes to mixing oil paints to create turquoise, there are a few key colors to consider:

Phthalo Blue: This is a bright and intense blue that serves as the base for your turquoise. Cadmium Green or Viridian Green: These greens are essential for adding a touch of green to your color, helping you achieve the desired turquoise shade. White: Adding white can lighten your mixture and help fine-tune the overall tone of the color. Cadmium Yellow or Ultramarine Blue: These colors can be used to adjust the shade to achieve the exact turquoise hue you desire.

Mixing Ratio for a Basic Turquoise Color

Creating a basic turquoise color is a straightforward process. Begin with a base of Phthalo Blue. Gradually add Cadmium Green or Viridian Green until you attain the desired shade of turquoise. This process allows for flexibility and creativity in achieving the exact hue you envision.

Tips for Perfecting Your Turquoise

Adjust the amount of green to create a more blue or green turquoise. To make a lighter turquoise, add a small amount of white to your mixture. Experiment with small amounts to fine-tune the shade and achieve the perfect turquoise color.

A Slightly More Technical Approach

According to pure pigment theory, to technically create turquoise, you would need to mix a base of cyan (a blue) with a small amount of yellow and white. However, with the variety of oil paints available today, you can achieve similar results by starting with phthalo blue and adding cadmium yellow and white.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Many artists, even experienced ones, find it difficult to achieve the perfect turquoise shade. If you find that your homemade mixture is not quite right, it is perfectly acceptable to purchase premixed turquoise from an art store. This approach ensures that you have the exact shade you need without the frustration of constant experimentation.

Creative Variations

The two primary colors that make up turquoise are cyan and yellow. By adding more yellow to the cyan, you can create a more greenish shade. Turquoise requires only a small amount of yellow, making it a refined and versatile color to work with.

Remember, the key to achieving a perfect turquoise hue lies in experimenting and fine-tuning the mixture. With these steps and a bit of practice, you can master the art of creating the perfect turquoise in your oil paint mixes.