Mixing Greens

’I ’ve always been drawn to the colour green. It’s a recurring theme throughout my paintings. Green represents growth, harmony, health, renewal, life, spring, and abundance—but most of all, to me, green is the colour of hope.

That said, mixing green can be one of the most challenging tasks for artists, especially beginners. It's not that the pigments are hard to work with—it’s how we perceive green in nature and try to replicate its subtlety and variety on canvas.

In the natural world, green is never just “green.” Think of the warm yellow-greens of sunlit leaves, the cooler blue-greens found in shaded grass, or the muted olive tones of a distant hillside. Nature also throws in plenty of greys, reddish browns, purples, yellows, and even oranges to complement those greens. Capturing this richness requires both observation and the right tools.

My Go-To Green Mixing Chart

Over time, I’ve developed a Green Chart that helps me mix exactly the right shade of green I need for any scene. Here's what I use:

Yellows

• Lemon Yellow

• Cadmium Yellow

• Raw Sienna

Blues

• French Ultramarine

• Cerulean Blue

• Phthalo Blue

Reds (for toning down green)

• Cadmium Red

• Permanent Rose

• Alizarin Crimson

(Red is the complementary colour to green, and it’s perfect for muting or neutralising overly vibrant greens.)

This chart allows me to create a wide spectrum—from fresh, zesty greens to deep, earthy forest tones.

Find Inspiration in Green

Next time you spot a lush aloe plant or feel inspired by the colours of a vibrant seascape, try observing the greens more closely. Look for the subtle shifts in temperature, light, and value—and then experiment with your palette.

I'd love to guide you if you're just beginning your painting journey or want to refine your technique. Join my art classes at @capepalette, where we explore colour mixing, composition, and more in a relaxed and encouraging space.