Mixing Different Shades of Purple with Acrylic Paints

Mixing Purple Acrylic Paints

Here’s a helpful visual and practical guide to different shades of purple and how to mix them using acrylic paints.

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🎨 1. True Purple (Vivid Violet)

Mix:

• 1 part Ultramarine Blue

• 1 part Quinacridone Magenta (or Permanent Rose)

Tip:
To get a more balanced purple, avoid too much blue—it can push it toward indigo. Add white for a soft pastel violet.

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💜 2. Lavender

Mix:

• 1 part Violet (True Purple)

• 2 parts Titanium White

• A touch of Ultramarine Blue

Tone:
Soft, airy, and ideal for highlights or spring-inspired scenes.

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💗 3. Lilac

Mix:

• 1 part Dioxazine Purple

• 3 parts White

• A small dab of Magenta

Tone:
Warm, romantic shade leaning slightly pink. Perfect for flowers (like lilacs).

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🪻 4. Mauve

Mix:

• 2 parts Purple

• 1 part White

• Add a pinch of Burnt Umber or Raw Umber to mute it slightly

Tone:
Dusty, vintage look — great for shadows or antique color schemes.

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🌌 5. Indigo Purple

Mix:

• 2 parts Ultramarine Blue

• 1 part Dioxazine Purple

Tone:
Deep and mysterious, almost night-sky dark. Good for depth and contrast.

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🍇 6. Plum

Mix:

• 1 part Dioxazine Purple

• ½ part Alizarin Crimson

• A tiny touch of Burnt Sienna to add warmth

Tone:
Rich and velvety—wonderful for floral work or moody settings.

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🍆 7. Violet Red (Magenta Purple)

Mix:

• 1 part Quinacridone Magenta

• ½ part Ultramarine Blue

Tone:
Leans toward pink — vivid, energetic, ideal for highlights and contrast effects.

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🌫 8. Dusty Purple

Mix:

• 2 parts Purple

• 1 part White

• A tiny pinch of Grey (or a neutral made with Burnt Umber + Blue)

Tone:
Modern, muted, and soothing—used in interiors or background gradients.

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🦋 Tips for Mixing Purples with Acrylics:

• Cooler Blue (Ultramarine) + Cool Red (Magenta) → clean, vibrant purple.

• Warm Blue (Phthalo) + Warm Red (Cadmium Red) → muddy brownish purple.

• Add White to lighten and pastelize.

• Add Yellow or Brown to mute or neutralize.

Want a copy to post at your art desk? Click on the link to print the pdf file!

Mixing Purples

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