Deciphering the query "what color makes purple and blue" requires a deep dive into the fascinating world of color theory, as the question itself touches on two distinct color mixing principles. As of the latest understanding in color science, the simple answer is that no single color creates *both* purple and blue; instead, blue is a foundational primary color, and purple (or violet) is a secondary color created by mixing two other primaries. However, if you are asking what color results from combining purple and blue, the answer is a beautiful, deep tertiary hue known as blue-violet or indigo.

This article will clarify the exact pigments needed to create purple, explain the result of mixing blue and purple, and provide a comprehensive overview of the color models—additive and subtractive—that govern how we perceive and mix colors in art, design, and digital media today. Understanding these foundational concepts is crucial for any artist, designer, or enthusiast looking to master the color wheel and create rich, accurate hues.

The Foundational Truth: How to Actually Make Purple (Violet)

To understand the relationship between blue and purple, we must first establish how purple is made. In the traditional and widely used subtractive color model for pigments (paints, inks, dyes), purple is a secondary color. This means it is created by mixing two primary colors.

The Traditional RYB Color Model (Pigments)

• Primary Colors: Red, Yellow, and Blue (RYB).
• The Purple Formula: To create purple, you must mix Red and Blue pigments.
• The Hue Factor: The exact shade of purple (from a warm violet to a cool indigo) depends entirely on the specific red and blue pigments used. For the most vibrant, clean purple, artists often use a cool red (like Quinacridone Red or Permanent Rose) and a warm blue (like Ultramarine Blue), as these pigments already lean slightly toward purple on the color wheel.

The Modern CMY Color Model (Printing)

Modern color theory and the printing industry (CMYK) rely on a more scientifically accurate set of primaries:

• Primary Colors: Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow (CMY).
• The Purple Formula: In this model, purple (or violet) is created by mixing Magenta and Cyan. This combination often yields a cleaner, more vibrant violet than the traditional red and blue mix, which can sometimes result in a muddier hue due to pigment impurities.

Therefore, the color that "makes purple" alongside blue is unequivocally Red (in the RYB model) or Magenta (in the CMY model). Blue is a necessary component, but it is a primary color itself, not the resulting mixture.

The Real Answer: What Happens When You Mix Purple and Blue?

If your curiosity is focused on the result of combining a pre-mixed purple with blue paint or ink, you are exploring the creation of a tertiary color. Tertiary colors are formed by mixing a primary color with an adjacent secondary color.

Creating Blue-Violet (Indigo)

When you mix the secondary color Purple (Red + Blue) with the primary color Blue, you get a new, distinct hue called Blue-Violet (or sometimes simply Blue-Purple).

• Color Name: Blue-Violet, Blue-Purple, or Indigo.
• Color Category: Tertiary Color.
• Characteristics: This color is a cool, deep shade that sits precisely between blue and purple on the color wheel. It has a higher concentration of blue pigment, making it darker and cooler than a standard purple.
• Variations: By adjusting the ratio, you can achieve a spectrum of related colors, including deep Indigo (a very dark, near-black blue-violet) or a lighter, softer Periwinkle by adding white to the mix.

This tertiary color is often used to convey sophistication, mystery, and depth in art and design. Both blue and purple are cool colors, which is why their combination is so harmonious and predictable, resulting in a tranquil and aesthetically pleasing mixture.

The Crucial Distinction: Additive vs. Subtractive Color Models

To achieve true topical authority on color mixing, it is essential to distinguish between the two major color models that govern our visual world. The answer to "what color makes purple and blue" changes drastically depending on whether you are dealing with light or pigment.

1. The Subtractive Color Model (Pigments and Dyes)

This is the model used for physical materials like paint, ink, and crayons. It is called "subtractive" because the pigments absorb (subtract) certain wavelengths of light and reflect others back to your eye. The more colors you mix, the more light is absorbed, and the darker the resulting color becomes, eventually leading to black.

• Primaries: Red, Yellow, Blue (RYB) or Cyan, Magenta, Yellow (CMY).
• Result of Mixing All Primaries: Theoretically, Black (though in practice, a dark, muddy brown).
• Key Entities: Pigments, Dyes, Paints, Inks, Color Wheel, Secondary Colors (Orange, Green, Purple), Tertiary Colors (Blue-Violet, Red-Orange, etc.).

2. The Additive Color Model (Light)

This is the model used for light sources, such as computer screens, televisions, and stage lighting. It is called "additive" because the colors are created by adding wavelengths of light together. The more light you add, the brighter the result.

• Primaries: Red, Green, Blue (RGB).
• Result of Mixing All Primaries: White Light.
• The Purple/Blue Relationship in Light: In the additive model, mixing Red light and Blue light creates Magenta (a bright, electric pink-purple). Mixing Blue light and Green light creates Cyan. Mixing Red light and Green light creates Yellow.
• Key Entities: Wavelengths, Digital Displays, LED Lights, Projectors, White Light, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow (Secondary Colors of Light).

A common misconception is that the primary colors are always Red, Yellow, and Blue. However, modern color science confirms that Red, Green, and Blue are the true primaries of light, and Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow are the most effective primaries for pigment.

Mastering the Hues: Tips for Mixing Blue and Purple

For artists and designers, mastering the blue-violet range is a powerful skill. This range includes some of the most complex and evocative colors on the spectrum, perfect for shadows, night skies, deep water, and cosmic imagery.

1. Start with a Clean Purple: The quality of your resulting blue-violet depends on the purity of your initial purple. Use a high-quality red and blue (or magenta and cyan) to mix a vibrant purple before adding more blue.
2. Control the Ratio: A 1:1 ratio of blue to purple will yield a standard blue-violet. To create a deeper indigo, add a little more blue. To create a lighter periwinkle, add a small amount of white and then adjust the blue/purple balance.
3. Consider Temperature: Both blue and purple are cool colors, but you can influence the final shade's temperature. Using a warm blue (one that leans slightly green, like Cerulean Blue) will make the blue-violet slightly less intense. Using a cool blue (one that leans purple, like Ultramarine Blue) will enhance the depth and richness of the blue-violet.
4. Use Complementary Colors for Depth: To darken your blue-violet without adding black (which can make the color dull), try mixing in a tiny touch of its complementary color, which is a yellow-orange. This will deepen the value while maintaining the color's richness.

In conclusion, the color that makes purple and blue is Red (to create purple) and the resulting mixture of purple and blue is the sophisticated Blue-Violet (or Indigo). By understanding the fundamental principles of the additive and subtractive color models, you can move beyond simple primary and secondary mixing to unlock an entire spectrum of beautiful, complex tertiary and quaternary colors.