How to Make Pink with Oil Paint
Oil paint allows for rich, smooth blending, making it an ideal medium for creating luminous, glowing pinks. But getting the right pink requires choosing the correct red, white, and layering techniques to enhance depth and vibrancy. You could choose to use a premade pink like Opus Pink or read on to learn how to color mix the right pink for you.
The Best Reds Pink in Oil Paint
For a soft, delicate pink: Use Alizarin Crimson + Zinc White.
For a bold, warm pink: Use Cadmium Red Light + Titanium White.
For an electric, hot pink: Use Quinacridone Rose or Magenta + Titanium White.
For a translucent, glowing pink: Use Glazing with Transparent Red Oxide over white.
Why White Choice Matters:
💡 Zinc White creates a soft, transparent pink—perfect for blending and glazing.
💡 Titanium White makes pink opaque and bold, ideal for brighter highlights.
How to Mix Pink in Oil Paint
Start with Red: Place a small amount of your chosen red on your palette.Add White Gradually: Mix in Zinc White for a softer pink or Titanium White for a stronger one.
Adjust with Undertones: If your pink is too warm, add a touch of blue. If it’s too cool, add a hint of yellow.
Layer for Depth: Apply pink in thin glazes over a white or light-colored surface to maintain brightness.
Keeping Your Pinks Vibrant in Oil Paint
✅ Use Zinc White for luminosity instead of Titanium White, which can chalk out the color.
✅ Glazing with pink over a light underpainting creates a rich, radiant effect.
✅ Avoid earthy reds, which can dull the pink.
🎨 Want to learn more about how to paint with oil? Join Oil Painting Made Easy and learn to create a soul-stirring oil painting in three easy steps.
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