How to Make Ruby Colour: The Perfect Mixing Guide

Ruby is a colour that carries both symbolism and elegance. It is named after the gemstone “ruby,” which is renowned for its deep red hue. In many cultures, ruby red has been associated with passion, love, and power. The colour’s rich and intense qualities make it stand out, often evoking feelings of warmth, energy, and vitality. Historically, rubies were considered precious stones symbolizing royalty and wealth, and this sense of luxury extends to the colour itself.

In art and design, ruby red grabs attention. It’s a bold choice.   Its rich and varied style shows up in all sorts of places—high fashion and home decorating, for example. Warmth and richness, along with dramatic flair, are often added to artwork using this technique. The colour can vary from lighter, pinkish reds to deep, almost burgundy tones. 

What Is Ruby Colour?

Ruby is a striking, deep red hue named after the precious gemstone, known for its rich and luxurious appearance. It is a vivid shade that blends the intensity of traditional red with underlying hints of purple or pink, which gives it a unique, multi-dimensional depth. Ruby red is not a one-dimensional colour; its undertones can vary, shifting from cool to warm depending on the balance of pigments used in its creation.

This versatility makes ruby red a dynamic colour. When leaning towards the warmer side, ruby appears more vibrant, while a cooler mix can give it a more subdued, elegant, and regal feel. The complexity of ruby red is one of the reasons it’s a favourite in various fields such as fashion, art, design, and even gemstones, where its deep, luxurious quality symbolises beauty, power, and passion.

A vibrant ruby red is striking, perfect for making a statement. However, its adaptability means it works in many creative situations. Ruby red grabs your attention, whether you see it in a painting, a dress, or a room. It’s a sophisticated colour that never goes out of style.

The Essential Ingredients for Mixing Ruby Colour

Ruby is a unique and striking colour that demands a careful balance of pigments to achieve its rich, multi-dimensional tone. The key ingredients for mixing a perfect Ruby colour are primarily red, purple, blue, and white. Each of these pigments plays an important role in creating the luxurious depth and intensity that characterises this timeless shade.

1. Red Paint

Red serves as the foundation of any Ruby colour mix. The type of red you choose will influence the warmth and vibrancy of the final result. Different reds have varying undertones, so it’s essential to select the one that best fits your desired Ruby tone.

• Cadmium Red: A vivid, warm red that adds intensity and brightness to the mix. It’s perfect for creating a more vibrant, energetic Ruby.
  
• Alizarin Crimson: A cooler red with blue undertones that leans toward a purplish hue. It’s ideal for achieving a more muted and sophisticated Ruby shade, lending depth and richness.
  
• Cadmium Scarlet: This red has a brighter, more orange-tinted undertone. It’s an excellent option if you want a warmer Ruby with a slightly more intense appearance, leaning toward a scarlet or cherry hue.

For a deeper understanding of red and how to mix colours effectively, check out this article on What Makes Red Colour: Understanding Colour Mixing.

2. Purple Paint

Adding purple to the mix is essential for achieving the depth and complexity that Ruby is known for. Purple brings a richness to the colour by introducing a blend of red and blue, which adds dimension and enhances the luxurious quality of Ruby.

• Dioxazine Purple: A deep, cool purple with a slightly bluish undertone. It is a go-to pigment for creating a more muted or darker Ruby shade.
  
• Ultramarine Violet: This is a vibrant, blue-leaning purple. It gives Ruby a fresh, almost regal undertone and works well if you’re aiming for a more dynamic or modern look.

For a detailed guide on mixing colours to create the perfect purple, visit Mixing Colours: Your Comprehensive Guide to Creating the Perfect Purple.

3. Blue Paint

While optional, blue can help intensify the Ruby colour and cool it down, providing sophistication and depth. A touch of blue can transform a warm Ruby into a cooler, more dramatic shade, which is especially useful when creating variations of Ruby with a bluish undertone.

• Cobalt Blue: A cool, intense blue that enhances the richness of the Ruby without overpowering the mixture. It helps deepen the colour, contributing to a more complex, jewel-like shade.
  
• Phthalo Blue: A darker, vibrant blue that adds boldness to Ruby. Use this sparingly, as it is highly pigmented and can easily overpower the reds and purples in the mix.

For a deeper understanding of how to create the perfect blue for your mixes, check out –What Makes Blue Colour: Mastering Colour Mixing.

4. White Paint

White is crucial for lightening the Ruby colour or adjusting its value. However, be cautious when adding white, as it can soften the hue and make it appear pastel-like rather than maintaining the rich, deep tone of Ruby. Use white in moderation to fine-tune the shade and control the lightness.

• Titanium White: A brilliant, opaque white that is commonly used in painting. It will significantly brighten and lighten your Ruby mixture, but be careful as it can mute the vibrancy of the red.
  
• Zinc White: A softer, translucent white that is perfect for delicate highlights or lightening your Ruby without losing its depth. Zinc white allows for more subtle adjustments, helping you maintain the vibrancy of the colour while softening its intensity.
  

Step-by-Step Guide to Mixing Ruby Colour

Now that we know the essential ingredients, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you mix the perfect Ruby colour for your projects:

Step 1: Start with Red

To create Ruby, you need a solid red base. Begin by placing your chosen red pigment, such as Cadmium Red or Alizarin Crimson, on your palette. This will form the core of your Ruby mixture, so ensure you have a generous amount of this pigment to build the colour. The base red will define the warmth or coolness of the Ruby, so choose accordingly based on your desired outcome.

Step 2: Add Purple for Depth

Once your base red is ready, introduce purple to the mixture. Begin with a small amount of Dioxazine Purple or Ultramarine Violet and mix it into your red paint. This step adds depth and complexity to your Ruby colour, giving it that signature rich and luxurious quality. Keep in mind that the more purple you add, the darker and more intense your Ruby will become. Gradually add purple until you achieve the desired depth and richness.

Step 3: Introduce a Touch of Blue (Optional)

To enhance the intensity of your Ruby and give it a cooler undertone, you can add a small amount of blue. Both Cobalt Blue and Phthalo Blue are great choices. Begin with a small amount, mixing thoroughly to avoid overpowering the reds and purples. The blue will introduce a refined, sophisticated touch, especially if you’re aiming for a deeper or jewel-like Ruby shade. If you prefer a warmer Ruby, you can skip this step.

Step 4: Mix and Adjust

As you mix your colours, continue adjusting the ratios of red, purple, and blue until you achieve the exact shade of Ruby you desire. Pay close attention to the hue as you go along. A little goes a long way, so make sure to mix in small increments and assess the colour as you work. The key to achieving a beautiful Ruby lies in the careful balance between red and purple, with blue added sparingly for sophistication.

Step 5: Lighten with White (Optional)

If your Ruby colour turns out darker than you intended, you can lighten it by adding white. Use Titanium White for a brighter, more opaque result, or Zinc White for a more subtle, translucent effect. Be cautious when adding white, as it will shift the colour toward a pastel or muted version of Ruby. Add it incrementally to avoid losing the richness and vibrancy of the colour. Lightening Ruby can create a softer version, which may be ideal for certain applications such as fashion or interior design.

Understanding the Different Shades of Ruby

Ruby is a rich and vibrant colour that offers a wide range of possibilities when mixed and adjusted. By modifying the proportions of red, purple, and blue in the mix, artists and designers can create a variety of Ruby shades, each suited for different purposes and contexts. Here’s a deeper dive into the different shades you can achieve by altering the blend.

Light Ruby Red

Light Ruby is a soft, pastel version of Ruby that is created by incorporating more white into the mix. By lightening the Ruby base, you can create a delicate and airy version of the deep, dramatic Ruby colour. This variant is perfect for use in light, subtle designs where a less intense tone is needed. It works well in:

• Highlights: Light Ruby can be used to highlight areas in a painting or design, providing contrast without overwhelming the piece.
  
• Delicate Designs: This shade is perfect for subtle, intricate patterns, where you want to keep the tone light and soft but still maintain the elegance of the Ruby hue.
  
• Lighter Applications: If you want to add a touch of luxury without being too bold, Light Ruby works well in backgrounds, gentle gradients, or even as the primary colour in a lighter art piece.
  

Dark Ruby Red

Dark Ruby is a more intense version of Ruby, achieved by using more Alizarin Crimson and Dioxazine Purple, with just a touch of blue. It is often associated with depth, luxury, and sophistication. The deeper hue can evoke a sense of mystery and is excellent for:

• Dramatic Compositions: Dark Ruby creates a sense of intensity, making it the perfect choice for bold, emotive works of art or designs where you want to convey power and passion.
  
• Rich Textures: This deep shade is fantastic for portraying textures like velvet, satin, or deep shadows in art. It’s often used in still lifes, portraits, or abstract pieces that aim to evoke a sense of opulence.
  
  

Cool Ruby

For a cooler version of Ruby, you can incorporate more blue into the mix. This shift creates a Ruby that leans toward purple and blue tones, resulting in a more refined, sophisticated version of the classic red. Cool Ruby is perfect for modern art, minimalist designs, and intricate patterns, where a more subtle and controlled use of Ruby is desired. This shade works well in:

• Modern Art: Cool Ruby’s balance of purple and blue creates a fresh, contemporary feel, making it perfect for abstract or geometric works that require a hint of luxury but with a modern twist.
  
• Intricate Designs: The cooler tone of Ruby pairs wonderfully with fine, detailed designs, adding depth and complexity without overwhelming the eye. This makes it ideal for artwork, textiles, or even architectural designs that feature smaller, refined patterns.
  
• Sophisticated Projects: Whether used in design or fashion, Cool Ruby is the choice for more understated, yet elegant compositions. Its cooler undertone adds sophistication and depth, making it perfect for high-end fashion collections or upscale interior designs.

Applications of Ruby Colour in Art

A ruby’s inherent qualities—its brilliance, its rich colour—lend themselves beautifully to various artistic expressions. Whether used in a traditional oil painting, a high-fashion gown, or a carefully designed living space, ruby instantly adds a feeling of sophistication and warmth.

1. In Fine Art

Ruby is a staple in the world of fine art, where it is used to depict vivid and dramatic subjects. Its bold and striking nature makes it perfect for:

• Vibrant Flowers: Ruby is often used to represent rich, blooming flowers like roses, poppies, and orchids. Its deep red tones can create a sense of life and passion, enhancing the natural beauty of floral compositions.
  
• Dramatic Skies: In landscape painting, Ruby can be used to depict the warmth of a sunset or the intensity of a stormy sky. The deep reds and purples in Ruby evoke strong emotional responses, making them perfect for compositions that require drama.
  
• Rich Textures: Ruby is also ideal for conveying textures in fine art, such as in luxurious fabrics like velvet, or rich materials like silk and satin. These textures often require a colour that exudes depth and opulence, and Ruby is an excellent choice for this purpose.
  

Ruby also pairs beautifully with complementary colours like green, yellow, and gold. When used together, these colours create dynamic and balanced compositions that capture attention and evoke emotional responses.

2. In Fashion Design

Sophistication and elegance: that’s the ruby effect. It’s a favorite in high fashion. Perfect for special events, the deep, warm tones flatter evening wear. Ruby is frequently used in:

• Evening Wear: Dresses, gowns, and formal wear in Ruby are seen as glamorous and chic. Its boldness and warmth make it perfect for creating show-stopping looks that demand attention, yet its deep, rich hue maintains a sense of refined sophistication.
  
• Luxury Collections: Designers often use Ruby in their luxury collections, where the goal is to evoke a sense of high status and elegance. The colour is often paired with metallic accents like gold, silver, or platinum to enhance its opulence.
  
• Statement Accessories: Ruby shows up a lot in jewelry, but also in shoes and handbags. It’s a versatile gem! Looking to make a refined statement? These items add drama and elegance to any outfit.
  

3. In Interior Design

Ruby is a stunning colour to incorporate into interior design, especially when aiming to create a luxurious or dramatic atmosphere. It adds warmth, richness, and vibrancy to any space. Ruby works well in:

• Luxurious Spaces: Whether it’s in the form of plush velvet curtains, accent walls, or ornate furniture, Ruby can transform a room into a glamorous and opulent space. It pairs beautifully with gold and silver accents, adding to the upscale feel.
  
• Dramatic Accents: For rooms that need a bold, eye-catching focal point, Ruby can be used as an accent colour. It’s perfect for accent pillows, throws, rugs, or artwork that requires a strong, dramatic colour to stand out.
  
• Elegant Colour Palettes: Ruby blends well with neutral tones like beige, cream, and gray, as well as metallics like brass and chrome. This combination creates a balanced yet sophisticated aesthetic, ideal for formal living rooms, dining areas, or even high-end hotels.

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At Prime Pass, we believe in making creativity accessible to everyone. You’ll not only leave with your own unique masterpiece but also a sense of accomplishment and a few new friends. Our Sip and Paint events are perfect for couples, friends, or anyone looking to try something new. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience! Click here to reserve your spot today and enjoy an evening of laughter, wine, and creativity.