How to Mix Greens for Successful Paintings

May 11, 2026

Green is the most scrutinized color.

There are such a variety of greens and everyone has an opinion about them. Some people like to use the pure green from a tube; others mix to create the greens they want most. I like less saturated, more natural-looking greens.

Let me show you how I mix my favorite shades of green!

5 of My Most Common Greens (and how I mix them)

For a dynamic outdoor scene, you need several shades of green. Here are a couple of examples of recent paintings that required vibrant greens, olive greens, and dark shadowy greens.

Below, I've broken down the 5 basic hues of green that I use in paintings. The first thing you should know, though, is that I use Daniel Smith paints. Be aware that the same colors in a different brand may create different results.

1. Cobalt Turquoise + Raw Sienna

This is my most used green and the base for some of the other greens you see here.

2. Cobalt Turquoise + Raw Sienna + Cadmium Yellow Light Hue

This mixture creates a vibrant, glowy green that is great for grass or meadows in bright light.

3. Cobalt Turquoise + Quinacridone Gold

When you mix in Quinacridone Gold, just use a little bit. This is a really strong color that will dominate if you use too much. For the green we're going for, you just small amount. With the right amount, you'll get a deeper, warmer feeling green.

4. Cobalt Turquoise + Raw Sienna + Neutral Tint

This combination gives you a green that is great for shaded areas when you need a stronger hue.

5. Cobalt Turquoise + Raw Sienna + Cobalt Blue

This green is cooler and best for distant greens. Remember that cooler, duller colors recede and warmer, vibrant colors appear closer.

Watch the Video to See How Much of Each Color (and water) I Mix

This blog serves as a nice reference in case you want to remember how to mix these colors, but I encourage you to watch the video to see how much of each I use. Try some out yourself and see if you can create some variations on these colors for your next landscape scene!

How To Mix Easy, Natural Greens

The Watercolor Artist's Guide to Paints