Mixing colors can indeed result in new colors, but the outcome depends on whether you're mixing light colors (like in digital displays) or pigments (like in paint or ink).
Light Colors: When mixing light colors, the process is called additive color mixing. The primary colors of light are red, green, and blue (RGB). When you mix these, you get white when all are combined at their maximum intensity. Here's a basic guide:
Pigments: When mixing pigments, the process is called subtractive color mixing. The primary colors for pigments are red, yellow, and blue (RYB). Unlike light, when you mix all three pigment colors together, you get black or a very dark brown because the pigments absorb light rather than emit it. Here's a simplified guide:
The exact results can vary depending on the specific pigments used and the proportions in which they are mixed. In practice, achieving vibrant colors often requires a more complex understanding of color theory and experience with mixing.
For both light and pigments, the resulting color also depends on the relative intensity and purity of the colors being mixed. Mixing two shades of one color will generally produce a shade that is intermediate between them, while mixing complementary colors (like red and green) can produce a gray or neutral tone.