What is the best way to mix paint colors: Light over dark, or dark over light?

Question

For example, if you wanted to make pink, is it better to start with red and then mix it with white, or to start with white and then mix it with red?

I think it does make a difference or else I wouldn't be asking this question.

Answer 1

When you mix in your palette it's all up to your personal taste.

However if you are creating a pink color using oil (or acrylic, I suppose) and using the technique known as "glazing", you would typically paint in the darker hue and once it has dried, apply the lighter hue.  So to answer your question, the answer is light over dark.

Regarding drying time... the more turpentine/thinner and the less oil/medium the faster it will dry.  it can take days or weeks before you can apply the next layer.  It's best to not overdo either element, as too much medium causes paint to yellow and wrinkle, while too much thinner causes the paint to crack and dissolve.  Also, the rule is fat over thin (apply thin layers of paint and then the following layers are thicker).

Answer 2

also note if you meant on palette or canvas, and also watercolor or oil and acrylics, for palette or oil or acrylic, proportions may help to place one part x to three parts y, pending on tints and/ or shades, water colours may be best to use none / white on paper and add colour as you need, oils you can blend before applying, and add either when dry if needed,

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Answer 3

When you mix there is no "Light over dark or viceversa" rule.

You start with the color you will need most of and mix in the color you will use least of.

For pink you need white and a drop of red.