Complementary Colors

• The basic color of brown is easily made by mixing complementary colors that are opposite from each other on the color wheel. After a shade of brown is made, add in some white to lighten the shade to a more khaki tone.
  
  

Orange and Blue

• The complementary colors orange and blue make the best brown for a khaki color. Use more orange and slowly add in the blue. Adding more blue darkens the brown. Mix white in the brown to make khaki.
  
  

Green and Red

• The complementary colors red and green make a darker brown, which can be mixed in with a lot of white to severely lighten the color.
  
  

Yellow and Purple

• The complementary colors yellow and purple make a muddier brown. A large amount of white must be added to change the color to a light tan.
  
  

Options

• A small amount of yellow and/or green can be added to a light tan color to create various tones of khaki. A pre-mixed brown paint, such as a raw umber or ochre, can be mixed with white for a quicker khaki mixture.