PAINT COLOURS. History, codes, charts, mixing & tips MUST DO

How to mix different colours without waste.

I have just added this lecture on the strength of a comment from a student.

Thanks Deborah, 'I have read about mixing and taken classes but no one ever suggested that starting with the lightest color and adding the darker is the easiest way to achieve the desired shade. Brilliant, Nicola!'

So here a short video showing you what I mean. After all I don't know what you don't know.

A bit of background knowledge is always helpful in any subject.

Here I give you a very condensed history or colour which I find quite fascinating. If you would like to know more I share some resources with you in lecture 16.

RESOURCES

A PDF about the history.

The Colour Index International.

This is a detailed universal identification chart that can be overwhelming.

However, just understanding a few of the terms may help you understand what you are buying as the codes are printed on the tubes and help you avoid making expensive mistakes. Your friend got it, your teacher loves it but do you really want it.

* You may want to know if the colour you are looking at is light fast, opaque or transparent.

* You think you are buying red but then find it has a blue or yellow bias.

* Series numbers - the lower the number e.g. 1 the less expensive

So take a little time to understand the symbols, look at the paints you have and the manufacturers chart.

You will find the chart I referred to in - Artist's colour manual. by Simon Jennings

Colour familes.

A little more information about the chemistry side of things.

Nothing too complicated but more useful information.

Primary colours - Here we will make our own colour wheel.

We will be using a readily available selection of colours which you should have.

Alizarin Crimson, Ultramarine Blue and Cadmium Yellow

Use a small plate or a saucer to start off the shape of the wheel and don't be too fussy abput getting it just the same as mine.

REMEMBER - when you are doing these sample or test pieces, if you can use the same size piece of paper you can then build up a folder, so creating your own reference book.

RESOURCES

Photo of my colour wheel.

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Complimentary colours can create drama.

The complimentary colours are the opposite each other on the colour wheel.

RESOURCES

Photo of some complimentary colours

Helpful  when it come to creating balance and atmosphere in a painting.

We will start off by looking at the colour wheel you made and explore from there.

A great way to give your painting a cohesive look.

here I have used a lecture from another of my courses 'Improve ALL your watercolor techniques by  painting this.' In this lecture I talk about the limited palette, show you how to mix and even how to match if you are working from a photo.

The idea of a limited palette can refer to not just the number of colours you use but also whether they are warm or cool colours. Just take your time when you are choosing your colours, test them and make a chart.

Mix your own greys, darks and neutrals.

I will show you how get some different darks and neutrals. I have deliberately chosen colours which you should have on your collection

RESOURCE

My chart.

Making 'dark or a black' with three colours.

Here I will demonstrate how to make the equivalent of a black. Black can appear too flat or strident in comparison to the rest of your colours. By using other colours which are already on the paper can give you a more cohesive look without jarring.

A useful addition to your painting kit.

Watercolor pencils or crayons can be helpful in lots of ways. Here I explain how they work and show some fun effects.

Buy a good name even if you only get a few. I have seen some cheap versions that do not really do what they are supposed to do.

I have put together this glossary giving you only the terms which I think you will need or want to know with regards to your watercolour painting.

RESOURCE

PDF of 'The Glossary of Terms.'

Here are some of the books which I have if you want to go into more detail.