The Art of Mixing Colors

 Mixing colors is not like when we were in grade school ... red and blue doesn't always make purple. It depends on the shade of red, and the shade of blue.  Proficiency in color mixing takes time, trial and error. But once you've got it, your painting journey will become much more enjoyable. Below is a color chart that may help you.  I suggest you make one of your own, with your own colors.  Unfortunately, accuracy in color is rare, in that there are color shifts from manufacturer to manufacturer.  Additionally, some colors from the same brand may shift slightly from time to time, depending on their source of pigment and many other factors. 

Once you get proficient in mixing colors, it becomes easier to paint with a limited palette, which is a major convenience when painting out-of-doors or in a classroom.  A limited palette also leaves lots of room on your palette for mixing, and makes for a less cluttered work table.  I do hope you make your own color chart with your own colors--you will find it very helpful.

NOTE - Click on images to enlarge.

Here's a watercolor chart I made up for a class that may be helpful to you watercolorists:

Of note, yesterday my pastel "Blue Heron in the Reeds" won best of show at the Pelican Island Conservation Society at the Environmental Learning Center in Vero Beach--Yay!  So myself and friends moseyed over to the other side of town to the Art Walk on 14th, and there was my "Stalking," an alligator with another blue ribbon--First Prize--at the Vero Beach Art Club "Color and Movement" show!  We celebrated nicely.  Winning prizes, teaching, meeting interesting people who are interested in the same things that you are, engaging in fun conversations, going to openings and seeing great art, the limitless things to learn about creating art, and just letting the art of creating take you away from your troubles--such rich and fun experiences to be had in the arts. There is so much more art can do for you, but you have to jump on that journey and find out for yourself. 

Enjoy!

Judy Burgarella

Art Blogger