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Welcome to this is Grassroots introduction to mixing neutrals. In this series of classes, we're going to be creating effortlessly beautiful neutral backgrounds. Even more fun, we're going to name each one before choosing our favourite to paint a study on. In some classes the focus will be on the neutrals, in others the study will take Precedence.

The classes in this series will either be 'total beginner' level, or 'confident to intermediate' level. This class is set at beginner level.

Neutrals make THE best background for your studies. as they don't compete with your paintings, but rather offer a balanced supporting background, allowing your paintings to stand out.

* I would suggest that you do a few backgrounds in each neutral colour, so that you don't feel pressured when it comes to committing paint to paper :O)

Neutrals can be warm or cool, 'Near to' (pale beige, green, mauve etc) or deeper hues. and we'll be running the full gamut of hues, from lighter grey, cream and fawns to Deep Violets, Caput Mortuum Browny Pinks and Russet Fox hues.

We'll be using only the 3 primary colours, plus white or black!!

If you have found, even getting started on neutrals a bit overwhelming, then this is your space to develop and learn. To tune into your intuition & relax. To challenge art technique "Oughts' 'Shoulds' & 'Have To's' & allow yourself to mix colours with abandon. We're going to engage with our curiosity and ask 'what would happen if'... and then do it!

We're going to reach a place of confidence, where we'll feel able to replicate our neutral 'recipes' time and time again.
Even better.... we're going to name our curated colours! It really is great fun and will help to solidify your learning, whilst providing you with handy backgrounds for future studies.

So, I invite you to:

Explore,
Experiment
Express yourself

If you get an inkling to plump for a certain colour or colour combi, go for it! Don't question yourself. Getting in in that split second before our analytical brain kicks in, is the sweet spot! The more we practise this, the more trust we build in our decisions.

Above all, have fun!.... the great thing about neutrals is, you won't mix any 'yukky' colours!! lol... because the white and/or black is so balancing.... The addition of white transforms even the muddiest colours into sumptuous neutrals!! Don't take my word for it... try it for yourself :O)

Class Study:

So, what are we going to be focusing on today?

In Class One of the series, we're starting off with warmer neutrals of Pink & Peach with a slightly red bias, before exploring Light greys.

This class is a beginner level class, though I feel it might be of interest to everybody & anybody... it's always handy to revisit neutrals from time to time, even if you're a seasoned artist.

We're going to create a wee Rose Leaf Study, choosing our favourite background to paint on. We'll have a quick practise on some scrap paper recreating on our background.

So, above all, we're going to have fun.... the great thing about neutrals is, you won't find any 'yucky' colours lol... because the white and/or black is so balancing.... so the addition of white transforms even the muddiest colours into sumptuous neutrals!! Don't take my word for it... try it for yourself :O)

So, shall we get started? Let's go!

MATERIALS

Watercolour or Mixed Media/Sketch paper (I used Fabriano Student Hot pressed)

White

Black

Ultramarine

Pyroll Red

Quinacridone Gold

Hansa Yellow Light

Prussian Blue

1/2 inch flat brush

Size 10 round brush (I used an Escoda brush)

Debra Palmer

3

50