Explore five different ways of mixing colors with watercolors.

Note: Mixing is different from blending. Mixing is about combining 2 or more colors to achieve a new one whereas blending is more focused on how to transition one color to another, or one value to another, by controlling edges.

In this watercolor class, I will demonstrate and discuss the following:

Mixing on a palette: is the most common way of combining your watercolor pigments. But there are more interesting ways to do it.
Mixing on paper: directly mixing your watercolors on paper to create a more dynamic blend. It is recommended to start with the lighter color first but we’ll also try the other way around.
Mixing thru glazing: also known as layering. This is done by adding a thin wash of paint over a previously dried layer. With this technique, we take advantage of watercolor’s transparency.
Mixing thru illusion: by using stippling or pointillism, we will place two colors side by side and let the eyes do the mixing.
Mixing on wet paper: using the previous technique but preparing the paper first with clean water so the colors will blend with each other.

To satisfy our curiosity, I also tried these techniques on different subjects: a simple portrait, a tree and a pair of tulips.

What will we do in this class?

We will test the different techniques by mixing secondary colors - oranges, greens and purples.

Depending on the primary colors you use, you will definitely achieve different shades of secondary colors. To help you decide which pigments to pick, I created an eBook with different color wheels and shades of the secondary colors (oranges, purples and greens) which you can get by either purchasing it or earning it. (Watch the second video to learn how.)

Here are the same techniques mentioned above but using different sets of primaries.

Who is this class for?

This class is designed to be beginner friendly, but at the same time, a good review for experienced artists on the different techniques in mixing pigments.

Previous experience in either painting or drawing are not needed but recommended. Along with a mixing chart, I will also demonstrate how to use all of these techniques by painting a simple orange fruit illustration.

What do we need to get started?

You will need your usual watercolor materials: paper, paint, brush, jar and rag or paper towel and lots of patience.

Bonus:

As a bonus, I will also share with you what I think is the best technique.

And to any student who will upload a class project and/or leave a class review, you may claim your FREE copy of my latest eBook: Color Wheels - where I mixed and matched different primary color combinations from various brands in the hopes of helping you choose your own colors for a limited palette.

So go ahead and download the Class Guide, then let’s get started.

Music by Purple Planet.com

Shirley Desnoyers

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