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Writer's pictureAnia Tomicka

The Art of Color Mixing: A Beginner's Guide


Color mixing is an exciting journey that every painter experiences. For those new to oil paints, mastering the art of color mixing can significantly enhance the vibrancy and quality of your artwork. This guide simplifies the concepts of color mixing, making them easy to understand and apply in your creative process.


The Basics of Color Theory


Let's start with color theory as a foundation for mixing oil paints. At its core, color theory helps us grasp how colors interact. It consists of primary, secondary, and tertiary colors.


  • Primary Colors: Red, blue, and yellow are the fundamental colors. These colors cannot be made by mixing other colors.


  • Secondary Colors: Mixing equal parts of two primary colors gives you secondary colors: green (blue + yellow), orange (red + yellow), and purple (blue + red).


  • Tertiary Colors: When you mix a primary color with a secondary color, you create colors like red-orange or blue-green. These hues expand your palette significantly.



color wheel - image by nngroup.com
color wheel - image by nngroup.com

The Science of Color Mixing


Mixing colors isn’t just about putting two paints together; it involves blending their light wavelengths. Each color reflects specific wavelengths, and when combined, they create new hues.


Additive vs. Subtractive Color Mixing


There are two types of color mixing: additive and subtractive.


  • Additive Color Mixing: This is relevant mainly in digital art. Mixing red, green, and blue light creates white light. While this concept is vital in certain contexts, it is less applicable for oil painters.


  • Subtractive Color Mixing: This is the technique you’ll be using with oil paints. Mixing paints absorbs various wavelengths. Thus, the more colors you combine, the duller the results. For vibrant colors, minimize the number of mixed colors and focus on complementary pairs.


The Role of Pigments


The pigments in oil paints significantly influence color mixing. Different pigments provide various opacity and transparency levels. For exemple:


  • Cadmium Colors: Known for their bright and solid options, cadmium reds and yellows are favorites among artists looking for intensity.


  • Earth Tones: Colors like raw umber and yellow ochre are softer and can create more muted results in mixes.


For example, when mixing a bright cadmium yellow with a transparent earth green, you’ll achieve a fresh, lively green that stands out.

(Be careful with phtalo colors. I find them very fun and useful, but they are very dominant with other colors)


Practical Tips for Mixing Oils


1. Start Simple


As a beginner, start with just three primary colors: red, yellow, and blue. Practice combining them to create secondary and tertiary colors. This foundational practice can be incredibly rewarding.


2. Use a Palette Knife


It's an essential tool that allows for precise and clean mixing. Unlike brushes that can muddy hues, a palette knife helps maintain the integrity of colors.




Personally, I only mix skin tones and add the other colors with a brush when needed. With time and practice, you can successfully develop your own methodology.


my palette with the base skin tone mixed with a palette knife
my palette with the base skin tone mixed with a palette knife

3. Test Your Colors


Always test mixed colors on a separate canvas. A color may look different when wet versus when dry, so testing helps you avoid unexpected results. For instance, a vibrant turquoise may dry darker than expected.


4. Know Your Undertones


Understanding color undertones can refine your mixing skills. A warm yellow mixed with a cool blue will result in a vibrant green, whereas a cool yellow will yield a more subdued green. Experiment by mixing warm and cool colors to see the differences in results.


5. Keep a Color Mixing Journal


Documenting your color mixing adventures can be immensely helpful. Record the proportions and resulting shades. For instance, if you mixed 2 parts yellow with 1 part blue to create a specific green, jot it down. This reference will guide your future projects and help you recreate successful shades.


Getting Creative with Color Mixing


Once you grasp the basics, feel free to explore more creative mixing techniques. Try monochromatic paintings using variations of a single color.


  • Shades: Creating shades involves adding black to a color, thereby darkening it.


  • Tints: Adding white to a color creates tints, which lightens the original hue.


This exploration will deepen your understanding of color manipulation, adding depth and dimension to your artwork.


Advanced Techniques: Glazing


Glazing is a refined oil mixing technique that enhances transparency and visual depth. It involves applying a thin, transparent layer of paint over a dried layer, allowing for beautiful interactions between colors.


For example, a transparent blue glaze over a dry green base can create a stunning atmospheric effect. Experimenting with glazing can dramatically alter the look and feel of your paintings.


 

my palette
my palette

Embrace this learning phase, and don't hesitate to experiment. With patience and practice, you'll develop your distinct style and approach to color mixing. So grab your oil paints, get experimenting, and let your creativity shine!


Happy painting!

Ania

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