I often wonder how many artists see through the deep and light hues delivered by summer. Life is in full color and every shade stands out with dignity.
For instance let's take green, there is a variation from light to dark, so how can we replicate those shades? How much yellow made it feel warm and which blue was used to capture depth?
You could say the same about the color brown and the list goes on. Yet sometimes I think we forget our colors begin with the basic primaries of red, yellow and blue.
My fascination with color is present in my painting and follows through in fashion and home decor. When I was a floral designer warm bright colors drew my attention and it was paradise.
As I matured, the natural tones became staples and the process of trying to replicate shades of green and brown represent living in goodness.
If you can master color mixing with primaries the painting process becomes more enjoyable and the ideas that swarm within become less difficult to bring to paper.
July Watercolor Prompt
For the month of July, I am recommending we paint with primary colors to help you see the hues that are present every day, especially during the summer months.
We are in the perfect season for such a prompt because everything is in full bloom before the temperatures begin to rise in August.
Our prompt will begin with the color green. Find something from outdoors or inside your home then try to mix that color using Cadmium yellow and Cobalt blue.
We're not trying to get a perfect match just close enough so you can see how to bring that color to the paper. Then find another green object and do it again.
The Second Step
Now do the same with the color brown, but this time mix Cadmium yellow and Cobalt blue before adding Alizarin Crimson. You could also use part of your leftover green and add Alizarin Crimson.
Practice these exercises using watercolor paper from Artist's Loft or Strathmore. Expensive paper isn't necessary as the focus is mixing to find the right shade so you can see how it dries on paper.
Use a "round #12 brush" and if you don't have these tools no worries because I provided them through my Amazon shop.
Once you get comfortable mixing basic colors like green and brown then move onto something brighter like fuchsia or orange.
For a more detailed outline in color theory this video from Paul Clark is helpful. He is a fantastic artist from the UK and is great at explaining technique.
Simply have fun with this watercolor prompt and take what you discover to create a finished painting using your palette made from primary colors.
I have no doubt this exercise will improve your outlook and give your paintings new life. For anyone thinking about trying watercolors this is a great place to begin.
Encouraging goodness,
Carole West
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