How to create a world of color

A splash of green, a swirl of blue, a dot of red, a stroke of black and your master piece starts to take shape and come to life. Ahhh the spectrum of colors…there truly is no limit to what you want to create. As you sit at your easel imagining what would be the next perfect color to add to your work of art, you see two colors that would mix seamlessly and give you exactly what you’re looking for: that perfect hue of light blue.

Mixing colors can be a bit tricky though and a simple guide to help you master this art within your art can do wonders and make your masterpiece stand out that much more. Below are a few tips and tricks to get you started, but in no way will this hinder your creativity. Just remember that no matter what you do, you have to remember the fundamentals and color mixing is definitely one of them. So without further ado let’s get to those pointers…

Not too much, not too little, just right

Just as it is in life moderation is the key and the same goes for when you are mixing your different colors together. A little can go a long way and it’s better to start small instead of going overboard. What you’re looking for is to maximize the original colors as much as possible. You can gain a lot more control over your colors by working with similar colors and adding a little as you go.

Primary exploration

Your primary colors can be a bit tricky when it comes to which ones you should use. As you know, a water color paint is totally different than an acrylic paint. Each of them have their own properties and viscosities. The key is to explore and experiment with any type of paint that you find until you feel comfortable with one. Over time it will become a part of your process and you will be able to create your masterpiece a lot quicker. Make sure you take notes as well whether that’s in a journal or digitally. You can use this as a quick reference for those moments when you are looking for that perfect shade of red.

Push the limits

While it is important to add some structure to mastering mixing colors, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fun along the way and break the rules here and there. The beauty of creating something from your imagination is that not everything translates to exactly how we might envision it. In those moments, something even better might occur and bring everything full circle. So remember to allow for those serendipitous light bulbs and just let it flow. Be present in the moment and enjoy your ability to craft something unique and inspiring.

Being an artist

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