Colori Curious I
Let's explore colour mixing possibilities using Modern Primary Colours
Colour is my jam! The topic of colour is a fascinating one and I spend a lot of time exploring possibilities and creating combinations. Mixing colours, understanding the relationships between them and how we relate to them continues to intrigue me. In the #coloricombo program I have regularly shared colour mixing for different palettes but I thought now is a good time to create a program of lessons that can be used for reference, and to explain how a very wide selection of colours can be created with just the basic three modern primary colours along with black and white.
Colori Curious
In the run up to the Colori Flori Summit that will start on Monday 12 May and run for two weeks until 25 May I put together a three day program called Colori Curious. In the three lessons I dive into modern primaries and demonstrate how they differ from the traditional primary colours namely red, yellow and blue that we are all familiar with since childhood.
Come with me and discover how Cyan and Magenta in combination with primary Yellow have revolutionised colour as we know it.
In the lessons I break down and simplify ways to create a wide spectrum of colours.
In the first lesson I’ll show you the difference between traditional primaries and modern primaries and demonstrate how you can explore options to mix an array of reds, yellows and blues as well as ways to mix interesting secondary and tertiary colours, bright greens, vibrant oranges and rich purples, all mixed from just three basic primaries.
In the second lessons you will explore options to mix colours in tints, shades and tones with the addition of white and black. In the third lesson we will expand your colour vocabulary by mixing more complex colours,from subtle and muted shades, tints and tones to interesting neutral tones and moody greys. There is a special treat for #coloricombo contributing subscribers: in an exclusive lesson I’ll demonstrate ways to layer colours and paint a vibrant background as well as a floral artwork in more subtle colours.
Rethinking how colour works and doing some deep diving into options for mixing will help you be more colour confident and daring in the combinations you use. If colour mixing is something you think you are already familiar with, why not try it again?
Revisiting colour mixing with fresh eyes and using only the modern primary combinations is worth exploring. I can assure you that you’ll discover new possibilities and tricks - this is my own experience every time I mix colours afresh. I do this on a regular basis, focussing on colour mixing and developing specific palettes are elements in all of my online courses. I know this is a vital component of making strong art.
Come and join me. This course is FREE on my Coloricombo Substack, with bonus lessons exclusively for contributing subscribers.
Have a look…
Click link for all info about the Colori Flori Summit 12-25 May
Materials List
In the program I use the Mixing Holbein artists quality gouache set of modern primaries: Cyan, Primary Yellow and Magenta as well as black and white.
For paint colours you can use an alternative including the following watercolours: Magenta, Hansa or Benz Yellow Light and Pthalo Blue (green shade) plus Designer white gouache and black.
Acrylic gouache in similar colours is another option, as are acrylic paints, especially inks or fluid colours.
I use a paper palette for mixing colours, parchment paper works as well.
A round pointed brush, not too small, I use an Ultra Round Silver Silk 88 brush size 10.
To paint on you’ll need:
Watercolour sketchbook or paper suitable for water media or sheets of paper.
An extra sheet of watercolour paper, I use Hahnemuhle cold press paper on a block 12”x14”
If you are a contributing subscriber and would like to do the artwork project you will also need black acrylic ink. I use Golden High flow Carbon Black paint.
Este, you always inspire me to take time for colour exploration!
Thank you and this is a fun activity to treat myself to on Mother’s Day today 🎨 I love colour mixing!