Watercolor Artist - USA (2019-04)

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Watercolor Essentials

Mix It Up

Try these fi ve ways to combine two colors

for completely different results.

By Ryan Fox

O

ne topic that’s often overlooked in discussions of

color theory is the idea that there are various tech-

niques used to mix and apply color. Each method

produces diff erent results, sometimes surprisingly so, even

with the same colors. Let’s look at fi ve diff erent ways to mix

watercolor—both on the palette and on paper—and how to

use transparent paints as opaques to achieve desired eff ects.

MIXING COLORS ON THE PALETTE

Most painters mix colors on the palette. It’s safe; what

you see is what you get. But keep in mind that when

mixing complementary colors, you reduce the chroma,

or purity, which often results in grays. To avoid muddy

color, be especially mindful when combining opaque and

transparent paints.

Perfume Bottles, Tunisia

(watercolor on paper, 22x30)