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Tips for Mixing Dark Colors in Watercolor Painting

dark purple skycontributed by Leanne Guenther

Mixing dark colors in watercolor painting can be challenging, especially for beginners. However, it's essential to achieve depth, contrast, and a sense of dimension in your artwork. Here are some helpful tips to guide young artists in mixing dark colors successfully:

 

Tip 1: Start with a strong base color

Choose a strong base color, such as burnt sienna, ultramarine blue, or alizarin crimson. These colors are naturally darker and will make it easier to create deep, rich shades.


color wheelTip 2: Use complementary colors

Mixing complementary colors (colors opposite each other on the color wheel) will create darker, more muted shades. For example, mix red with green, blue with orange, or yellow with purple. Adjust the ratios to achieve the desired darkness.


dark forestTip 3: Avoid using black paint

Using black paint can often result in flat, lifeless dark colors. Instead, try mixing dark browns, blues, and greens to create rich, natural-looking dark shades.

(Avoid using black... except when you decide to break the rules! Sometimes the flatness of the black helps the other colors to pop.)


Tip 4: Mix three or more colors

Experiment with mixing three or more colors to create complex, interesting dark shades. This can lead to more harmonious color schemes, as the mixed colors will contain common elements.


dark geometricTip 5: Layer your colors

To achieve darker colors, you can also build up layers of transparent watercolor paint. Start with lighter colors and gradually add darker layers, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next one. This technique, called glazing, can create depth and intensity in your dark colors.


Tip 6: Test your colors

Before applying your mixed dark colors to your painting, test them on a scrap piece of watercolor paper. This will help you ensure that the colors are dark enough and blend well with the rest of your painting.


Tip 7: Control water content

When mixing dark colors, use less water and more pigment. This will result in more concentrated, opaque colors. However, be careful not to use too much pigment, as this can make the paint difficult to work with and lead to a chalky appearance.


Tip 8: Keep your colors clean

When mixing dark colors, be mindful of keeping your brushes and water clean. Dirty brushes or water can muddy your colors and result in less vibrant dark shades.


dark treeTip 9: Experiment and practice

Developing the skill to mix dark colors takes time and practice. Don't be afraid to experiment with different color combinations, ratios, and techniques to discover the effects you like best.


By following these tips, young artists can learn to mix dark colors effectively, adding depth, contrast, and dimension to their watercolor paintings. Keep practicing, and enjoy the artistic journey!

 

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