watercolor & gouache class section 2:
understanding color with
color charts
Section 2 Part 1:
color chart prep
Get your materials ready and learn how to setup the color chart system. I’ll walk you through how to order your colors and what goes in each column, row, and cell. Our color charts are essentially analog spreadsheets. You can see lots of examples here!
need to see
the color chart
up close?
Here’s one that
isn’t moving!
Section 2 Part 2:
intro to mixing colors
Starting with the lightest yellow row, we begin mixing colors and learning about all of their unique properties and behaviors. Pay close attention to which paints in your palette are the strongest when mixed with yellow! Those are likely going to overpower other colors as we go. Remember, you can mix your color multiple times till it looks the way you’d like.
Take notes in your sketchbook on what you notice!
Section 2 part 3:
deep yellows and earth tones
Once we have a grasp of the behavior of each color, we continue our practice with deep yellows and earth tones, seeing the way each paint transforms to give us a wide gamut of possibilities. With this palette, you should be able to mix almost any tube paint from the store with continued practice!
Continue to take note of any colors giving you trouble in your sketchbook.
Section 2 Part 4:
finishing the chart
This part of the chart will start moving faster, as we have less cells to mix. Here we will get into reds and phthalos seeing whats possible when we mix everything together. Remember to take notes in your sketchbook on what you notice!
STUCK ON SOMETHING?
If you are feeling stuck, frustrated, or longing for feedback, you can always book a tutoring session with me. We can work together for one session or over the course of a few months depending on your needs!