As a child at Art Action, I was fully engrossed in every step of making art. Colour came later, as a slow-growing love. In secondary school, I found myself enjoying mixing colours very much, especially when we were creating art for our Art class in Secondary 1 and 2. As I grew older, the joy only grew. I now find immense joy in seeing colourful things, and not just any colours, but unique combinations that gel so well together that you wouldn't have thought they would.
When I finally mix the exact shade I had in my head, it feels super satisfying, calming and pleasing to my eyes. I feel empowered, strong, confident and happy.
Which Colours Do I Reach For Most?
Usually the warm tones: reds, oranges and yellows, balanced with olive and sap green. Because I love painting flowers, I'm drawn to the vibrancy and warmth that warm colours bring. They make me feel alive, excited and hopeful.
How I Set Up My Colours Before Every Painting
Before any painting, I squeeze watercolour pigment from the tubes onto my palette and organise the colours broadly into warm and cool tones. So before every new painting, there is an order in place, a system in place.
I also have a visual mindmap in my head of what colours the painting will be predominantly painted in. I anchor a few main colours and use them to guide me. Then I choose the accent colours or supporting colours based on those. Accent colours are sometimes the contrasting colour on the colour wheel, and supporting colours are the analogous ones sitting next to the main colours.
How Do You Mix Watercolours as a Beginner?
My simplest tip: don't be afraid to start with just two colours. During practice, mix two primary colours and get familiar with the secondary colours you get. That's it. Once you're more used to it, you can explore mixing analogous colours, the ones that sit side by side on the colour wheel.
If you're still unsure about a mix, keep a piece of rough paper by your side. Test the colour there first, and see if you like it before you apply it to your actual painting.
Take good care of your paintbrush as you mix, adjust the amount of water well, and be daring. Experiment with the colour wheel in mind.
The Most Common Colour-Mixing Mistake
Surprisingly, it's not so much about the colours themselves. It's the amount of water. Some learners use too little water, and some use too much. Watercolours are water-soluble paints, which means they need to be activated with water, so getting your water-to-paint ratio right matters just as much as which colours you pick.
What I See When Others Mix a Colour They Love
When someone mixes a colour they love, they smile gleefully, as if they're on cloud nine. I never get tired of watching it, because I know that feeling.
The "Wrong" Mixes
Broadly speaking, there are many times I've mixed colours to the exact shade I love. The times I get it wrong happen less often, but they deepen my appreciation for a "new" colour, one I wouldn't naturally mix for my paintings.
If You'd Like to Try
A few colours, some water and a curious mind are enough to start playing. If you'd like to follow along with what I'm painting and learning, I'd love to have you here.
FAQ
How do I start mixing watercolours as a complete beginner?
Start with just two colours. Mix two primary colours and get familiar with the secondary colours they create. Once that feels comfortable, explore mixing analogous colours.
How can I test a colour mix before using it on my painting?
Keep a piece of rough paper beside you. Test the mixed colour there first, and see if you like it before applying it to your actual painting.
What's the most common watercolour mixing mistake for beginners?
Using too little or too much water. Watercolours are water-soluble and need to be activated with water, so the water-to-paint ratio matters as much as the colours themselves.
What are accent colours and supporting colours?
Accent colours are often the contrasting colours on the colour wheel, and supporting colours are the analogous ones next to your main colours. Anchor a few main colours first, then choose these to match.