Color Basics Every Artist Should Know

Got a blank canvas and wondering which colours to start with? You’re not alone. Picking the right hue can feel like a gamble, but a few simple rules take the guesswork out of it. First, think about the mood you want to set. Warm tones like reds and oranges fire up energy, while cool blues and greens calm the scene. Use this mood cue as your starting point and the rest will follow.

Next, build a basic palette. Instead of buying every shade in the store, grab a primary trio (red, blue, yellow) plus white and black. Mixing from these five gives you a world of colours without the clutter. It also helps you understand how pigments interact – a skill that pays off when you need that exact shade for a portrait or landscape.

Choosing Colours for Specific Subjects

Different subjects benefit from different colour strategies. When painting landscapes, look at real‑world references: the sky’s blue, the grass’s green, the earth’s brown. But don’t copy exactly – add a splash of complementary colour (like a hint of orange in a sunset) to give depth. The post "Best Colours for Landscape Painting" shows how a limited but well‑chosen palette can make a scene feel alive.

Portraits need a softer touch. Focus on skin tones first; they’re not just one colour but a range of warm and cool mixes. Add a touch of purple or green to neutralise redness, then layer with thin glazes to build realism. The eyes are the star – a pop of bright colour in the iris draws viewers in and adds emotional weight.

Practical Colour Mixing Tricks

Mixing can be messy, but a few habits keep it tidy. Always start with a small amount of pigment and add more gradually – it’s easier to darken than to lighten. When you need a muted tone, mix a complementary colour (like a bit of orange into blue) rather than just adding grey. This keeps the colour rich and prevents it from looking dull.

Test your mix on a scrap piece before committing to the canvas. Drying can change the hue, especially with oil paints, so a quick swipe helps you see the final result. If you’re working with water‑based media, let the first layer dry before adding glazes – this preserves colour vibrancy.

Finally, keep a colour journal. Sketch swatches, note the ratios you used, and jot down what worked and what didn’t. Over time you’ll develop a personal colour library that speeds up your workflow and boosts confidence.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned painter, mastering colour is a game‑changer. Use these tips, experiment with your own palette, and watch how your art transforms from flat to full of life.