Category: Color Schemes

Watercolor Triadic Color Scheme

Post author By PIW Site Owner
Post date April 19, 2023

The watercolor triadic color scheme involves using three contrasting colors that are not direct complements or analogous but are equally spaced on the color wheel.

Triadic colors add vibrancy, depth, contrast, and visual interest creating a harmonious and balanced painting composition that is pleasing to the eye.

Choosing the right triadic colors will set the tone and mood of the artwork. Let’s explore how to effectively use the triadic color scheme in watercolor painting.

THE BASICS OF TRIADIC COLOR SCHEME

The triadic color scheme is often referred to as the primary triad because it commonly consists of the three primary colors: yellow, blue, and red.

But the triadic color scheme can be any three colors that are equidistant from one another on a 12-color color wheel that consists of primary, secondary, and tertiary colors.

To select a triad simply pick one color on a 12-color color wheel, skip the next three colors on the color wheel to find the second color, then skip the next three colors on the color wheel to find the third color.

EXAMPLES OF TRIADIC COLOR SCHEMES

Here are examples of triadic color schemes:

Yellow, Blue, and Red: Three primary colors.
Orange, Green, and Violet: Three secondary colors.
Yellow-Green, Blue-Violet, and Red-Orange: Three tertiary colors.
Blue-Green, Red-Violet, Yellow-Orange: Three tertiary colors.

HOW TO USE A WATERCOLOR TRIADIC COLOR SCHEME

Here are some tips on how to effectively use the triadic color scheme in watercolor painting:

Choose a Dominant Color: Start by choosing one color from the triadic color scheme as the dominant color for your painting. This color will be the main focus of your artwork and will set the tone for the entire composition. For example, you can use a warm red as the dominant color for a fiery sunset scene or a cool blue for a serene seascape.
Use the Other Colors as Accents: Once you have chosen the dominant color, you can use the other two colors from the triadic color scheme as accents in your painting. These colors can be used to add interest and visual impact to your artwork. For example, you can use touches of blue and yellow to create highlights or shadows in your red-dominated painting.
Experiment with Different Combinations: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations of triadic colors to create different effects in your watercolor paintings. For example, you can use a cool blue with a warm yellow and a muted red to create a painting with a sense of calmness and tranquility, or you can use a vibrant red, blue, and yellow to create an energetic and dynamic composition.
Pay Attention to Color Balance: One of the key aspects of using the triadic color scheme effectively is to maintain a sense of color balance in your artwork. Make sure that the three colors are used in a balanced and harmonious way so that none of the colors overpower the others. You can achieve this by using different intensities, values, and proportions of the colors to create a visually pleasing composition.
Experiment with Different Techniques: Watercolor painting offers a wide range of techniques that can be used to enhance the triadic color scheme in your artwork. For example, you can try wet-on-wet techniques to create soft and blended transitions between the triadic colors or use dry brush techniques to create texture and depth.

In conclusion, the watercolor triadic color scheme is a powerful tool that watercolor artists can use to create vibrant and visually appealing paintings. By choosing three colors that are evenly spaced on the color wheel and using them effectively in your artwork, you can achieve a sense of balance, harmony, and depth.

Experimenting with different combinations, paying attention to color balance, and exploring various techniques can help you unlock the full potential of the triadic color scheme in your watercolor paintings. So, grab your brushes, pick your triadic colors, and let your creativity flow as you explore the beauty of this dynamic color scheme in your watercolor artwork!

PRACTICE EXERCISE – WATERCOLOR TRIADIC COLOR SCHEME

Use my affiliate links below to purchase the watercolor paints you need.

Choose one of the following transparent and semi-transparent watercolor triadic color scheme groups:

A primary triad:

A secondary triad:

orange color mixture = Aureolin + Permanent Rose
Viridian
Permanent Violet

A tertiary triad:

Compose small value-study paintings using one of the above triad color groups, but to start do not mix the colors together.

Paint one unmixed color in the “focal point” central area of emphasis in the composition.

Then, paint the other two colors in varying proportions surrounding the focal point color.

Also, use a gray scale value finder as a guide for mixing a range of tonal values for the triad colors.

Afterward, add the mid-tonal values and neutralized color mixtures in the outlying areas of the painting composition.

CONCLUSION

By spending time working with the watercolor triadic color scheme, you will eventually gain a deeper understanding of color harmony and contrast, and how to organize the colors and values in your painting compositions.

To learn more about transparent watercolors, click the link to my blog post “Which watercolor paints are transparent.”

See my YouTube playlist “Watercolor Color Schemes” for more videos. And, subscribe to my YouTube channel.

Support me on BuyMeACoffee. Thanks!

Tags transparent watercolor, transparent watercolor colors, transparent watercolor paint colors, transparent watercolour paints, transparent watercolours, triad colors, triadic color scheme, watercolor color mixing, watercolor triadic color schemes

Color Mixing Color Schemes Watercolor Exercises

Watercolor Split-Complementary Color Scheme

Post author By PIW Site Owner
Post date April 12, 2023

A watercolor split-complementary color scheme is a popular and effective option for adding visual interest and balance to your artwork.

In watercolor painting, the split-complementary color scheme can be an excellent way to create a cohesive and visually appealing painting.

WHAT IS A SPLIT-COMPLEMENTARY COLOR SCHEME?

Basically, it is an analogous color scheme with the addition of a complementary contrasting color.

To locate the colors, begin by selecting three analogous colors on the color wheel. Then select the middle color and select its complementary color on the opposite side of the color wheel.

For example, if the primary color is blue, the complementary contrasting color is orange and the analogous colors of orange are yellow-orange and red-orange. This is a four-color split-complementary color scheme.

For a three-color split-complementary color scheme with blue as the primary color, only the analogous colors yellow-orange and red-orange are used. Orange, the complementary contrasting color for blue, is not used in this three-color split-complementary color scheme.

Using these three or four colors together in a painting creates a vibrant and harmonious effect.

HOW TO USE A WATERCOLOR SPLIT-COMPLEMENTARY COLOR SCHEME

When using a split-complementary color scheme in watercolor painting, it’s important to keep a few things in mind:

Choose your base analogous colors: These colors will be the dominant colors in your painting, so choose analogous colors that you love, and that will set the tone for the rest of the artwork.
Use the complementary contrasting color sparingly: This color should be used in small amounts to create contrast and balance.
Experiment with the analogous colors: These colors can be used in larger amounts to create interest and harmony in the painting.
Consider value and saturation: To add depth and dimension to your painting, vary the value (lightness or darkness) and saturation (intensity) of each color.

EXAMPLES OF SPLIT-COMPLEMENTARY COLOR SCHEMES

Here are a few examples of four-color split-complementary color schemes:

Yellow, and the analogous colors red-violet, violet, and blue-violet
Red, and the analogous colors yellow-green, green, and blue-green
Blue, and the analogous colors yellow-orange, orange, and red-orange

In conclusion, a watercolor split-complementary color scheme is a versatile and effective option for adding visual interest and balance to your watercolor paintings. Experiment with different analogous colors and complementary contrasting colors to create a unique and vibrant artwork that reflects your personal style and creativity.

PRACTICE EXERCISE – WATERCOLOR SPLIT-COMPLEMENTARY COLOR SCHEME

Use my affiliate links below to purchase the watercolor paints you need.

Choose one of the following transparent and semi-transparent watercolor analogous color scheme groups with its complementary contrasting color:

A yellow, yellow-orange, and yellow-green analogous color group:

Aureolin
New Gamboge
Sap Green
and the complementary color Rose Madder Genuine

A red, red-orange, and red-violet analogous color group:

A blue, blue-green, and blue-violet analogous color group:

Cobalt Blue
Antwerp Blue
Permanent Mauve
and the complementary orange color mixture = Aureolin + Permanent Rose

Compose small value-study paintings using one of the above analogous color groups and the complementary contrasting color, but to start do not mix the colors together.

Paint the unmixed primary color in the “focal point” central area of emphasis in the composition.

Then, paint the analogous colors in varying proportions surrounding the primary color.

Also, use a gray scale value finder as a guide for mixing a range of tonal values for the analogous colors and the complementary contrasting color.

Afterward, add the mid-tonal values and neutralized color mixtures in the outlying areas of the painting composition.

CONCLUSION

By spending time working with the watercolor split-complementary color scheme, you will eventually gain a deeper understanding of color harmony and contrast, and how to organize the colors and values in your painting compositions.

To learn more about transparent watercolors, click the link to my blog post “Which watercolor paints are transparent.”

See my YouTube playlist “Watercolor Color Schemes” for more videos. And, subscribe to my YouTube channel.

Support me on BuyMeACoffee. Thanks!

Tags analogous color scheme, split-complementary color scheme, transparent watercolor, transparent watercolor colors, transparent watercolor paint colors, transparent watercolour paints, transparent watercolours, watercolor color mixing, watercolor split-complementary color scheme

Color Mixing Color Schemes Watercolor Exercises

Watercolor Analogous Color Scheme

Post author By PIW Site Owner
Post date April 5, 2023

A watercolor analogous color scheme is a color combination that involves using colors that are adjacent to each other on the color wheel. This creates a harmonious effect that is pleasing to the eye.

In watercolor painting, the analogous color scheme can be an excellent way to create a cohesive and visually appealing painting.

THE BASICS OF ANALOGOUS COLORS

To create an analogous color scheme, you will need to choose a color from the color wheel and then select the colors that are next to it.

For example, if you choose blue as your primary color, you might choose blue-green and blue-violet as your secondary colors.

USING ANALOGOUS COLORS IN WATERCOLOR PAINTING

When using an analogous color scheme in watercolor painting, it’s essential to keep in mind the importance of balance.

While you want to use colors that are adjacent to each other on the color wheel, you still need to create a sense of contrast to make your painting visually interesting.

One way to achieve balance is by using a dominant color and then using the other colors as accents.

For example, you might use blue as your dominant color and then use blue-green and blue-violet as accents throughout your painting.

This will create a sense of unity while still providing enough contrast to make the painting visually interesting.

Another way to achieve balance is by using different tones and shades of analogous colors.

For example, you might use a darker shade of blue as your dominant color and then use lighter shades of blue-green and blue-violet as accents.

When using an analogous color scheme, it’s also important to pay attention to the temperature of the colors you’re using.

Warm colors, such as red, orange, and yellow, can create a sense of energy and excitement, while cool colors, such as blue, green, and violet, can create a sense of calm and tranquility.

By using warm and cool versions of your analogous colors, you can create a sense of balance and interest in your painting.

In conclusion, the analogous color scheme can be an excellent choice for watercolor painting. By using colors that are adjacent to each other on the color wheel, you can create a cohesive and visually pleasing painting.

Just remember to pay attention to balance, tone, and temperature to create a painting that is both harmonious and visually interesting.

PRACTICE EXERCISE – WATERCOLOR ANALOGOUS COLOR SCHEME

Use my affiliate links below to purchase the watercolor paints you need.

Choose one of the following transparent and semi-transparent watercolor analogous color scheme groups:

A yellow, yellow-orange, and yellow-green analogous color group:

A red, red-orange, and red-violet analogous color group:

A blue, blue-green, and blue-violet analogous color group:

Compose small value-study paintings using one of the above analogous color groups, but to start do not mix the colors together.

Paint the unmixed primary color in the “focal point” central area of emphasis in the composition.

Then, paint the two secondary colors in varying proportions surrounding the primary color.

Also, use a gray scale value finder as a guide for mixing a range of tonal values for the analogous color scheme.

Afterward, add the mid-tonal values and neutralized color mixtures in the outlying areas of the painting composition.

CONCLUSION

By spending time working with the watercolor analogous color scheme, you will eventually gain a deeper understanding of color harmony and contrast, and how to organize the colors and values in your painting compositions.

To learn more about transparent watercolors, click the link to my blog post “Which watercolor paints are transparent.”

See my YouTube playlist “Watercolor Color Schemes” for more videos. And, subscribe to my YouTube channel.

Support me on BuyMeACoffee. Thanks!

Tags analogous color scheme, transparent watercolor, transparent watercolor colors, transparent watercolor paint colors, transparent watercolour paints, transparent watercolours, watercolor analogous color scheme, watercolor color mixing

Color Mixing Color Schemes Watercolor Exercises

Watercolor Complementary Color Scheme

Post author By PIW Site Owner
Post date March 29, 2023

The watercolor complementary color scheme is one of the most effective ways to achieve an eye-catching color scheme in a painting. It uses pairs of colors that sit opposite each other on the color wheel.

THE BASICS OF COMPLEMENTARY COLORS

The watercolor complementary color scheme color pairs are made up of one primary color and one secondary color.

The three primary colors are yellow, red, and blue and the three secondary colors are purple, green, and orange.

The complementary color pairs are:

yellow and purple
red and green
blue and orange

These color pairs create a vibrant contrast when used together, making the painting visually striking and dynamic.

In watercolor painting, this can be particularly effective because the transparent nature of watercolor allows the colors to blend and mix in interesting ways.

USING COMPLEMENTARY COLORS IN WATERCOLOR PAINTING

Complementary colors are an effective way to create strong visual contrast in watercolor painting.

Basically, they can be used to create a variety of effects, from a bold and dynamic look to a more subtle and harmonious feel.

While using a complementary color scheme in watercolor painting, it is important to keep a few things in mind.

Firstly, using too much of one color can overwhelm the other and make the painting look unbalanced.

Instead, the two-color color scheme requires using the complementary colors in roughly equal amounts or using one color more sparingly than the other making one color more dominant in the painting.

When two complementary colors are placed next to each other, they create a strong visual contrast that can help to create depth and dimension in a painting.

Also, it is important to remember that complementary colors can create a neutral gray when mixed together in equal proportions.

Because this can be useful for creating shadows or tonal variations in the painting.

However, a complementary color scheme can create a strong contrast and add visual interest to a painting.

Lastly, understanding how to use complementary colors effectively can greatly enhance the beauty and impact of a watercolor painting.

PRACTICE EXERCISE – WATERCOLOR COMPLEMENTARY COLOR SCHEME

Use my affiliate links below to purchase the watercolor paints you need.

Choose one of the following transparent or semi-transparent watercolors color pairs:

Transparent yellow and purple complementary color pair:

Transparent red and green complementary color pair:

Transparent blue and orange complementary color pair:

Cobalt Blue
Orange color mixture = Aureolin + Permanent Rose

Semi-transparent yellow and purple complementary color pair:

Semi-transparent red and green complementary color pair:

Semi-transparent blue and orange complementary color pair:

Compose small value-study paintings using one of the above complementary color pairs, but to start do not mix the colors together.

Paint the unmixed colors one color next to the other color in the “focal point” central area of emphasis in the composition.

Then, mix the two complementary colors together in varying proportions to create different color mixtures.

Also, use a gray scale value finder as a guide for mixing a range of tonal values for the complementary color scheme.

Afterward, add the mid-tonal values and neutralized color mixtures in the outlying areas of the painting composition.

CONCLUSION

By spending time working with the watercolor complementary color scheme, you will eventually gain a deeper understanding of color contrast and harmony, and how to organize the colors and values in your painting compositions.

To learn more about transparent watercolors, click the link to my blog post “Which watercolor paints are transparent.”

See my YouTube playlist “Watercolor Color Schemes” for more videos. And, subscribe to my YouTube channel.

Support me on BuyMeACoffee. Thanks!

Tags color schemes, complementary color scheme, complementary watercolor color schemes, transparent watercolor, transparent watercolor colors, transparent watercolor paint colors, transparent watercolour paints, transparent watercolours, watercolor color mixing

Color Mixing Color Schemes Watercolor Exercises

Watercolor Monochromatic Color Scheme

Post author By PIW Site Owner
Post date March 22, 2023

The watercolor monochromatic color scheme is one of the most popular color schemes for painting in watercolor. It is the simplest of all color schemes because it only uses one color.

The one-color color scheme requires varied tonal values and color intensity to structure the composition into an interesting watercolor painting.

This technique is often used by artists to create a cohesive painting while also emphasizing the textures and tonal values in the artwork.

We will explore what the monochromatic color scheme is and how you can use it to create stunning watercolor paintings.

WHAT IS THE WATERCOLOR MONOCHROMATIC COLOR SCHEME?

The watercolor monochromatic color scheme is a color palette that uses different shades, tints, and tones of a single watercolor. This creates a harmonious and cohesive color scheme that can be used to create a variety of moods and atmospheres.

For example, a monochromatic color scheme using blue watercolor can create a serene and calming painting, while a monochromatic color scheme using red can create a bold and energetic painting.

USING THE MONOCHROMATIC COLOR SCHEME IN WATERCOLOR PAINTING

Watercolor painting is known for its transparency and fluidity, which makes it an ideal medium for creating a monochromatic color scheme. Here are some tips on how to use the watercolor monochromatic color scheme:

CHOOSE YOUR COLOR

The first step in using the watercolor monochromatic color scheme is to choose your color. When selecting a color for a monochromatic color scheme, it is essential to choose a color that has a wide range of shades and tones.

For example, if you choose blue, you’ll want to make sure that you have light blues, dark blues, and everything in between.

MIX YOUR COLORS

Watercolor paint can be mixed with different amounts of water to create a range of hues and tones.

To create a lighter shade, add more water to your paint. To create a darker shade, use less water and more paint. For even darker tonal values, add black to the chosen color.

Use a gray scale value finder as a guide for mixing a range of tonal values for the monochromatic color scheme.

Although a monochromatic color scheme involves using a single color, it is still possible to create contrast and interest in the painting by incorporating contrasting colors.

For example, if you are painting a blue monochromatic watercolor painting, adding a small amount of orange to the blue color can create contrast and make the painting more dynamic.

EXPERIMENT WITH TEXTURE

When using a monochromatic color scheme, it is essential to emphasize the textures and tonal values in the painting.

Using a range of brush strokes and techniques can help create a variety of textures and add depth to the painting.

For example, dry brushing can create a rough, textured surface, while wet-on-wet techniques can create a smooth, blended effect.

PRACTICE EXERCISE – BLUE WATERCOLOR MONOCHROMATIC COLOR SCHEME

Use my affiliate links below to purchase the watercolor paints you need.

Instead of using a manufactured black watercolor paint, mix the following watercolors for a strong, near-black paint mixture. Then use this mixture to create darker blue colors.

Choose one or all of the following transparent and semi-transparent watercolors for the blue monochromatic color scheme:

Choose one of the following contrasting orange watercolor mixtures to add to the blue color to neutralize it:

A mixture of…

Or a mixture of…

Compose small value-study paintings placing the strongest contrasting values together (the lightest next to the darkest tone) in the “focal point” central area of emphasis in the composition.

Add more mid-tonal values and neutralized color in the outlying areas of the painting composition.

CONCLUSION

By spending time working with the monochromatic color scheme, you will gain a deeper understanding of tonal values and how to organize the values in your painting compositions.

To learn more about transparent watercolors, click the link to my blog post “Which watercolor paints are transparent.”

See my YouTube playlist “Watercolor Color Schemes” for more videos. And, subscribe to my YouTube channel.

Support me on BuyMeACoffee. Thanks!

Tags color schemes, monochromatic color scheme, transparent watercolor, transparent watercolor colors, transparent watercolor paint colors, transparent watercolour paints, transparent watercolours, watercolor color mixing, watercolor monochromatic color schemes

Color Schemes Watercolor Paint

Cadmium Orange

Post author By PIW Site Owner
Post date September 4, 2020

In the past, I used Cadmium Orange as the tertiary yellow-orange on the color wheel. It is a pure color that is perfect for its complementary color listed below. But, there are newer paint color alternatives that I prefer now. They are Transparent Orange and Cadmium-Free Orange. Why? Because Cadmium paints are toxic. So, I avoid using them.

The following color schemes are based on Stephen Quiller’s “Quiller Color Wheel (affiliate link)” and his book “Color Choices: Making Color Sense Out of Color Theory (affiliate link).”

Complementary

The complementary color sits on the opposite side of the color wheel. For Cadmium-Free Orange, the complementary color is:

Split-Complementary

The split-complementary colors are the two colors located on either side of the complementary color on the color wheel. The following are the split-complementary colors for Cadmium-Free Orange:

Analogous

Going clockwise on the color wheel from YELLOW-ORANGE to YELLOW-GREEN the analogous colors for Cadmium-Free Orange are:

Permanent Green Light — Winsor Green (Yellow Shade)

Triadic

This Triadic consists of three INTERMEDIATE colors. In addition to Cadmium-Free Orange, the other colors that make up this Triadic color scheme are:

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Tags color, opaque

Color Schemes

Watercolor Schemes Triadic

Post author By PIW Site Owner
Post date August 1, 2020

Watercolor schemes – Triadic is a color scheme using three colors on the color wheel. To locate a Triadic scheme on the color wheel, an equilateral triangle could be drawn with each of its points pointing to three equidistant colors forming a triad chord.

There are four triad color groups on a color wheel, as follows:

Primary Triad – Yellow > Blue > Red
Secondary Triad – Green > Purple > Orange
Tertiary Triad #1 – Yellow-Green > Blue-Purple > Red-Orange
Tertiary Triad #2 – Blue-Green > Red-Purple > Yellow-Orange

For corresponding watercolor paint names for the above see What Watercolors To Buy.

The Primary Triad color scheme allows for mixing all of the Secondary and Tertiary colors using the Primary colors Yellow, Blue and Red.

All of the Triad groups allow for an almost endless array of colors, neutrals, and grays by varying the proportion of each color mixed.

In a composition, make one of the triad colors the main color. Add interest by mixing small amounts of one of the other triad colors into the main color to create neutrals and grays. Add accents using the remaining triad color. Place two of the triad colors side-by-side or near each other at the focal point of the composition to draw the viewer’s eye to the center of interest.

Compatible Triadic Watercolor Palettes

Delicate Transparent Triad – Aureolin, Cobalt Blue, Rose Madder Genuine
Standard Triad – New Gamboge, French Ultramarine, Cadmium Red
Intense Staining Triad – Winsor Lemon, Winsor Blue (Red Shade), Winsor Red
Opaque Triad – Yellow Ochre, Cerulean Blue, Indian Red
Old Masters’ Triad – Raw Sienna, Payne’s Gray, Burnt Sienna
Bright Earth Triad – Quinacridone Gold, Indigo, Brown Madder

Watercolor Schemes Split-Complementary

Post author By PIW Site Owner
Post date July 30, 2020

Watercolor schemes – Split-complementary is a color scheme using three colors on the color wheel as follows:

One Primary plus two Tertiary colors that sit on either side of the Primary color’s true complement, or
One Secondary plus two Tertiary colors that sit on either side of the Secondary color’s true complement.

To locate a split-complementary scheme on the color wheel, an isosceles triangle could be drawn with the narrowest angle pointing to a Primary color (or Secondary color). The other two points at the opposite end of the isosceles triangle would point to the two Tertiary colors forming a split-complementary harmony.

Because each of the “split” colors has some of the other primaries in them, a broader color capacity with a more pleasing harmony is achieved. This color scheme also allows for mixing a larger range of neutrals and grays by varying the proportion of each color.

In a composition, make one of the split-complementary colors the main color. Add interest by mixing small amounts of one of the other “split” colors into the main color to create neutrals and grays. Add accents using the remaining “split” color. Place two of the “split” colors side-by-side or near each other at the focal point of the composition to draw the viewer’s eye to the center of interest.

Color Wheel Split-complements

Yellow > Red-Purple < > Blue-Purple
Blue > Red-Orange < > Yellow-Orange
Red > Yellow-Green < > Blue-Green
Green > Red-Orange < > Red-Purple
Purple > Yellow-Orange < > Yellow-Green
Orange > Blue-Green < > Blue-Purple

For corresponding watercolor paint names for the above see What Watercolors To Buy.

Watercolor Schemes Complementary

Post author By PIW Site Owner
Post date July 29, 2020

Watercolor schemes – Complementary is a color scheme using two colors that lie directly across from each other on the color wheel, such as Yellow and Purple. A straight line could be drawn connecting the two colors on the opposite sides of the wheel. They are considered complements or opposites.

Complementary pairs consist of one Primary and one Secondary color, or two Tertiary colors. One color in the pair is warm and the other is cool.

When the two complementary colors are placed side-by-side in a composition the colors intensify each other. Mixing two complementary colors together results in a neutralized color to a grayed color. A variety of neutrals and grays can be mixed by varying the proportion of one color to the other.

In a composition, make one of the complementary colors the main color. Add interest by mixing small amounts of its complement into the main color to create neutrals and grays. Add accents using the opposite color. Place the two colors side-by-side or near each other at the focal point of the composition to draw the viewer’s eye to the center of interest.

Color Wheel Complements

Yellow < > Purple
Yellow-Green < > Red-Purple
Green < > Red
Blue-Green < > Red-Orange
Blue < > Orange
Yellow-Orange < > Blue-Purple

For corresponding watercolor paint names for the above see What Watercolors To Buy.

Watercolor Schemes Analogous

Post author By PIW Site Owner
Post date July 28, 2020

Watercolor schemes – Analogous is a color scheme using three or four adjacent colors on the color wheel that share the same PRIMARY color. An analogous color scheme is harmonious because of the subtle gradation from one color to the next. Using this scheme creates a strong suggestion of illumination with its changes in value and intensity.

The analogous color scheme can become monotonous. It is best to choose one dominant color and use the remaining analogous colors to accent it. A small amount of a complementary color can also be added for variety and contrast.

Analogous Colors

Yellow-Orange, YELLOW, Yellow-Green, Green
Blue-Green, BLUE, Blue-Purple, Purple
Red-Purple, RED, Red-Orange, Orange

NOTE: Yellow, blue and red are PRIMARY colors.

Complementary Colors for Contrast

For the Yellow analogous colors use one of these complements: Blue-Purple, Purple, Red-Purple
For the Blue analogous colors use one of these complements: Yellow-Orange, Orange, Red-Orange
For the Red analogous colors use one of these complements: Yellow-Green, Green, Blue-Green

For corresponding watercolor paint names for the above see What Watercolors To Buy.

Watercolor Schemes Monochromatic

Post author By PIW Site Owner
Post date July 27, 2020

Watercolor schemes – Monochromatic is a color scheme using only one color in a range of tonal values that are light, medium and dark in a painting composition. Black, Neutral Tint or Payne’s Gray may also be added to darken the color and range of values. And, white space may also be planned for the composition by leaving areas of the watercolor paper unpainted.

A range of tonal values are achieved by adding more water to the watercolor paint to lighten it in stages.

Monochromatic Composition

To be effective, a monochromatic color scheme requires a lot of planning to add variety while working with only one color.

Plan a source of light
Plan a focal point
Plan white areas
Plan dark value areas
Plan middle value areas
Plan light value areas, and
Plan highlights

Value Scale

A gray scale or value finder is a helpful tool to use for showing the transitions between white to black in measuring the values of the subject and for planning the visual direction of a composition.

In watercolor painting, work from light to dark by painting the lightest values first. Middle values are added next. The final, darker tones are added last.

Painting a light value adjacent to a dark value at the focal point of the composition draws the viewers eye to that area of the painting.

French Ultramarine

Post author By PIW Site Owner
Post date January 10, 2017

French Ultramarine is one of my favorite blues. It is a semiopaque, warm blue that mixes well with other transparent nonstaining colors. It is a good color to use as foreground shadows. It sits between Winsor Blue and Ultramarine Violet on the color wheel.

Burnt Sienna and Burnt Umber complement French Ultramarine when juxtaposed in a composition.

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Tags color, nonstaining, semiopaque

Color Schemes Watercolor Paint

New Gamboge

Post author By PIW Site Owner
Post date January 10, 2017

New Gamboge is my favorite, warm, yellow. It sits between Aureolin and Cadmium Orange on the color wheel. Ultramarine Violet or Permanent Mauve complement New Gamboge.

I like to use it whenever a cheery yellow is called for and when creating 3-dimensional form for yellow-to-orange objects.

Shop online for watercolor supplies at discount prices using my affiliate link.

Tags color, semitransparent

Color Schemes Watercolor Paint

Cadmium Scarlet

Post author By PIW Site Owner
Post date January 10, 2017

In the past, I used Cadmium Scarlet as the SECONDARY ORANGE on the color wheel because it is a pure color that is perfect for its complementary color listed below. But, now I prefer to use Cadmium-Free Scarlet because Cadmium paints are toxic.

The following color schemes are based on Stephen Quiller’s “Quiller Color Wheel (affiliate link)” and his book “Color Choices: Making Color Sense Out of Color Theory (affiliate link).”