Learn the Secret of Successful Color Mixing for Painters from Udemy

Have you ever wondered why you can't mix the right green or brown or purple? Why it all goes horribly wrong or muddy, or why you end up in frustration? This course will help you never to feel like this again.

The course is for anyone who paints in watercolors, (or in oils or acrylics), and who wants to learn an easy and very effective way of color mixing. In the course I teach a simple way to take control of your colors and to create the right color every time. For many painters the choice of colors is overwhelming, and painting can take on a 'lucky dip' approach in the hope of finding the right color. This often ends in muddy looking or overworked pictures. This course will help teach you how many professional artists mix their colors and get the right color every time.

You will only need eight colors in your palette, and from these I will show you how you can mix any color you like. I'll show you how the paints work together and how you can create paintings that will always harmonize and look great. The colors you need are two reds – cadmium red and alizarin crimson; two blues – ultramarine and cerulean; two yellows – cadmium yellow and lemon yellow; and two earth colors – burnt sienna and raw sienna, (or yellow ochre).

The course will lead you step-by-step along an easy path to success. You will learn how to mix wonderful greens, oranges and purples, and from these to create stunning browns, grays, and beautiful neutralized muted colors. You will create a number of color strips that will act as a handy reference for any future painting, helping you to get the exact color you require. We will use these to paint some pictures and there is a final exercise that pulls it all together. If you would like to you can watch a couple of the videos from the course free, by clicking on the Preview button in the curriculum below.

Or why not take this course now and learn how to control all your color mixing, to save money on paints that you will never use, and to be able to produce any color you need in any painting. This has to be at the core of any painters toolbox. And the course is 100% risk free - there is a 30 day money back guarantee if you find it is not what you are looking for. So why wait? Enroll now and improve your paintings today.

In the course I demonstrate with watercolors, but the same color mixing techniques apply equally to acrylics or oils.

What's inside

Learning objectives

At the end of the course, you will be able to confidently mix any color you need.
Learn how color works.

Learn how to create bright and muted versions of any color.
Learn how to easily match a color, and be able to mix it in your palette.

At the end of the course, you will be able to confidently mix any color you need.
Learn how color works.
Learn how to create bright and muted versions of any color.
Learn how to easily match a color, and be able to mix it in your palette.

Syllabus

Introduction and materials

Here you will find out which eight basic colors I recommend for all paintings. You really do not need to buy more than these eight colors, and as you get to know them you will find your paintings improving.

We will use our six primary colours to create a useful color wheel, which will act as a reference tool for the future.

Let's begin our color mixing by using our two blues and our two yellows to get a range of greens.

By understanding our blues and reds we can create vibrant purples or dull grays. Find out how here!

Learn how to create bright oranges or dull ones with our yellows and reds.

Can you remember which primary colors to mix with which to get these secondary colors?

Tertiary colours are made by mixing a secondary color ( a green, purple or orange) with a primary. Learn how to create an amazing array of lively neutral colors, all under your control! Be done with boring grays!

See what happens when you substitute yellow and red for an earth color.

Remind yourself of the best colors to mix to create subtle neutral shades.

In this exercise we will paint two versions of the same picture, one in sunlight and one after dark. This will allow us to practice mixing secondary and tertiary (neutralised) colors, and see how they work in an actual painting.

Find out how to match the color of your paint to that of the object you are painting.

This practical exercise will help you put together all the skills you have learned in this course. And it is great fun too!

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Focuses on a core skill for painters, which is the ability to mix colors effectively and consistently, leading to more satisfying and professional-looking artwork

Provides a structured approach to color mixing, which can help painters avoid the common pitfalls of muddy colors and frustrating experimentation

Uses a limited palette of eight colors, which simplifies the color mixing process and makes it more accessible for beginners and those seeking a more streamlined approach

Teaches techniques applicable to watercolor, oil, and acrylic paints, making it versatile for artists working in different mediums and expanding its reach

Requires specific paint colors (cadmium red, alizarin crimson, etc.) that learners must acquire, which may pose a barrier to entry for some students

Includes exercises to create color strips for future reference, which is a practical tool for painters to easily replicate desired colors in their work

Reviews summary

Color mixing secrets for painters

According to learners, this course offers a practical and effective method for mixing colors, particularly beneficial for watercolors, oils, and acrylics. Students frequently praise the instructor's clear explanations and engaging teaching style. Many highlight how the course, especially its focus on a limited palette, helps overcome the frustration of getting muddy colors and builds confidence in color mixing. While some found it a solid foundation for beginners, a few mentioned it might be basic for more experienced painters seeking advanced theory. The practical exercises and demonstrations are often cited as particularly helpful.

Provides a solid foundation for new painters.

"As a beginner, this course was exactly what I needed to stop guessing and start mixing colors confidently."

"It provides such a solid foundation in color theory and practical application for someone just starting out."

"I felt this course was perfectly pitched for someone like me who had struggled with color mixing basics."

"This course removed a lot of the mystery around mixing and made it approachable for someone new to painting."

Exercises and demos build real mixing skills.

"The demonstrations of mixing colors and creating the color strips were incredibly helpful. I learned by doing."

"Doing the exercises alongside the instructor really solidified my understanding of how the colors work together."

"The practical application in painting the example pictures was key to seeing the techniques in action."

"I found the section on copying colors and the final exercise invaluable for putting all the pieces together."

Instructor explains concepts simply and effectively.

"The explanations were crystal clear and easy to follow, even for complex ideas."

"I loved the instructor's delivery; it felt like being taught by a patient friend who really knows their stuff."

"The step-by-step process laid out by the instructor made learning color mixing much less intimidating."

"Everything was explained in a way that just made sense. No jargon, just practical, understandable guidance."

Learn versatile mixing using only 8 colors.

"The approach using only 8 colors is brilliant and has really simplified my mixing process."

"I never thought I could get such a range of colors from so few tubes of paint. It saves money and simplifies things greatly."

"Using the limited palette as shown was a revelation; I finally understand how to get clean colors instead of muddy ones."

"I appreciate how the course focuses on a select few pigments and how they interact. This makes managing colors much easier."

May lack depth for experienced artists.

"While excellent for beginners, experienced painters might find the content a bit too fundamental."

"I was hoping for a little more advanced theory, but the course stuck mostly to practical mixing techniques."

"If you already have a good handle on color mixing, this might just reinforce what you know without adding much new."

"For someone intermediate or advanced, the limited palette approach is useful, but the core instruction is quite basic."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Learn the Secret of Successful Color Mixing for Painters with these activities:

Review Basic Color Theory

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Reinforce your understanding of color theory principles before diving into color mixing techniques.

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Read articles or watch videos explaining the color wheel, primary, secondary, and tertiary colors.
Complete online quizzes or worksheets to test your knowledge of color relationships.
Create a simple color wheel diagram, labeling each color and its relationships.

Review 'Color and Light' by James Gurney

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Deepen your understanding of color and light principles with insights from a renowned artist and illustrator.

View Dinotopia: Journey To Chandara (Calla Editions) on Amazon

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Read selected chapters focusing on color mixing, color relationships, and light effects.
Take notes on key concepts and techniques discussed in the book.
Experiment with applying the book's principles to your own color mixing exercises.

Color Matching Exercises

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Improve your ability to accurately match colors by practicing color mixing techniques.

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Gather a collection of colorful objects or images.
Attempt to mix the exact color of each object using your palette.
Compare your mixed color to the original and adjust as needed.
Repeat the exercise with different colors and shades.

Four other activities

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Create a Color Mixing Chart

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Solidify your understanding of color relationships by creating a visual reference guide.

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Prepare a canvas or paper with a grid layout.
Mix different color combinations and paint them into the grid squares.
Label each color combination with the corresponding paint names.
Organize the chart logically to showcase color relationships.

Paint a Small Still Life

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Apply your color mixing skills to create a complete painting.

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Set up a simple still life arrangement with a few objects.
Sketch the composition onto your canvas or paper.
Mix the colors needed for each object and area of the painting.
Paint the still life, paying attention to color accuracy and light effects.

Explore 'The Art of Color' by Johannes Itten

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Expand your understanding of color theory with a classic text exploring color harmony and expression.

View Melania on Amazon

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Read selected chapters focusing on color contrasts, color harmonies, and color effects.
Analyze examples of artwork discussed in the book, paying attention to color choices.
Experiment with applying Itten's principles to your own color compositions.

Help other students with color mixing

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Reinforce your knowledge by helping other students with color mixing questions and challenges.

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Participate in online forums or study groups related to the course.
Answer questions about color mixing techniques and principles.
Share your own color mixing charts and examples.
Offer constructive feedback to other students on their color mixing exercises.

Career center

Learners who complete Learn the Secret of Successful Color Mixing for Painters will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Fine Artist

A fine artist creates original works of art. This course is designed for anyone who paints in watercolors, oils, or acrylics, providing an easy and effective way of color mixing, which is essential for a fine artist. This course helps a fine artist learn to control colors and create the right color every time, avoiding muddy or overworked pictures. The course teaches how to mix any color needed from a limited palette of eight colors, which can then be applied to create harmonious paintings. A fine artist who wishes to control their color mixing and produce any color can benefit from the practical exercises in this course.

See salaries and explore the career path for Fine Artist

Illustrator

An illustrator creates images for books, magazines, and other media. This course is well-suited for an illustrator, as it focuses on developing color-mixing skills with watercolors, oils, or acrylics. A key aspect of an illustrator's work is creating the right color for a picture. This course helps an illustrator take control of their colors and mix the right color every time, avoiding a trial-and-error approach. By learning to mix colors effectively, an illustrator can produce harmonized colors for illustrations. An illustrator gains the ability to save money on paints and this helps them produce any color they need in any image.

See salaries and explore the career path for Illustrator

Muralist

A muralist creates large-scale paintings on walls or other surfaces. The ability to mix colors is essential for a muralist. This course can help a muralist learn an easy and very effective way to make colors, avoiding the frustration of mixing the wrong color. A muralist will be able to take control of their colors and to create the right color every time. This helps the muralist avoid muddy or overworked pictures. This course will also teach them how many professional artists mix their colors and get the right color every time, which will be helpful for large-scale paintings.

See salaries and explore the career path for Muralist

Art teacher

An art teacher instructs students in various art techniques and concepts. This course helps an art teacher learn an easy and very effective way of color mixing which they can then pass on to their students. This course helps an art teacher take control of the colors they teach and create the right color every time. It also teaches how professional artists mix their colors. The curriculum includes exercises on making secondary and tertiary colors. An art teacher will be glad to know the course demonstrates with watercolors, but the same color mixing techniques apply equally to acrylics or oils.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art teacher

Textile Designer

A textile designer creates designs for fabrics and other textiles. Color is a crucial element in textile design. This course helps a textile designer learn an easy and very effective way of color mixing. A textile designer will be better positioned to take control of their colors and create the right color every time. From a palette of only eight colors, a textile designer can mix any color to create harmonized colors. They additionally learn how to create bright and muted versions of any color and match colors. In the course, the same color mixing techniques apply equally to acrylics or oils.

See salaries and explore the career path for Textile Designer

Set Designer

A set designer is responsible for designing the physical environment of a play or film. This course helps a set designer learn how color works and how to create bright and muted versions of any color. This helps a set designer take control of colors and create the right color every time, avoiding muddy or overworked pictures. They will learn how many professional artists mix their colors and get the right color every time. Learning how to easily match a color and mix it in their palette can be very helpful for a set designer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Set Designer

Exhibition Designer

An exhibition designer creates displays and layouts for museums, galleries, and trade shows often working with color. This course helps an exhibition designer learn how color works and how to create bright and muted versions of any color. The exhibition designer will be able to create the colors to best showcase the objects on display. This course teaches students how to easily match a color, which will be invaluable when matching exhibit colors to displayed work. The course demonstrates with watercolors, but the same color mixing techniques apply equally to acrylics or oils.

See salaries and explore the career path for Exhibition Designer

Animator

An animator creates moving images using various software and techniques, often requiring precise color control. This course helps an animator learn how color works and how to create bright and muted versions of any color. An animator will find the course helpful in mixing any color needed. This course's curriculum includes an exercise in copying colors. An animator will be able to use it to find out how to match the color of a paint to that of the object they are animating.

See salaries and explore the career path for Animator

Product Designer

A product designer creates the form and function of manufactured goods, considering color and aesthetics. This course helps a product designer learn how color works and how to create bright and muted versions of any color. This helps the designer in the creation of vibrant and compelling colors of future products. An essential part of the product designer's job is to match particular colors, and this course provides instruction on how to match the color of a paint to that of an object.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Designer

Graphic Designer

A graphic designer creates visual concepts for various media using color theory and design principles. This course may be useful for a graphic designer because it helps them learn how color works and how to create bright and muted versions of any color. It also teaches students to easily match a color and mix it in their palette. With this course, a graphic designer can mix any color needed. This course additionally demonstrates with watercolors but the same color mixing techniques apply equally to acrylics or oils.

See salaries and explore the career path for Graphic Designer

Makeup Artist

A makeup artist applies makeup to enhance or alter a person's appearance, often requiring a deep understanding of color theory. This course helps a makeup artist learn an easy and very effective way of color mixing. A makeup artist will be able to take control of their colors and to create the right color every time. The course teaches students how to easily match a color and mix it. This course provides instruction on how to match the color of a paint to that of an object.

See salaries and explore the career path for Makeup Artist

Fashion Designer

A fashion designer creates clothing and accessories, often relying on color to convey style and trends. This course may be useful for a fashion designer because it helps them learn how color works and how to create bright and muted versions of any color. It also teachers students how to easily match a color and mix it in their palette. With this course, a fashion designer can mix any color needed. The color mixing techniques apply equally to acrylics or oils.

See salaries and explore the career path for Fashion Designer

Floral Designer

A floral designer arranges flowers and other plant materials to create decorative displays, often needing to match or complement colors. Floral design is highly dependent on color. This course teaches a floral designer how color works. This course helps a artist learn how to create bright and muted versions of any color. The course curriculum includes instruction on how to match the color of a paint to that of the object they are painting. The same color mixing techniques apply equally to acrylics or oils.

See salaries and explore the career path for Floral Designer

Interior designer

An interior designer plans and designs interior spaces, considering color schemes and aesthetics. This course may be useful for the interior designer because it helps them learn how color works and how to create bright and muted versions of any color. It also teaches students how to easily match a color and mix it in their palette. The skills taught by this course enable the interior designer to mix any color needed. The course demonstrates with watercolors but the same color mixing techniques apply equally to acrylics or oils.

See salaries and explore the career path for Interior designer

Web Designer

A web designer creates the visual layout and design of websites, including selecting color palettes. This course may be helpful to a web designer because it helps them learn how color works and how to create bright and muted versions of any color. It also teaches them to easily match a color and mix it in their palette. A web designer can mix any color needed with the techniques taught in this course. Additionally, the course demonstrates with watercolors but the same color mixing techniques apply equally to acrylics or oils.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Designer

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Learn the Secret of Successful Color Mixing for Painters.

Dinotopia: Journey To Chandara

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Comprehensive guide to understanding color and light in painting. It delves into the physics of light, color perception, and how to effectively use color in your artwork. It valuable resource for understanding the underlying principles that influence color mixing and how colors interact with each other. This book provides additional depth to the course by exploring the science behind color and light.

Dinotopia: Journey To Chandara (Calla Editions)

Hardcover

Learn the Secret of Successful Color Mixing for Painters

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Color mixing secrets for painters

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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