Tips on How to Select Colors for a Basic Watercolor Palette
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- Опубліковано 14 сер 2024
- My New Pen & Ink Drawing Workbook: amzn.to/2CZjLVp
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Colors I discussed in this video:
List of colors in this pic:
Reds: PR255-pyrrole scarlet, PR254-pyrrole red, PV122-quinacridone magenta
Blues: PB29-ultramarine,PB15:3-phthalo blue (green shade), PB16-phthaloturquoise
Yellows: PY154-benzimidazalone yellow, PY65-hansa yellow deep, PY35-cadmium lemon
Green: PG7/36- phthalo green blue and yellow shade
Violet: PV16 manganese violet
Earthcolors: PY42-yellow ochre, PBr7-burnt sienna
Neutral: Sepia (contains PBK9, PB15.1, PBR7)
In this tutorial I share some tips on key things to consider as you begin to put together a basic but effective palette of watercolor paints. What colors are essential? What should you definitely be included? What colors don't have to be? How do you determined that? Whats the reasoning behind these decisions? etc. I'll share my perspective that will hopefully provide a basic understanding of the essentials you need to know to apply to your color mixing whether you use acrylics, oil, gouache, or watercolor. Color theory in painting is essentially similar across the media
See my other videos on watercolor, drawing, anatomy, pen and ink drawing tips, tricks, and techniques :-)
I hope UA-cam leaves older videos like this forever in the internet realms, because I found this in 2021 and is one of the best and most eloquent explanation on the colour mixing! Thanks Mr Dunn, I have your books and learn a lot, but this is a step above:)!
2024 just started watercolor. Palette info is great on this video.
This is the best color theory video on youtube! I've been struggling with colors especially when mixing skin tones, I can't wait to try again with my new knowledge! Love your work Alphonso!
Thanks much! Glad I could help
Swatching your mixes also helps you to see if your chosen colors have great mixing power. Denis from In Liquid Color posted her top 12 colors in her UA-cam and shows you how she swatches them and you see just how many colors you can mix with what you have
onemig00 I just came from watching that video! It’s so helpful! I already know how to mix skin stones but I just gotta work on value
For skin tones (in addition to primary colours) you need earthy colours (raw Sienna, burnt sienna, oxide red etc) which are better to buy than mix yourself
word
After searching for a comprehensive video on palette building, (which lead me to a slew of videos highlighting an artist’s favourite watercolour brand or which palette -ceramic, plastic or metal, they preferred, ) I was relieved to find your informative video.
Your approach was pragmatic and analogous to the viewers sense and sensibility of what could be seen as an intimidating task. Thank you for taking time to share your knowledge and your keen awareness of the learning curve.
A newly Subscribed viewer.
big brain words go boom boom
My palette: 9 primaries (3 for each primary colours) - bluish-red, Full-red, and orange-red.
For the 3 secondaries (orange, violet-purple and green) i have two each, eg cool-green, warm green. Then i have all 4 earth (raw and burnt umber, raw and burnt sienna) white (if oil or acrylic, but not for watercolor) and 1 or 2 black (payne black and charcoal black)
I generally like a split primary palette, so warm/cool on each primary and then earth and some greens. Mind you, that's largely a landscape palette, but I think variations on that work well for many uses.
I agree
Never had this ever explained so complete and understandable in all the art classes I have taken over the decades. thank you.
the epic 80's slow clap heard around the world in 2020. i have been an artist since i was little. i am 50. i need a refresher because i haven't painted for 20 + years. you sir have explained color theory with a pigment cross over that would make 1st graders understand. Holy crap dude! Bravo. thank you for making my refresher course simple and precise. You have a teaching gift. seriously. nit everyone can explain things the way you did. you have a sub and i will be spreading the word! THANK YOU
You released this video on the very day I sat down to try and figure out mixing my watercolours. Excellent timing, thank you!
yay
ditto. I decided earlier today that I wanted to break away from my cotman half pan set and step up to some tubes for my paintings at home. I got so confused and indecisive about which two of each primaries I needed. I ended up just buying a cheap 24 set of SOHO 7ml tubes. I instantly regretted it. I will be taking it back tomorrow and getting a few tubes of a better brand
May be the best demo I have seen on the Subject! Well done and concise . Great resource for reference to Learn! Thanks for sharing your talent.
same! wierd huh?!
Brilliant!!! Simple, clear, interesting!! This should be the #1 rated video on color theory and palette creation on YT. Hands-down! And you made us laugh. I will forever refer to intense violet as my ‘violent violet’ from here on out! Thank you for sharing your knowledge, time, and love of art with us!
I have been struggling with color selection for my palette. I foolishly have been trying to match the palettes of well known watercolorists but have become overwhelmed. Your teaching style is exceptional. Thank you for this super helpful video.
Just came across you channel sir and just wanted to say how great it is. Your way of teaching is amazing and you have some serious drawing skills as well. You have seriously inspired me to get stuck into drawing and get out of this rut. Thanks alot and best of luck!
Thanks much! We can all use a push now and again : )
I am new to watercolour and I am a visual learner. I will be 67 soon! I have been avoiding learning about colour mixing because I need to see how it is done. This was excellent. Exactly what I needed. Thank you! Your book is supposed to be delivered tomorrow. Can’t wait!
Watched this a few years ago when i was just learning colour theory and a lot felt way over my head.. but its cool coming back and seeing how much I've learned because i understood everything!!
Thank you!!! I've been watching SO MANY videos to help me set up my first palette. Each one has been helpful, but THIS video is all that AND a bag of chips! This explains all the reasons behind the choices. I understand now!!!
This was more helpful than any color theory course I have ever taken.
Glad you found it useful : )
I agree.
BOOM
How can anyone dislike this? I already knew this info before watching and I still like it!
: ) thanks
Great explanation, as a beginner I am very happy with it! I've also watched a few other videos from you, great!
Wow. This is the most thorough and comprehensive explanation I've ever heard about color theory--thank you!!! I really excited to play with my watercolors now! 😊🎨👍
I spent days trying to figure out a pallet. Finally put one together. Made a color mixing chart. Wish this video was available earlier, I would have done it differently. Thank you so much for this valuable information..
Never too late to learn more
i just sat down to pick a limited pallet last night and couldn't decide on half! holy cow! art master smackdown!
Really helpful. I am new to watercolours and after trying to follow a couple of online classes I have ended up with over 48 colours that I have no idea how to use (and a wallet that is sobbing) I am now going to strip it down to the basics and just use this palette of 12-15. Very simple to understand and makes complete sense. Thank you.
Yup, I know many people who found themselves in the same situation. Glad it helped : )
Thank you, this makes such a lot of sense!! Soooo much easier than any other tutorial I have seen. Love the way you simplified the myth of an efficient small palette.
This is the best explanation of color mixing I have ever seen, and I've been messing with watercolors and colored pencils for a very long time. I feel like I finally have some understanding of where to start with colors.
Thank you! This video is so helpful it has really helped to clarify how to plan my colour palette and reduce the amount of colours in it and create harmony in my paintings.
Thank you so much! This is exactly what I was looking for before I order individual colors. I’m a pharmacist, and I love making art, but I have no formal education in the arts. The plethora of colors offered was mind-boggling for me, but now I feel much more comfortable with my purchase. Thanks again!!
I LOVE YOUR CHANNEL I WISH I CAN SUBSCRIBE MORE THAN ONCE. BEST ART CHANNEL ON UA-cam. YOU TAUGHT ME SO MUCH. GREAT TEACHER. THANK YOU
Thanks so much!
I've been looking for a video like yours forever. You have no idea how much this information means to me. So any colors to choose for a pallet but not being able to get a handle on it. Here you did this video back in 2017, and its helping someone four years later in 2020. I will be Subscribing. I was lying on my couch watching video, not expecting anything extraordinary as I've watched scores of watercolor videos but now I need to get up, watch it again, and take notes. Thanks a bunch.
Hello, I have a degree in architectural drafting which I have not used in many years, anyway I think you are an excellent teacher. The way you show how to use your equipment, the way you teach, is very understandable. I enjoy watching and listening to you and will continue to do so. There is still more I can learn. Thank you. Alicia
Thanks so much Alicia. Means alot: )
I find that mixing your neutrals results in more vibrant browns, blacks. There is always an undertone that brings punch. Tree trunks are great with a brown that hints purple. Rocks pop with a brown that has an orange or yellow undertone.
Hands down the most tangible explanation on the topic I've come across so far (I watched a LOT of videos). My hats off to you Alphonso. Thank you.
Best palette video of all on UA-cam! After watching other videos of artist just putting colors in that they liked or used most this video showed me why those colors are in there. Thank you!
Thanks for breaking down the color wheel & explaining the palette, Alphonso!
Very welcome : )
Oh my goodness, I have learned so much in the last 25 minutes. It has taken me years to learn less is more in watercolors. I am ready to start limiting my pallet. And you have made so much sense to me. Thank you.
I started playing with acrylics and watercolors a few years ago. Until this month, truly, I didn’t even understand color theory. This video is the best one for color theory and mixing and not shaming the newbie for the newbie process. Thank you! Wish I’d found this video sooner, woulda saved me a lot of money in paint I don’t need.
Hello, I always want to say thank you to you. I watched almost all your pen and ink tutorial last year when I was very depressed due to something in my work. Your videos are not only great art learning materials, they also fixed my feelings and attitude about life and things. The water color videos are also very very insightful. I think you are an amazing teacher that make thinks crystal clear to students. Will continue to learn from your book and UA-cam channel. Thanks again.
Challenge or request lol
I love how you don't just tell us to use a certain palette :) You give us the tools to create our own and understand why we should choose the colours that we do! Great job, love all your videos, keep up the fantastic work!!! You and Aaron Blaise are my 2 fave youtubing artists ahaha
Great lesson. I'm focused mainly on watercolor right now, this was helpful! (:
- Liron
glad it helped
Epical two comment for my two favorite artists.
Yes I have come back to this multiple times. Also focused on watercolour. The difficulty with watercolour is balancing the water while also mixing the correct ratios of each pigment!
Who needs art seminars when you are subscribed to mr Dunn? Good and easy to understand. Kepp it up! Love from Sweden!
Thanks much! : )
you sir deserve all the gushing kudos. don't let the jealous people keep you down!!
I just found this video today. It is the BEST colour theory EVER! I have a plethora of colour wheels, watched videos, yet still was confused. I understood every thing you said and did. This is what I needed. Thank you. You are way ahead of other 'teachers'. 😘
🙂🙏
The best demo and explanation for color palette! I have been studying all day and all the rest just show their favorite palette. This is so helpfully! Thank you!
Hi! You did this video quite a while ago ..but it's still going strong and helping us out immensely...I love your style of teaching...very logical and methodical.... thanks very much!!!
Best on UA-cam. Simple and direct without unnecessary clutter. Very practical advice. Thanks!
Thanks much
Your explanation is excellent! I've watched a number of color mixing videos, and this is one of the clearest and easiest to understand. You make the topic look less intimidating. Thanks so much for taking the time to put this information together.
Thank you so much for taking it back to the basics. I think I’ll paint your beautiful hands - it’s fun watching them😆❤️
Haha thank you
I've been a professional artist for 45 years and have taught classes throughout my career... in my watercolor classes I give them almost the exact same lecture that you gave here... if you're coming here for information then you came to the right place... good job Mr.Dunn
Thanks much 🙏
Same here. I am totally impressed with the color theory. Brilliant explanation. I've realized I'm overcomplicating my palette w/ too many colors to begin. Many thanks...great job.
Thanks, glad it helped : )
I always kind of understood colour theory and colour mixing, but it was always just out of my grasp. I think the visuals of having the little pans laid out over the colour wheel helped a lot. As well as explaining how variations of the primary colours gives more options for mixing over having set secondary colours. I have admittedly been avoiding using colour lately because I found I was struggling choosing which colours to use. This has helped a lot and I'm excited to get back into using colour again ^_^ Thanks!
Have fun!
I come back here every once in a while when i have gotten carried away buying paint I will never have time to use up...now I am lusting over the newest neutral blue..yin mn. It also serves to remind me to get your book off the bookshelf and use it for warm ups....and to work on a few things...like movement and perspective.
Ahhhhhhhhhh! NOW I get it!!!!!! I have learned to stay in my lane….color wheel lane that is. Thank you.
Thank you so much for this thoughtful, informative video. I must have 40 tubes of paint collected over the years. It seems that every time I took a workshop or class, the instructor specified different colors. Your very clear explanation will help me simplify and edit my palette. I love that you are sharing your obvious passion and knowledge.
I’m happy this helps
Great video Alphonso. I'd like to chip in with an extra point if that's OK. It's my "mind the gap” colour theory.
Looking at the video at about 11:45, where you have three of each primary, imagine removing the middle red, middle yellow and middle blue. So you're left with the two more extreme versions of each primary, six colours altogether. Then the mind the gap theory just goes like this. If you're trying to mix a secondary (orange, green or purple) from two primaries, the result that you get depends on how many colours there are between the two that you're mixing:
- two colours in between and you're going to get a nice neutral at best but probably just mud
- no colours in between and you're going to get the brightest, zingiest secondary colour. Great for shop signs but you might find, for example, that the green you get is too zingy for a landscape.
- one colour in between is the interesting area. You can find more muted secondaries here (greens in particular). Even the worst mixes produce decent neutrals and you don't end up with any mud.
Some of my better paintings are ones where I've deliberately used three equally spaced primaries, with one (unused) colour between each neighbouring pair.
Love this color theory video! As a beginner (just learning any color) leans to an other color & that’s one thing must practice & know or get muddy colors or just 😳! So have two 24 pallet sets but only using two reds (cool/warm), and so on & then the earth colors (tertiary) like Burnt Sienna, Raw Umber & Yellow ochre!
My main issue is can’t draw very well!
I realised I needed to buy 2 or 3 new colours, and while looking at the colour chart found my list expanding even though I know I have enough. Thank you for simplifying matters. You confirmed the neutrals were good to add to my existing collection. And mmmmaybe one more red surely a yellow. Sometimes the freedom of choice makes it seem more complicated. Thank you for reigning us in.
I’m so happy i found this. This makes color theory so much easier to understand and also help on making my own first pallet!
Best. Video. On making a color palette. Ever!!!
This is a great split primary palette. Just a minor correction for the list of colours. Quinacridone Magenta is a PR 122. It is listed as a red in other words and not as a violet. There is no PV122.
Now as this particular colour has in some brands some sort of lightfastness issues, it is better to use the PV19 Magenta ( or cool red) that is lightfast and has the same mixing properties. Pay attention as there are two PV19 colours. The darker one that is a Magenta and the lighter more pinkish one that is a Quinacridone Rose.
I mix my own cool Sepia that is lightfast and doesn't contain black by mixing PR264 ( deep pyrrole red) with PG7 Phthalo Green ( these in equal parts give a very deep Gray) and adding in the mix a bit of B. Umber. The more B. Umber you add in the mix the warmer gets the final Sepia mix.
I prefer this mix of Sepia because it doesn't contain at all black, but rather a chromatic black, and it is completely lightfast. Generally speaking most of the mixed convenience colours that contain black are somewhat duller than those that they don't contain black pigments.
The PY35 Cadmium Yellow is a very permanent and lightfast choice but it is by default opaque.
In its place you can buy a PY3, or a PY184, or a PY175. All these three are lemon yellows more transparent and lightfast. Cadmiums are also toxic, so it is better to avoid them generally speaking. There are better atlernatives in watercolours.
That crosshatching and shading on that cover is sweet. Amazing work.
Wow, I just found this video and I have to say it is the best one for understanding the basic watercolor palette! Thank you Alphonso for your excellent teaching work, I truly appreciate it. I am new to watercolor and this is most helpful.
I bought my paint in half pan and carefully choosing the basic color that I can really use. Try to keep it simple cz I'm still learning. How fortunate that I bump to your video and found out I'd choose the right colors!
Thank you for giving more idea of basic color on neutral and earthy color! 🙏👍😄
+Neeya's World perfect timing
Love the diagramming and color wheel sketches and notation. Very illuminating.
I saved this video because it is the most useful color theory explanation I've ever heard/seen. I will use this as a reference for watercolor. Thank you so very much for sharing!
Youre very welcome
Thank you so much for the information- it is invaluable. You have taught me more in two years than I have learned in the past 30 years! I recommend your videos to others because your explanations are clear and concise. You are truly a treasure 🥰
Invaluable is your wisdom. Thank you Sir. and I don't say this often...
Thank you! Just what I needed. I felt overwhelmed by all the colours but I will go back to basics and keep it simple. I want to learn and understand the colours an the colour mixing. You make it very clear. 🙏🏼
What an articulate, thorough, excellent communicator and teacher you are! Your enthusiasm is contagious too.😊
thanks much : )
Thank you, Alphonso! I made a great progress thanks to you! I just got your Book from Amazon and I'm very proud of it! Hopefully you will publish another one soon!
Thanks and thanks so much for supporting it!
I've orderd your book a few days ago and I cannot wait to have it. It takes a little longer to get in Germany, so I have to be patient. You are such an amazing teacher! My skills have been improving since I started watching your videos. Keep up the good work, you are doing a lot for many people! Thank you!
+Amelie youre very welcome : )
This has really helped me. I "knew" this, but didn't really understand it I just found out. You made it so simple that it's easy to understand and use in life, even if your just a hobbyist. Im just getting info watercolor and art for that matter....
I wish people who do watercolor would watch this video. There are so many people who spend hundreds if not thousands on paint because they are either art supply addicts or just don't want to learn mixing. Such a total waste! Your videos are always good. You're an awesome teacher!
This has been so helpful you are so clear. You have made it easy to understand. After many years I finally have it. Thank you. I love your illustrations. Sandy
This needs more views. Soon as I get some cash, I'm buying your book on Amazon. Thank you.
: ) thanks much
oh ya! me too!
This has been the most helpful colour theory information I've ever watched!! Thank you!! I thought that I would have to add so many more colours to my palette. I bought the Winsor & Newton Cotman Sketchers Pocket Box. I realize now that, for a beginner, I have everything I need. I could add a black and some kind of Violet, but I don't have to. I think I will take out the Chinese White and put in a black. I like how you explained that water works like a white. I really learned so much. thank you!!
Excellent. This was very helpful and clear. Thank you!
Alphonso, this was very useful for me. I have had many years of applying color theory with oils but having just started exploring watercolor, I found myself needing to go back to basic. This was terrific. I'll be looking for your other tutorials. Thanks.
This video is so useful. Really, it's great. I came here cause I want to buy a colour palette choosing every colour, but I learned even more than expected.
I truly need to study colour theory more, it is so important
Alphonso i listen to a every second of you talking because i am beginner at watercolors and this is the best in depth explanation with meaning on youtube.God bless you for putting your time and effort and knowledge and sharing it with us...I wish you all the best subscribed and i will continue to learn for you thank you very much again.
Well dunn alphonso
Thanks
Thank God! My brain was scrambled just trying to figure out what Watercolours to start with. Thank you for simplifying this. I can’t wait to get started.
Spot on brother! This video couldn't be better!!
This was fantastic. I’ve been trying to get my head around this for ages and you explained it so well. Cheers, much appreciated.
Oh wonderful lesson. I learned a lot. Thank you!
Thanks for this! I've been quite overwhelmed by the number of colors available in alcohol markers, but now I'm thinking of creating a core set and setting the rest aside as intermediary blending sets as needed.
Sounds like a good plan
Incredibly comprehensive, down to earth & engaging video. you are a great teacher!
Thanks : )
Agree with what everyone else is saying, this is the best video that I have found on color theory so far. Very easy to understand. Thank you!
Thanks much and youre very welcome
Great, great video. Yes, I've heard this all before but your perspective underscores it in a special way because I can hear the deep conviction in your voice and you supply the context and motivation for adhering to the basics. Really great. Thank you. Please come out with a color book. Also, would love to hear your favorite paints.
Definitely will : )
I think as a beginner it is not a bad idea to buy a 6 or 12 color box. You have a decent selection of colors, a box to keep them in and a mixing palette. Many of these boxes even come with a decent brush. Depending on or budget buy artist grade or student grade. Personally, I think a good student grade color like Van Gogh, Cotman or Schmincke Akademie are good enough in the beginning. You can do a lot of mixing exercises with such a kit. Later you can add or switch colors according to your needs.
There is only one thing I wouldn't try to save on: paper. And you going to need a lot of that.
Agreed
Hello,
I always struggled with understanding colors but after watching this video my struggles went away. While watching the video I kept saying "ahhh" "ohh, that make sense" because I understood everything you said. THANK YOU!
Thank you for this video and your channel!
Very welcome! Glad you could find it useful : )
Powerfully helpful, thank you! 💙❤💛💚💜
You are a natural teacher!
Nice video. Would like to add a comment regarding pigment name vs manufacturers name of paints. This was a confusing topic for me when beginng. I love the fact that you included the pigment names in your descriptions-very helpful. I can attest to the fact that not every pigment is sold by one manufacturer and finding a starting palette takes patience. Love everything you do!
If I could request one thing from you, I'd like to learn about your practice routines/patterns. How often are you compelled to sketch, draw, paint or otherwise? Do you take breaks from one media to expand your abilities on another? How often? Do you keep a sketchbook or note pad on you for spur of the moment fun? What do you think is the best use of an aspiring artist's time? Thank you very much in advance.
I'll post one on practice soon : )
Incredibly helpful video- thank you!
Yes, simple is at times less perplexing and sensible. Wishing I could turn back the hands of time to the start of my watercolor foray, I would have been further along after watching this video and a tad richer!! 😂😀😘👍🏾👏🏾❄️ Thank you for this informative video‼️🎈Happy Holidays!
I get caught up with the warm/cool aspect. I've easily acquired brown with the wrong temperatures.... argh!!!!
Thanks so much Alohonso!!!! You simplified the basics!!
No worries : )
I really enjoyed this and made mixing seem effortless. I especially like how you did not complicate it for us beginners. Thanks for the tutoring...looking forward to purchasing your book to add to my reference library.
You are an EXCELLENT teacher! From a retired science teacher,
This is such an incredibly helpful video. I'm quite intimidated by all things art, but I so, so want to learn. Trying to figure out a starting point for watercolors is a hurdle for sure - there's SO MUCH choice. I know I'd much rather have a small palette of efficient, high quality paint but that means I need to understand the basics in order to be able to decide what to get... This video really demystified a lot for me.
Glad it helped : )
This is sooo helpful. I bought a 50 colour set and another 36 colour set (lol) when starting out and I was sooo confused and overwhelmed (chuckled when u mentioned it here coz it’s so true). Planning on getting some artist grade watercolors now and your vid would really help me. Thanks!
You're a brilliant teacher! ♥️
This is the best approach! it suddenly makes sense! Thank you!
🙂
I started by coloring and was greedy with colors (108 pens!). I realized soon enough that having all shades and variations stumped me. I limited color choices abd felt relieved. Now I want to try watercolor and will not make the mistake of color dazzle. Your lectures and colorwheel teaching are so helpful for me to choose the right starter palette set.
🙂🙏 yup sticking to a basic palette is always best, to start
Great video. I have used the same core 12 colors for over 30 years.
🙂wow