Greetings!
When we
first begin painting, how daunting it all seems, memorizing the
names of all the paint colors, trying out all sorts of brushes and other tools,
learning to draw accurately, and of course struggling to mix the colors we
needed. It is very exciting but also intimidating!
While learning about the
various brushes and mediums can be a bit confusing, the leading challenge for me
was how to accurately capture people, nature and real life objects on canvas
with the correct colors. How to
make particular colors lighter or darker, not muddy or pasty? How to depict
beautiful shadows and exciting highlights, and to find ways to capture nuanced
skin tones and intriguing reflections? Since I didn’t want to keep struggling to get accurate color, value, temperature and intensity, I began experimenting – to discover crucial basic facts and steps for color mixing.
Through this
blog, you’ll be offered a condensed version of what I’ve discovered
over these last few years. Through assorted suggestions and sample exercises you’ll learn
and practice foundational concepts to help you mix and use color more
confidently and effectively, making painting easier and more enjoyable. There will also be Step-by-Step photos of full paintings and sections of paintings. Favorite books and DVDs will also be mentioned (along with links to find them).
As you learn helpful ideas involving
the fundamentals of color mixing - as well as other areas of painting instruction, it cannot be stressed enough, there is necessity of frequent practicing and applying of
these new concepts and skills for them to really stick. Once they
are understood and mastered, you’ll be free to paint confidently with the
colors and techniques you love!
Happy
Painting!
May it bring you the double blessings of FUN and JOY!
With warmest regards,
Diane
