Mixing color is a similar process to observing color. You can break it down into two steps: matching the value accurately, with only an approximation for hue and saturation, and matching the hue and saturation accurately. You cannot match the colors you see in nature precisely to colors you can create in paint. This is because paint has different optical properties compared with light bouncing off objects and textures in nature. It is more important therefore to look for relative differences of color spots in nature rather than for absolute colors. You need to represent in paint those relative differences.

Look at the painting above and the photograph of the original scene. The relative color spots are the same, even though the actual colors are different.

Combine this course unit with the series of units on color to fully understand how to use apply color in your paintings. Do not forget to look at Observation Unit 1 on values to get the full picture on color. Value is an integral part of learning how to see color.

In this course unit

This unit is concerned with learning how to see and match colors accurately. You will learn:

• the best sequence for matching hue, saturation and value on your palette to keep your color lively
• how to adjust values without getting muddy color
• how to create warm and cool color variations without getting muddy color
• how to avoid the common problems associated with using black and white in color mixtures
• how to control the saturation of your colors – an essential skill for creating depth in your paintings and for creating an interesting color design
• the best way to mix colors on your palette if you want to keep your colors harmonious
• how to train yourself to see color more accurately

Total number of assignments: 8

Total number of pages: 16