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These four simple, logical steps will produce any of the
millions of nature's colors.
When observing a skilled and experienced artist painting
from nature, the layman might assume that the artist's color
combinations "come naturally." In fact, the painter
is operating from experience and knowledge, from an understanding
of what happens when certain colors combine.
The four steps to every color combination are: observe, select,
analyze and adjust.
1. Observe. The first step is to observe the model.
Intense, sharp observation is the starting point of all good
painting.
2. Select. Now look at your palette. Select the one
color that comes closest to the color you intend to achieve
through mixing.
3. Analyze. The pure tube colors on the palette rarely
match what we see in nature. The artist must analyze the difference
between what is observed and the color on the palette. Does
the color need to be adjusted in hue (made warmer or cooler)?
Does it need to be adjusted in value (made lighter or darker),
or adjusted in intensity or, perhaps, all three of these?
4. Adjust. Proceed to make the necessary adjustments:
o Adjust the hue. Add what is necessary to achieve
the desired hue. Temperature adjustment is part of this process.
o Adjust the value. This is the most important adjustment
— to arrive at the correct lightness or darkness.
o Adjust the value. This is the most important adjustment
— to arrive at the correct lightness or darkness.
Now lets try a few mixtures...
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