Practice Work on How We Mix Colors Accurately, Efficiently, and to Create Various Color Interactions Lesson

Introduction

As we begin working with color, we need to take some time to become familiar with our paints. We need to know what they can and cannot do. The best way to do that is to create a color chart. This is something that artists often make each time they buy a new brand of paints or work with a new media. Taking to time to do this will save a lot of time and frustration when you are working on your painting.

Also, we will do a simple exercise in color interactions. This will help you to understand about how the placement of colors in painting can effect the overall affect.

Explore

Color Chart Presentation

Please watch the following presentation below to learn more about color charts.

Color Chart Video

This video goes through the instructions of how to set up the color chart. First, we create a table and fill in the paints along the top and left sides. Then, we mix the colors where colors intersect on the table starting with the lighter color and adding the darker color into it. The process is outlined as we work from left to right and row by row. The process is continued until the chart is full. Note that there will be a diagonal line down the center of the pure colors where the colors intersect with themselves. Also, when the complementary colors are mixed, different shades of brown will be created. This process will help you learn the properties of your paint.

Color Interaction Presentation

Please watch the following presentation below to learn more about color interaction.

Color Interaction Video

In this video, we will look at how complementary interact with each other. We will create six squares with smaller rectangles in the center. We will paint complementary colors within each square as an examination of the color interactions. Completing this exercise will assist you in understanding how the placement of colors effects the overall content of the painting.

Extension

Additional Color Interactions

For a challenge, you can create a second version of the color interactions.

Make the six squares in the same way that you made it for Color Interactions.
In the far-left set of squares, paint an interaction between yellow and orange. On the top, yellow will go in the center rectangle with orange surrounding. On the bottom, orange will go in the center rectangle with yellow surrounding.
In the middle set of squares, paint an interaction between yellow and blue. On the top, yellow will go in the center rectangle with blue surrounding. On the bottom, blue will go in the center rectangle with yellow surrounding.
In the far- right set of squares, paint an interaction between blue and violet. On the top, blue will go in the center rectangle with violet surrounding. On the bottom, violet will go in the center rectangle with blue surrounding.

Notice which combinations intensify the interior color and which combinations make the interior color darker.

IMAGES CREATED BY GAVS OR OPENSOURCE