If you’ve ever experimented with painting, we bet you’ve felt the challenge of mixing just the right shade. You might know the basics (red + yellow = orange), but how do you nail the perfect eggshell white? In this first Painting and Vino Art Tip, we’ll share some of our favorite tips and tricks for mixing the perfect paint color. Best yet: Join a paint and sip near you to learn LIVE from the experts!
Start with Color Theory
Understanding color theory is fundamental to creating great art, but for beginners, it can feel intimidating! Let’s break it down simply.
The primary colors—red, blue, and yellow—serve as the foundation for all other hues. When you mix two primary colors, you get secondary colors: green (blue + yellow), orange (red + yellow), and purple (red + blue).
You can also create tertiary colors by mixing a primary color with a neighboring secondary color. For instance, mixing blue with green yields blue-green. Knowing the color wheel helps you predict how colors will interact. Complementary colors, found opposite each other on the color wheel, like blue and orange, create vibrant contrasts when placed together. Analogous colors, which sit next to each other on the wheel, like blue and green, provide a harmonious, soothing effect.
How to Mix Paints: The Technique
Physically mixing paint correctly is crucial to achieving the desired color and consistency. All of our paint and sip events start you off with a clean paint palette for a smooth experience. As you create, try the following practices:
- Small Portions First: You only need a small dab of each paint color to get started with mixing! Using only small portions slows down the process and gives you more control, allowing you to tweak your mix without overcommitting.
- Gradual Mixing: Begin with one color and add the second color gradually. For example, if you’re aiming for green, start with yellow and add blue incrementally. It’s easier to darken a color by adding more of the darker paint than to lighten a too-dark mix.
- Testing the Color: Test your mixed color on a scrap piece of paper or canvas. Colors can look different once they dry, and testing helps ensure you’re on the right track.
- Mixing Mediums: When painting with acrylics, we use water as a mixing medium to help the paint sail across the canvas in smooth layers. You’ll want to add enough water to achieve a yogurt-like consistency—wet, but not too wet! Be careful not to mix in so much water that paint starts dripping down the canvas!
Practice Makes Progress!
If you’re new to painting, you might find the process of mixing paints to be a bit overwhelming. It’s important to remember that mastery comes with practice. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempts at a paint and sip don’t turn out perfectly. Experiment with different color combinations and techniques. Take notes on what works and what doesn’t, and over time, your understanding and skill will grow. Plus, ask your paint and sip instructor for recommendations specific to the masterpiece you’re creating!
Ready to put these tips into practice?
Join us at Painting and Vino for an enjoyable and educational experience. Our talented instructors will guide you through every step of the painting process, from mixing paints to adding the final touches. Visit our events calendar to find a paint and sip session near you. Unleash your creativity, relax, and have fun with us at Painting and Vino!
Go deeper with your learning! Check out the following articles for more color mixing ideas and inspiration.
- How to Choose a Basic Color Palette for Acrylic Painting – The Will Kemp Art School
- Vibrant Color Mixing with Acrylic Paint – Etta Vee