How do you mix and use colors?

How do you mix and use colors?

When we mix colors, sometimes it's not enough just to mix them up. Because it will result in unwanted results. Beginners will wonder how can I possibly create more harmony or excitement with colors in my artwork.

While a color wheel can be a good tool, different methods are more effective in creating a good color composition.

Which methods can help you to a good color composition?

Through analogue color structures

Analogous color structures are colors that are adjacent to each other on a color wheel. Combining them together can create a collective effect. This creates a harmonious atmosphere in the work and no great contrast. A good example would be Green Yellow Orange. These colors are directly reminiscent of warm positive summer freshness.

Through a complementary choice of colours

When choosing complementary colors, you take 2 colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel. This choice builds tension and increases the contrast significantly. The selected colors often appear even lighter as a result. A mixture of both colors to the neutral color.

Through monochromatic

Monochromatic images mean nothing other than images with a single color and gradations of it. Black and white components darken or lighten the selected color. This leads to a very harmonious picture in which the object and the background merge into one.

Through split complementary contrast

With this method, a strong main color is chosen and 2 complementary colors directly next to each other are chosen. The result is that a very strong contrast is produced. This color combination requires skill and a little intuition, as not all colors go together.

Through the triadic scheme

According to the triadic scheme, the colors are determined using the color wheel. These 3 colors must be at the same distance and angle from each other. If the 3 colors are selected, individual gradations of the individual colors can give the work of art more contrast or emphasize individual objects more. Important here is the ratio of dark and light elements.

What other options are there for creating a mood with colours?

by color temperature

The artist can use the color temperature to convey certain emotions and impressions. Warm or cold colors give the viewer an impression of the feelings in the work. Red tones are considered warm, while blue tones are perceived as cold. Here the color circle according to Goethe can be used as a reminder.

By color brightness

Color Lightness is used to add depth and three-dimensionality to the artwork. Because everything that is visible and illuminated, we feel as more tangible. Everything that lies in the darker areas blurs and only allows our mind to guess objects. It is therefore important to think about the intention of the staging in advance.

By color saturation

With color saturation we can perceive the visible colors with different intensity. Whether soft, loud or pastel; it is up to the artist to create a washed out image by increasing the amount of gray in the colour. However, if no proportion is included, the colors are strong and loud at most

What colors are there? What do they do?

Colors mix with blue

Blue is considered a neutral but also trusting color. It gives the viewer a reliable and cool feeling. Mixing color with blue gives you a calm and serene work of art, which builds up small accents and small contrasts with complementary colors.

Colors mix with red

Red is a signal color that pops. This triggers strong feelings and emotions. It gives the viewer a willingness to fight, dynamism, life energy and passion. As a color temperature, it is perceived as warm at most. In short, you get maximum interaction and maximum eye-catching on your picture.

Mix colors with yellow

Yellow is the color of good life. It particularly stands out in a work with additional dark complementary colors. It also radiates positive energy and is also perceived as an eye-catcher. It also promotes creativity, communication and stimulates the nervous system and memory.

Colors mix with violet

Violet insists on color mixing 50:50 blue and red. Not only does it combine some properties of the two colors, but it also creates sensuality and activates our creativity. It also stimulates body and mind. Many churches use this color blend to express spirituality and grandeur.

Colors mix with orange

Orange is the little brother of red. In addition to the positive characteristics such as joie de vivre, energy and warmth, the color radiates inner turmoil. That is why it is usually perceived as too unpleasant and intrusive. Nevertheless, the color exudes fun and healthy joie de vivre.

What does mixing color mean in summary?

In summary, one can say that emotions, impressions and feelings can only be expressed with colors. Targeted color combinations and color mixing trigger and imitate more depth and characteristics in the viewer. Not every color can be mixed and combined. But through different techniques and mixing ratios, color circles there is a great variety and possibilities to create art and to move the viewer.