We will explore opposite colors and how they "cancel" each other out when mixed, creating a neutral grey or brown. However, when used in design or art, they make each other appear more vivid and intense.
We want the luminous quality of the flowers to pop. Cool colors recede and warm moves forward. Placing these side-by-side makes the Indigo look deeper and the Yellow look like it’s glowing. When mixed, they create a range of earthy, mossy greens.
Tracing Transfer 15 minutes
Paint 1 hour, 45 minutes
Goal: Understanding the heat of the yellow-orange offsets the chill of the indigo. This creates a sense of "light" vs. "shadow" rather than just a dark image.
Note: Because Indigo and Burnt Sienna are functional opposites, they will create a stunning Chromatic Black. This is often preferred by watercolorists over store-bought black paint because it has more "life" and "vibration" on the paper.
NOTE: Finish at home or create as many as you like until your are satisfied with your results.
Using complementary colors to create focal points.
Depending on which one of a complementary color you add more of to it's opposite, you can lean the mix toward a warm, cool.
M. Graham Watercolor - Indigo, 15 ml Tube - Blicks Item #:01705-5200 $16.14. Less expensive than other brands and 3xs more paint.
Indigo Blue (PB60 & PBk6)
If you don't have Indigo use Ivory Black and Ultramarine Blue (PB29)
Cotman's Lemon Yellow Light, Cadmium Yellow Hue, Burnt Sienna (PR101).
Resource: Color Wheel
Dick Blick's Photo
Using your own supplies? Feel free to pre-draw this reference photo at home ahead of the class.
Indigo Blue is mixed with Burnt Sienna
Indigo Blue is mixed with Cadmium Yellow Hue
Indigo Blue is mixed with Yellow Light Hue
Actuals used on swatch card are Indian Yellow Hue and Hansa Yellow Light
Chromatic Neutral: A "living" gray or black created by mixing two complementary colors together rather than using a tube of black paint.
Complementary Colors are those located directly opposite each other on the wheel, creating the highest possible contrast when placed side-by-side.
Granulation: A property where heavy pigment particles settle into the "valleys" of the watercolor paper, creating a beautiful textured look. (This is a hallmark of Burnt Sienna and some Indanthrone Blue/Indigo mixes).
Simultaneous Contrast: The visual effect where two complementary colors placed side-by-side make each other appear brighter and more intense. I call this vibration.
Variegated Wash: A wash that transitions from one color to another (e.g., Indigo at the top to Burnt Sienna at the bottom) while the paper is still wet, creating a seamless blend.
Values: The lightness or darkness of a color. In this workshop, we use Indigo to achieve the deepest values (darkest shadows).
Content Last Updated: Wednesday, April. 29 @7:45pm