Hey there, fellow artists!
I often get questions about my color palettes and where my paints come from. So, I thought it would be helpful to share some of my tips and tricks for mixing dreamy color palettes using gouache paint. If you're new to the world of gouache then check out my Beginner's Guide to Gouache Watercolor. It's the perfect resource for getting started with this versatile and beautiful medium!
Start with a basic color wheel
Now, I know that some of you may find this concept a bit daunting, but fear not! Color theory is simply the study of how colors interact with each other, and it's important for creating harmonious color palettes. Having a basic understanding of color theory will help you mix colors that complement each other and create the perfect atmosphere for your artwork.
So, how do we mix our paints to achieve those perfect dreamy colors?
Well, it all starts with knowing your primary colors. By mixing your primary colors, you can create secondary colors, such as green, purple, and orange. But don't stop there! By mixing different combinations of primary and secondary colors, you can create a whole spectrum of colors that are uniquely your own.
Here are some of my favorite color formulas using primary colors + white:
- For a dreamy peachy pink, mix zinc white, spectrum red, and spectrum yellow.
- For a romantic lavender, mix ultramarine, spectrum red and zinc white together.
- For a cornflower blue, mix a bit ultramarine with zinc white until you achieve the perfect shade.
(The above paints mentioned are from Winsor & Newton's designer gouache line)
Now, let's take a look at some examples of the beautiful colors you can achieve by mixing the primary colors with white, burnt umber, and a medium green:
As you can see, the possibilities are endless! But keep in mind that mixing colors can involve a bit of trial and error. Don't be afraid to play around with how much or how little of each color you add to the mix. And always refer back to your trusty color wheel to make sure your color combinations are harmonious.
For my fellow visual learners, I am designing a color art class to help you get more comfortable with mixing and using colors in your art. Be sure to sign up for my mailing list to be the first to know when it's released. 💕
Effortlessly Achieve Dreamy Color Palettes with Premixed Gouache Paints
Of course, color mixing can be a bit time-consuming, and not everyone has the patience for it. That's why I'm so excited to share my recent discovery of Sui Gouache, a small business that creates charming premixed colors designed and manufactured by the artist Sui in Korea. Their paints are perfect for achieving dreamy color palettes without the hassle of mixing your own colors.
Sui, a passionate artist, had a dream to simplify color mixing for all aspiring artists out there. She wanted to help those who wished to create beautiful, complex colors like Claude Monet and Giorgio Morandi but were intimidated by the process.
After much research and experimentation, Sui created a set of gouache paints that allows anyone to easily achieve a wide variety of beautiful colors with just two or three combinations. And guess what? She includes some color charts and recipes that will make your life so much easier!
My favorite paints from her is the 12 color gouache set and the individual tubes of Peach, Baby Pink, Rusty Rose and Lime. Also Sui gouache paints have a creamy texture and amazing lightfastness, so your artwork will stay vibrant for years to come!
If you're interested in checking out their paints, use code "dearelaine" for 5% off when you purchase on their website and also receive some pretty postcards as a free gift! (offer is valid until July) 💕 Here is their official Sui website and this is their Amazon listing.
My Top Recommendations for Gouache Paint Brands
If you're looking to mix your own colors, I highly recommend using gouache paints from Holbein and Winsor & Newton. While they may be a bit more expensive, they are higher quality and more lightfast making them worth the investment.
But for beginners looking for affordable options, Arteza and Reeves are great choices. They come in bigger tubes, making them better for practice but they may not be as lightfast as designer gouache.
P.S. I'm trying out My Mellow Days premixed gouache paints soon. So stay tuned for my review on these charming French-made paints!
So, there you have it, folks! Whether you choose to mix your own colors or use premixed paints, the key to achieving dreamy color palettes is to have fun and experiment! Don't be afraid to try new things and see what works best for you. 💕 Happy painting!
