Understanding color helps you know which pigments lift easily.
Why the Color Wheel Matters
The color wheel is not just a theoretical concept; it's a practical tool that every watercolor artist should have in their studio. It helps you predict how colors will interact when mixed or placed next to each other.
Key Concepts
- Primary Colors: Red, Yellow, Blue. These cannot be created by mixing other colors.
- Secondary Colors: Orange, Green, Purple. Created by mixing two primary colors.
- Complementary Colors: Colors directly opposite each other on the wheel (e.g., Red and Green). Placing them next to each other creates high contrast. Mixing them together neutralizes them, creating beautiful grays and browns.
Spend an afternoon creating your own color wheel using your paints. It's the best way to understand the specific properties of the pigments you own.