How to mix color on paper in watercolor – this is a fun and useful technique. In this easy-to-follow video you learn how I use this technique.
Mixing paint (color) directly on the paper without premixing in on the palette leads to more vibrant and interesting watercolor paintings. You can see how I work with patches of vibrant color that blend with its neighbors because I work continuously. This assures that
The most important thing when applying this principle in your own work is to always look at the tonal value of your colors. You always want to make sure that your values are closely related. You can use lighter or darker values in certain areas of the painting where it makes sense. But if you are painting a single object, it’s best to stick to similar value so the “object” doesn’t appear fragmented. notice on the far left how I used light blue and green. I used those light colors to add interest and variety to the painting but also because the branch is part of a receding tree and it makes sense that the value should differ.
Be creative and try this in on your own. Practice with simple objects first if you need to, such as these trees in my video.