If you’ve ever stared at your palette wondering which colors to use (or how to mix that perfect vibrant pop of pink or just-right green)… you’re not alone.
Color can feel intimidating at first—but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, coming back to the foundations of color is one of the best things you can do for your art!
Let’s break it down…
We get a lot of color questions during our Lunchtime Paint Breaks, and most of them boil down to this:
- How do I build a color palette?
- How do I mix colors I love?
- How do I create bold color choices that still feel refined?
- How do I know if colors “go together”?
These are great questions—and they all start with understanding a few key principles.
The Foundations of Color for Artists
Here are two essential elements every artist should understand when working with color:
#1 Contrast:
Contrast is what brings energy and clarity to your painting. It’s not just about light and dark—it’s also about temperature (warm vs. cool), hue (complementary vs. analogous), and texture. Without contrast, even the most beautiful colors can feel flat.
Tip: Use contrast to guide the viewer’s eye and create focal points in your work.
#2 Harmony:
Harmony is the feeling of balance in your palette. It doesn’t mean using all the same colors—but rather creating a visual rhythm between hues, values, and temperatures that feels good to the viewer. This is where intentional color mixing really shines.
Painting with Vibrant Color—The Secret Is Control
Here’s the truth: Vibrant, confident color isn’t about using every color in the box. It’s about knowing how to intentionally mix and balance what you use.
When you have a framework for how colors work together—and how they show up on the canvas—you can start to bend the rules and create color that’s bold, joyful, and uniquely you.
If this still feels confusing, don’t worry. Color is a skill you build over time, not something you’re supposed to “just know.” Even professional artists revisit these basics regularly.
Want to Build Your Color Confidence?If you’re ready to go beyond the basics and truly understand how to use color with confidence, Acrylics 101 is the perfect next step. This beginner-friendly course breaks down everything from brush techniques to color mixing—so you can create vibrant, beautiful paintings.
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