Mixing is one of the most fun parts of watercolor! With just your 12 paints, you can create many more shades right in the white mixing area of your palette. 🎨
How do I mix two colors?
- Start with the lighter color. Move a little of it to the mixing area with your water brush.
- Clean the brush. Squeeze gently and wipe the tip on your wristband or a tissue until the water runs clear.
- Add the darker color bit by bit. A tiny touch of a dark color changes a light one quickly, so add it slowly and stir.
- Test it. Paint a small swatch on a scrap page and let it dry before you decide. Watercolor dries lighter than it looks when wet.
Which mixes should I try first?
- Yellow + blue = green. More yellow gives a fresh spring green, and more blue gives a deep pine green.
- Red + yellow = orange. More yellow makes it bright, and more red makes it warm.
- Red + blue = purple. A pink-leaning red usually gives a brighter purple.
- Opposite colors = brown or gray. Try red + green or blue + orange. A little of the opposite color also softens a color that feels too bright.
Good to know
- Mixes of two colors tend to stay bright. Adding a third color often turns the mix muddy.
- To make a color lighter, add water instead of white.
- Wipe the mixing area with a damp cloth when you're finished, so old mixes don't tint new ones.
Try our free online color mixer and mixing chart: https://tobioskits.com/pages/watercolor-color-mixing-chart
For more on keeping your brush clean, see "How do I clean my water brush between colors?"