Mixing Basics in Watercolor: Blue – Red – Yellow.
Going back to basics with my new watercolor palette and realizing all the colors that can be created by using three simple basics. For all three of these simple, loose, impressionistic flowers, I used the same colors: Cobalt Blue, Permanent Rose, and Lemon Yellow.
For the first I mixed Permanent Rose with just a drop of Cobalt Blue for the flowers and Cobalt Blue and Lemon Yellow pretty equally for the green.
For the second I mixed Cobalt Blue with just a drop of Permanent Rose for the flowers and Cobalt Blue and Lemon Yellow with an emphasis on the Cobalt Blue in places nearer the flower.
For the third I mixed Lemon Yellow with just a drop of Permanent Rose for the flowers and Cobalt Blue and Lemon Yellow, but only a tiny bit of Cobalt Blue to lighten up the green.
And there are likely hundreds more color combinations in various shades that could be achieved by simply using these three basic colors.
It’s fun and easy and creates such clean, bright, un-muddied results when you keep it simple.
I also used one brush for everything – the Rekab 320S #2 Squirrel Mop (which I could only find by ordering from Australia, but LOVE it – also recommended by Debi Riley), It is so versatile, but I really had to learn to use it after using inexpensive synthetic brushes at first. This brush holds a lot of water and paint. It also can come to a fine point and do small lines with a light touch, and can make fat, wash strokes too.
So if you are even thinking of giving watercolor painting a try…. three colors, one brush (you don’t have to order from Australia – but find a nice natural hair medium sized brush to achieve results you will really enjoy) and some paper (I recommend you start with Cold Press 140lb Arches) is really all you need to create some beauty and experiment with this wonderful hobby.
Thanks to the inspiration of Debi Riley on Watercolor Basics! So much to learn from such talent!
Enjoy the journey!
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
Great job on all 3, I believe the last one is my favorite! Looks bright and cheery.
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Orange is so cheerful 😊
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Great colors!! ❤️
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Thanks John.
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Beautiful paintings Jodi! All the colors are so vibrant and it is amazing it all came from 3 basic colors!
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Thanks pj. I really enjoyed doing them.
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That’s why they turn out so beautiful!
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☺❤
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There is both a simplicity and an artistry about them. Very lovely.
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Thanks Kathy!
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It’s so much fun to take time to play and experiment, these turned out so lovely Jodi. I always paint with a very limited palette with acrylics, but haven’t tried it with watercolor. I need to experiment more 🙂 Question, how do you mix a good pink? Mine are always too orange or too purple…
Jenna
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I typically use Permanent rose or opera pink. Can’t mix from red as I don’t use white in watercolor. Pink (rose) really worked for my “red” here.
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Beautiful colors!
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Thanks Ann 💙❤💛
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Those colors are so vivid!
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Thanks!
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The abstract-esque flower arrangements that you paint are my favorite. Really, really beautiful.
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Thanks Lynn. I’m glad you like. 😊. I enjoy doing them.
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They are all beautiful!
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Thank you Lynn 😊
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most welcome
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Lots of good information and suggestions Jodi. As usual your watercolors are beautiful. 🙂
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Have you ever tried painting? I bet you would enjoy.
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I have not, I think maybe one day I will give it a try. 🙂
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Well done Jodi. Makes me want to sit down and play around with the basics. Amazing 3 colors. 👍😊
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beautiful paintings, I Love the first one -:)
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Thanks!
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I love these! I love clean colors and how they mingle, eye candy to me. I have been wanting to order that brush forever but have a hard time finding it. Is the #2 small? how large is it, so hard to tell by looking at the photo in your link.
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It’s larger than you would think. I know it sounds small but I don’t consider it small at all. I would compare it to a 12 or 14 round actually
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when you can, measure the widest part and the length of the actual brush itself for me….that way I can get an idea 🙂 thank you in advance! (I am pressuring you, sorry!)
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3/8 width at widest part of brush. Brush hairs 1 inch long. Whole brush with handle 7 1/2 inches long. 😉
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Thank you! you rock 😉
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It’s a very lovely brush – I wonder if I love it more because Debi loves it – lol – but it is quite magical. I think I paid more for shipping than the brush cost to have it shipped from Australia, but I thought it was worth it – and fun! 🙂
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there you go! worth it….I might wait until my husband goes on a fire and makes more money and I am going to treat myself to one, maybe the next size up. 😉
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Enjoyed your post – Yes I need to keep it simple as I practice my watercoloring
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Hard sometimes huh?! 😉
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Love all three paintings, Jodi!! ❤🎨👍 Your colors are so vibrant!! Are you using Winsor and Newton paints? And I will have to invest in a better brush. 😃 Debi is a wonderful inspiration, isn’t she?!! 💙🌼
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Thanks Jill. I mostly use Daniel smith but have some window and newton also. The brush is a delight!!
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A few simple lines is all it takes. And the saturated colors are wonderful. (K)
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Thanks Kerfe! I sometimes struggle to keep it simple, but when I do, I adore the results. 🙂
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Great series of paintings, and wonderful lesson!
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Thanks so much Deborah!
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Lovely watercolours – I love mixing colours, the different colour combinations are almost infinite… !
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Thanks for the inspiration Jodi. I love the quality of your brush strokes and how your colour mixes vary on the paper. I’ll try to get my hands on such a brush. A good summer project! 😊
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Thanks so much Myr!!!!! 🙂
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All three are lovely, but the first one suits my mood today. 🙂
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Thanks Kathryn! 🙂
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Jodi, the simplicity of color creates so much MORE!!!! all these have sparkle and glow, and wonderful variations within the colors. Great work!
and I also thank you for the Debi Riley promo bit too, 🙂
I’m glad you are finding that the Rekab is growing on you, and you’re getting accustomed to its size and flow.
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Wonderful paintings, Jodi! I love love your vibrant colors!
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Love the color combinations, Jodi..:)
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Thanks George – I really enjoyed doing these simple yet very deliberate strokes. 🙂
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You know how to add such simple but perfect brush strokes! These are how I wish I could paint, Jodi! ❤
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Awh thanks!? It is a challenge to be simple and purposeful with each stroke and something I need to work more on. I appreciate your compliment. 😊
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Beautiful, Jodi … all three … the rich, saturated colours positively glow! Anita 🙂
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thank you so much Anita
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