Getting to Know Color by Ned Mueller
Color is probably the most debated topic when it comes to the painting process. People see color differently, so it tends to become a very subjective conversation. It is also one of the most difficult basics to master, but when it is done well - it is the most rewarding!
Learning about color is a lifetime journey, but if you commit, you will create beautiful color relationships that attract viewers. In my opinion, one of the greatest colorists ever was Claude Monet. When he was around 85, he was asked what he thought of his work. I love how he answered. He said: “I think that I’m just getting a handle on it.” As artists, we need to “learn to see" color. Begin by asking yourself: "is this color darker or lighter, warmer or cooler, brighter or duller, than the colors around it?" You have to train the eye to constantly compare relationships. I achieve this by always covering my canvas first with the big, major color areas. Then I step back and see if everything appears balanced. Are the relationship working with each other? If they are wrong, I will immediately correct them. Because at this stage if your large color relationships are off everything else will fall apart. The painting will remain incorrect and this will not go unnoticed by your viewers.
Other than design I think color, when done correctly, really is what completes a painting. So my final tip to all of you would be: work from large color relationships to small and refine areas that will draw the viewer in. It is a long, slow process of trial and error but the results will be very satisfying!
- Ned Mueller
If you would like to learn from Ned Mueller, look into his two video download series below!