If you’ve ever looked at a painting and felt that all the colors just seem to work perfectly together, that’s because of color harmony. It’s not just about picking colors you like—it's about observing and understanding how colors in nature harmonize and create a sense of unity.

So, what exactly is color harmony? Imagine picking out an outfit where everything matches and makes you feel confident. In painting, color harmony means using colors that work together to create a certain mood or feeling. For example, if you want your painting to feel lively and full of energy, you might use colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel, like blue and orange. These colors naturally stand out against each other, creating a dynamic effect. On the other hand, if you’re going for a peaceful and calm mood, you might choose colors that are next to each other on the color wheel, like green and yellow. These colors blend smoothly together.

When you’re painting from life or using a photo as a reference, the first thing to do is to look for the main colors in the scene. Nature is full of subtle or greyed variations in color. For example, in a landscape, the greens of the trees and plants aren’t just one shade—they change depending on where the light is hitting them. The green in the sunlight might look warm and bright, while the green in the shade might appear cooler and darker. These variations are what make your painting look realistic and harmonious.

Light plays a huge role in how we see color. Think about how a tree looks different in the bright sun compared to in the shade. In the sun, the green leaves might have a yellowish tint, while in the shade, they could take on a blue-green hue. Understanding how light affects color helps you create a more realistic painting that feels true to life.

One way to really grasp color harmony is by studying the works of master artists. Artists like Edgar Payne and Walter Launt Palmer were experts at using color to create depth and mood in their paintings. For example, Payne  chose subject matters that were made up of just a few colors to create a sense of balance, but he used different color temperature shifts in different ways throughout his paintings to create a sense of perspective.Elements in the foreground that are either in warm sunlight or cool shadow, similar elements that are found in the background might appear lighter and softer. This observation and translation will reveal depth in your painting and will achieve what is known as aerial perspective. 

But understanding color harmony isn’t just about learning from others—it’s also about practice. One of the best exercises you can do is to take a scene and paint it exactly as it is, without changing anything. This forces you to really observe the colors in nature and how they work together. It might be tempting to tweak things or add your own flair, but sticking to what you see helps you learn how to mix and match colors more effectively.

As you practice, you’ll start to notice how different colors interact and how light and shadow change the way those colors appear. This awareness is key to understanding and creating harmonious paintings that resonate with viewers. So grab your paints, find a scene that inspires you, and start observing and comparing.  The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become in your ability to create beautiful, balanced artwork.

Remember, color harmony might seem tricky at first, but with time and practice, it becomes second nature. Keep observing and comparing, keep experimenting, and most importantly, keep painting. Your skills will grow, and your paintings will reflect that harmony that makes a painting so captivating.

Learn more from Kenn Backhaus through his mentoring course, with open enrollment three times a year. Kenn’s course is designed to refine your artistic approach and elevate your work: