Mixing the Perfect Greens
- Titanium White
- Zinc White
- Southern Ocean Blue
- Mars Black
- Payne's Gray
- Ultramarine Blue
- Phthalo Blue
- Cadmium Yellow Light
- Cadmium Yellow Medium
- Yellow Ochre
- Yellow Oxide
- Phthalo Green
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to put on your detective hat and try to figure out which colors I used to create each of these verdant hues. Don't worry if you're stumped – that's part of the fun!
The Magic of Mixing Greens
Before you start guessing, let's discuss the art of mixing greens. This skill can transform your paintings, especially when capturing the beauty of landscapes, foliage, or that perfect emerald gemstone.
Basic Green Mixing
At its core, green is a secondary color made by mixing blue and yellow. But oh, there are possibilities when you start playing with different shades and tints!
A Colorful Challenge for Acrylic Artists
Hey there, budding artists! Ginger Cook here. Today, we're diving into the lush world of green. As an acrylic painting veteran, I'm thrilled to share a fun and educational color-mixing exercise that'll make you see green in a whole new light.
The Green Square Challenge
Please take a good look at the painting that I've created. You'll see 12 squares, each showcasing a unique shade of green. Now, here's where it gets interesting—these greens were mixed using some combination of the following colors: (Hint: not all colors were used!)
- Phthalo Blue + Cadmium Yellow Light = A vibrant, almost electric green
- Ultramarine Blue + Cadmium Yellow Medium = A more muted, natural green
Adding Depth and Complexity
To create more nuanced greens, try these tricks:
- Add a touch of red or purple to tone down bright greens
- Mix in some white for pastel mint greens
- Incorporate earth tones like Yellow Ochre for olive hues
Cool vs. Warm Greens
- Cool greens (with more blue) are perfect for distant foliage or shady areas.
- Warm greens (with more yellow) bring subjects forward and create sunny atmospheres.
Decoding the 12 Squares
Now, let's get back to our green square mystery. As you examine each square, consider these questions:
- Is the green cool or warm?
- Does it look muted or vibrant?
- Can you spot any undertones (hints of other colors)?
Here are some clues to help you along:
Square 1: This soft, sage-like green might have a touch of white and yellow medium.
Square 2: A bold, emerald green – could Phthalo Green be involved or another Phthalo?
Square 3: That olive tone suggests some earth colors in the mix, but are there in the list of colors?
Square 4: A cool, minty green that likely includes some white.
Square 5: Notice how it's lighter on one side? That's an excellent technique for showing how adding white can change a color.
Square 6: This teal-leaning green probably has some Phthalo Blue in its ancestry and might be a big family.
Square 7: A deep forest green – perhaps some black or Payne's Gray darkened this mix, or what about a “dark” yellow?
Square 8: The darkest of the bunch, this could be a mix of Ultramarine Blue and a dark neutral.
Square 9: This grayish green might include some Payne's Gray for that misty look, or it might be something else you wouldn’t expect.
Square 10: Another great example of color gradation, shifting from a deep olive to a lighter sage.
Square 11: A cheerful, grassy green that likely has a good dose of yellow.
Square 12: Back to vivid green, but with a slightly different character than Square 2. Might they be using similar colors in the mix?
Here is an easy-to-keep list of the mixtures, which Jon used in the video.
- Key to the Colors:
- TW – Titanium White
- ZW – Zinc White
- MB – Mars Black
- PG – Payne's Gray
- UB – Ultramarine Blue
- PB – Phthalo Blue
- YL – Cadmium Yellow Light
- YM – Cadmium Yellow Medium
- YO – Yellow Ochre
- YX – Yellow Oxide
- PTG – Phthalo Green
- SOB – Southern Ocean Blue
The Joy of Color Exploration
Remember, there's no “right” or “wrong” in color mixing—it's all about experimentation and finding what works for you. Acrylic paints’ beauty is their versatility and forgiving nature. If a mix doesn't turn out as expected, paint over it and try again!
As you ponder the ingredients of each green square, think about how you might recreate these colors in your own work. What scenes or subjects would each of these greens be perfect for?
- The soft green of Square 1 could be ideal for painting distant hills.
- The bold green of Square 2 might bring a tropical leaf to life.
- The olive tone of Square 3 would be great for vintage-inspired still lifes.
The Big Reveal
Now that you've had a chance to mull over the possibilities, are you ready to see how these greens were actually created? Jon prepared a video that shows the entire process, from squeezing out the paints to the final brush strokes.
Watch this video to watch Jon mix these greens step-by-step and learn the exact combinations used. You might be surprised by some of the mixes!
Keep Exploring!
Whether you guessed correctly or were completely surprised, I hope this exercise has inspired you to play with your color mixing. The world of greens are vast and exciting, but there's always more to discover.
To help you explore more colors with more possibilities, we are having a special sale on our Quintessential Color Mixing Journal. Get 30% off until September 7, 2024; this set of videos that will guide you through the process of painting your own journal with your paintings. This will become your recipe book for years to come. Learn more about this wonderful group of videos: https://acrylicpaintingwithgingercook.com/lessons/12-reasons-to-make-your-very-own-journal-video/
To purchase the QCMJ, go here: https://acrylicpaintingwithgingercook.com/shop/affiliate-products/amazon/quintessentials/quintessential-color-mixing-journal/
Remember, every great artist started as a beginner. The key is to keep experimenting, keep learning, and, most importantly, keep having fun with your art. Who knows? Your next masterpiece might be just a few mixed greens away!
Happy painting, everyone! Until next time, keep those brushes moving and those colors mixing!
