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Pure Watercolour Technique – Mixing Watercolours

February 23, 2020 by Helen Parry

My pure watercolour technique involves producing each of my watercolour paintings using just three watercolour pigments; red, yellow and blue. From these three primary colours, I mix all the different tones and shades that you can see in my finished paintings.

Watercolour Mixes as swatches- Helen Parry Watercolour Artist

Why do I mix my colours?

With such a variety of different watercolours available to buy pre-mixed, I am often asked why I produce all of my own different colours. Instinctively, I know how to create the specific colours I want contained within my paintings and to be honest, this process has always worked well for me, even as a young child! When mixing watercolour paints, I have more control over my paintings. By mixing my own colours, rather than buying off the shelf, I can produce the exact shades I want to bring together.

The paints

My ‘go to’ brand for watercolour paints are Winsor and Newton Artist watercolour pigments and I use them in tube form. By using the tubes, this allows me to create a thicker body of paint. To start with I use three trusty ceramic egg cups for the three paints! This makes the paint more easily accessible for me to mix from. I then use ceramic palettes for mixing paints and developing the colours. These are just the right size to hold in my hand for when I stand and paint at the easel.

Watercolours being mixed in egg cups - Helen Parry Watercolour Artist

The Winsor and Newton watercolour pigments I use also have an excellent lightfastness and a strong pigment content, so the colours will not easily fade. This is important to me as my paintings can take 100-150 hours to create, I want to know that each will last a long time.

Mixing watercolours

To mix my colours, I rely on my instincts. For example, I generally know how much blue or yellow paint I need to add, to create a particular shade of green. This also comes with years of practice too!

Here in this sheet, you can see I have created 54 different colours from just mixing combinations of the red, yellow and blue. There are many more colours and variations of colours that can be produced; however, these are just a selection. I worked quickly through this colour chart and didn’t think through the colours produced, but I just worked instinctively.

Tone and hue

The tone of a colour means the lightness or darkness of a colour.

The hue of a colour means the actual colour i.e lemon yellow or gold yellow.

By using only three colours of paint, I have a greater influence over the tone of a painting. There are times when I want to create a contrasting tone, such as when I’m painting autumn colours, where I want to emphasise the vibrant rusty reds and burnt oranges. To achieve a tonal contrast means applying a strong, darker colour next to a light, vibrant colour. You can see this effect in my Wrekin in Autumn watercolour painting.

The importance of water

When I create colours, the amount of water I apply to the paint affects the tone I achieve. The basic rule is, the less water the stronger the colour. However, this is sometimes a difficult balancing act, as I need water to create my mixed colours, whereas it would be a more simplistic process if I were to paint with pre-mixed watercolour pigments.

Further to this, not only does the amount of water affect the tone achieved, but so does the amount of watercolour layers I apply to the paper. The more layers I add, the stronger the colour I achieve. You can see the chart where I show the colour before and after more water is added to affect the tone.

Mixing Watercolours and Tones - Helen Parry Watercolour Artist

Using mixed watercolour paints

Pigments that are mixed can be harder to keep bound together in the palette, so they need to be regularly re-mixed before applying the paint to the paper. A mixed pigment for example is when you use a yellow and blue paint to create a green mix, rather than using a ready-made green paint. Additionally, when I mix the paint, I will re-mix variations of mixed paints, to create another hue. All the various green hues in my painting Towards the Light were created from my three colours.

Using a mixed black paint

Black Watercolour Mix - Helen Parry Watercolour Artist

The greatest challenge when mixing all of my colours from just red, yellow and blue, is creating a black paint. Therefore, whenever I need black paint I need to make as much black paint as I will need for the painting. Otherwise my black mix might not be the same hue, each time I create it.

A mixed black paint can be very hard to bind together. It can start to separate as you apply it to the paper. Therefore, I have to make sure each layer of black paint is perfectly dry before adding another layer. You can see the separating that may occur in the photograph above.

In my painting Sunset through the Trees I had to apply many layers (approximately 40!) of my own mixed black paint. Each time I brushed a layer on, the colours tried to separate. I had to make the mix flow, so I could apply it smoothly to the paper and yet use as little water as possible, so it was less likely to separate. I also had to paint around the leaves, as I don’t use masking fluid. It was not an easy painting to complete but I think, worth it!

Green Finch – Watercolour Sketch #23

May 21, 2015 by Helen Parry

Green Finch Carduelis chloris

A Green Finch watercolour sketch. The Green Finch is a regular visitor to our garden and they usually nest in the Ash Trees every year. They tend to feed in groups and are easily spooked. This watercolour is based on a Green Finch sitting in one of our Birch Trees not far from the bird feeder. The bird will survey me, from this position and wait for me to disappear before diving onto the bird feeder. Once the males have settled on the bird feeder, there seems to be a mass descent of the females. Though I only have to make the slightest sound or movement and they all soon scatter.

watercolour painting of Green Finch bird in studio — Green Finch watercolour sketch by Helen Parry in studio

Green Finch painting process

For this watercolour I used drier washes, so I could add more layers to get that yellow and green tone of the Green Finch. So I painted a yellow wash first, then I painted the first layers of red and brown watercolour mixes to the bird’s beak and claws. Then I painted the darker tail feathers of the bird. Then I mixed a blue pigment with the yellow to create a vibrant light green mix for the head and body of the bird.

As I built up the layers of watercolour I added more blue pigment to achieve a stronger green tone. This was a weaker wash, so I didn’t lose the initial yellow washes. I applied quick, short strokes of paint to achieve feather movement. Then the final layers were a light brown mix to add depth to this wild bird.

Finally I painted the eye of the Green Finch and hopefully I’ve captured that menacing look, that they have. Overall I’m happy with the balance of yellow and green tones.

Blue Tit – Watercolour Sketch #19

May 17, 2015 by Helen Parry

Blue Tit Cyanistes Caeruleus

I’ve painted the Blue Tit for a watercolour sketch. This particular Blue Tit is very cheeky. Every morning he attacks (yes, I mean attacks) the bird feeder. First this mischievous bird chirps from a nearby branch, then he swoops onto the top of the bird feeder, which has several feeders protruding from it. He looks down, surveying the other birds (usually Green Finches) on the nut feeders. Then the little Blue Tit goes on the attack, he flies at the Green Finches, Goldfinches, Chaffinches or even the Great Tits, so they are dislodged and fly off. Then this little daredevil Blue Tit attacks the nuts, trying to break them free and he ignores me if I approach him.

watercolour painting of Blue Tit in artist studio — Blue Tit watercolour sketch in studio

Blue Tit rebel portrait

The watercolour of the Blue Tit, is when he’s perched on the nearby branch about to attack the bird feeder. His feathers are all ruffled as he surveys the activity below him, ready to attack!

I’ve tried to capture the rebel Blue Tit, with lots of short brushstrokes of paint. I started with a yellow wash, adding more layers as they dried. There are a few yellow feathers spiking out at the back. Then I started adding the blue layers of watercolour , in short brushstrokes. All the white areas are the paper. I loved the punk style to the birds feathers on the crown.

Finally I painted the birds claws and let them dry, before painting the branch. I used a blue grey mix for the claws and to add definition to the bird. I’ve painted just a hint of the green tone of the bird’s back feathers too. Though it is the black line, or should I say mask, over the eye that make it instantly recognisable. Certainly adds to its rebellious nature.

I’m sure the Blue Tit has been an annoyance to the other birds, but I have looked forward to seeing it every morning.

Apple Tree Buds – Watercolour Sketch #18

May 16, 2015 by Helen Parry

Apple Tree Buds – painting on a windy day

Afternoon, Apple Tree Buds is todays watercolour sketch. Apple Tree Buds have an intense pink colour, which I really wanted to paint. Thankfully I found a branch low enough, out of the wind (yes, it’s really blowing today) with a great balance of buds to leaves ratio.

I only needed to mix three palettes for this watercolour. Now I said the branch was low, but I still had to stand to paint. I started with a quick, light sketch, focusing on the shapes, not the detail.

watercolour painting of apple tree buds in studio — Apple Tree Buds watercolour sketch by Helen Parry in studio

Apple Tree Buds and windy weather (joys of plein air painting)

It was a very windy day, but I had to paint the buds. I could miss my opportunity to paint them. Before long they’ll be blossom and I can’t predict if there’ll be more dry days. Again I used my St Cuthberts Mill, Bockingford watercolour paper 425gsm (200lb). It’s a very stiff paper, which is ideal for watercolour sketches. So I was able to hold the pad firmly in my hand, while I painted the Apple Tree Buds. The palettes were on the ground, too windy for a makeshift table.

I painted a weak pink wash on the buds first. Then I painted a yellow watercolour wash, on the lighter areas of the leaves. Before the yellow paint had dried I applied a layer of weak green watercolour mix over the leaves. Then I added more pink pigment to the watercolour wash and brushed another layer onto the pink Apple Tree Buds.

I had to let the paint dry on the watercolour sketch, with the breeze blowing, it didn’t take long. Then I painted a darker green watercolour mix to the leaves, for shading and depth. I’ve tried to give an impression of the light and shaded areas of the leaves, rather than focus on too much detail of the Apple Tree Buds.

Then I added more pink pigment to the watercolour mix and with the smaller brush I painted a darker tone to the base of the Apple Tree Buds. I let the brush glide and flow to create a sense of movement.

Pied Wagtail – Watercolour Sketch #11

May 9, 2015 by Helen Parry

Pied Wagtail

Watercolour of a Pied Wagtail for today’s sketch. Every year we have a Pied Wagtail pair, who nest amongst the climbing plants on the garden store. So every year I get to observe how they work as a team. The Pied Wagtail is unmistakable with their wagging long tail, which you can recognise at a distance.

Pied Wagtail Quirky Nature

I love to observe the Pied Wagtails, they are quite intelligent birds. They work as a team, taking it in turns to be look out, while they build their nest and once they start to feed their young. Pied Wagtails never use our bird feeders, but from dawn to dusk they are constantly looking for worms, in the lawn. Watercolouring the Pied Wagtail isn’t too difficult, they tend to ignore me and continue looking for worms, just as long as I’m not too close, but they won’t go anywhere near their nest if they spy me.

Pied Wagtail Watercolour Mixes

It was a gorgeous sunny day, so I sat on the bench, observing and painting the Wagtails on the lawn. For this watercolour sketch I again used only 3 palettes. I used two smaller brushes, to achieve more detail. You need patience when applying a mixed black watercolour. You have to slowly add the layers, so the mixture doesn’t break the colours apart or lift from the paper. The white areas are the paper. Sometimes you feel as if you hold your breath as you apply the paint.

Lots of small brushstrokes of paint have been added to give a sense of the feathers. The grey watercolour mix is a very watered down version of the black. Wagtails all have slightly different markings. The female Wagtails tend to be more grey and when the young are born, they are also very grey.

Every year we have a pair of Pied Wagtails nesting in the climbers. It would be lovely to think they were the same ones returning every year.

Pink Winter Currant Ribes Sanguineum – Watercolour Sketch #07

May 5, 2015 by Helen Parry

Pink Winter Currant Ribes Sanguineum

Pink Winter Currant is the subject for my watercolour sketch for today. Now the Pink Winter Currant actually grows in the hedge and it is a wonderful splash of colour amongst the Hawthorn. I love to see the little flowerheads emerge from the grape shaped buds. It’s a beautiful splash of pink in the garden, after the winter months.

Pink Winter Currant watercolour sketch — Pink Winter Currant Ribes Sanguineum Watercolour by Helen Parry

The Pink Winter Currant has a very fragrant scent, which is surprising considering the size of the flowerhead. I think the plant has been in the garden a long time, as the hedge is very old. I looked for it in garden centres, but never found it. . After a bit of research on the internet, I finally discovered its name and that it originates from Western Coastal North America.

Pink Winter Currant and Shropshire weather

This watercolour proved challenging today and all because of the Shropshire weather. First thing this morning there was a light breeze. It was cloudy but felt quite bright, so I got my painting gear together and set up by the Pink Winter Currant. As I applied the first watercolour washes I felt a few drops of rain. Watercolours and rain are not a great combination. I managed to find a large umbrella in the garden store. So while balancing the sketchbook on my lap and wrapping my arm around the umbrella, I proceeded to paint. I hoped it was a light passing shower…..

I managed to ignore the rain and kept painting, huddled under the umbrella. Meanwhile the rain increased and the wind picked up. I don’t give in easily, but when the umbrella was whipped up out of my arms, I grabbed the painting first. I ran to the studio and left the chair, makeshift table, palettes and umbrella. Needless to say howling winds and driving rain are hitting the studio now.

So the calm image of the Pink Winter Currant above, shows the palettes I remixed. I persevered because I wanted to capture the flower before all the buds had opened. I like the contrast between the flowers emerging and the grape like buds clustered together. Regardless of the weather I finally got to paint the Pink Winter Currant.