Step-by-step painting guide

2 Color Simplicity

A step-by-step painting guide by Richard Robinson

Learn how to capture the essence of any subject with simple light and shadow shapes. Your job as a painter is to simplify what you see and give it your own style. Your style grows of it’s own accord, so the question is, how MUCH should you simplify what you’re seeing? Follow along step by step or use the resource photo to create something more your own. Enjoy!

This guide accompanies the full video lesson. The lesson includes the complete narrated video, the printable PDF chapter, and personalised critique support.

See the full lesson
"2 Color Simplicity" by Richard Robinson.
"2 Color Simplicity" by Richard Robinson.

Step 5Mixing and Applying Shadow and Light Colors

What colors are included in the basic palette for this painting exercise?

The basic palette for this painting exercise includes phthalo blue, cad red light, yellow ochre, cad yellow light, and titanium white. These colors provide a range of options for mixing and applying shadow and light colors. For more insights on color mixing, you can visit the lesson's sales page at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/173-2-Color-Simplicity.

How can I keep my paints wet while working on the painting?

To keep your paints wet while working, you can use a spray bottle with water. This helps maintain the moisture of the paints, making them easier to work with. For additional tips on managing paint consistency, check out the lesson's sales page at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/173-2-Color-Simplicity.

What types of brushes are recommended for this painting exercise?

For this painting exercise, synthetic brushes are recommended. The selection includes a large brush for big areas, two filberts of the same size, a smaller brush, and a rig brush for final details. These brushes help achieve the blocky, simplistic style of the painting. More details on brush selection can be found on the sales page at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/173-2-Color-Simplicity.

How should I approach choosing colors for shadows and lights in the painting?

When choosing colors for shadows and lights, aim for an average of the variations you see in the reference photo. For shadows, avoid the darkest occlusion shadow and choose a color in between the extremes. For lights, similarly, find an average color. This approach simplifies the painting process. For more guidance, visit the lesson's sales page at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/173-2-Color-Simplicity.

How can I adjust the color if it looks too warm or too cool?

If a color looks too warm, you can cool it down by adding a little of the bright yellow and a touch of phthalo blue. Be cautious with phthalo blue as it can quickly make the color green. If needed, add a little warmth back in to balance it. This iterative process helps achieve the desired color. For more color mixing tips, see the sales page at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/173-2-Color-Simplicity.

Why does the color on the canvas appear darker than expected?

The color on the canvas may appear darker than expected because it is surrounded by white, which can affect your perception. As you add more colors and cover more of the canvas, the true value of the color will become clearer. This is a common occurrence in painting, and more insights can be found on the sales page at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/173-2-Color-Simplicity.

What should I do if I apply too much paint while mixing colors?

If you apply too much paint while mixing colors, you can simply wipe it off. This exercise is about experimenting and learning, so there's no need to worry about making mistakes. Just do your best and enjoy the process. For more advice on handling paint, visit the lesson's sales page at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/173-2-Color-Simplicity.

How can I save time when mixing colors for different areas of the painting?

To save time, mix a large amount of paint initially so you don't have to remix the same color repeatedly. Also, look for other areas in the painting where a similar color can be used, and adjust slightly as needed. This efficient approach helps streamline the painting process. For further efficiency tips, check the sales page at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/173-2-Color-Simplicity.

How do I determine the correct relationship between shadow and light colors?

To determine the correct relationship between shadow and light colors, place them next to each other on the canvas and adjust until they look right together. This might involve tweaking the hue or value slightly to achieve the desired contrast. For more on achieving color harmony, visit the lesson's sales page at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/173-2-Color-Simplicity.

Summary & key takeaways

In this chapter, we embarked on a journey to simplify our approach to color by focusing on the concept of two-color simplicity. The idea is to reduce the complexity of what we see into manageable parts, using just two colors to represent light and shadow. This technique not only helps in capturing the essence of the subject but also allows for a more expressive and sophisticated painting style. By practicing this method, I hope you discover the magic of creating depth and light with minimal colors.

Throughout the lesson, we explored various techniques to identify and apply shadow and light shapes, which are crucial for achieving a convincing sense of light in your paintings. We also delved into practical tips for preparing your canvas, mixing colors, and adjusting color relationships to enhance your painting process. These skills are fundamental in developing your ability to see and paint like an artist, focusing on the core elements that make a painting come alive.

I encourage you to continue experimenting with these techniques, sharing your work with the community, and embracing the learning process. Remember, painting is not just about the final product but also about the joy and growth you experience along the way. Keep practicing, and let your unique style shine through!

Points to remember
  • Simplify complex scenes by focusing on two-color simplicity.
  • Use one color for shadows and another for lights to create depth.
  • Practice identifying shadow and light shapes to improve color matching.
  • Prepare your canvas using the grid method for accurate proportions.
  • Mix a large amount of paint initially to save time and maintain consistency.
  • Adjust color relationships by placing shadow and light colors next to each other.
  • Use a neutral-colored palette to better judge the neutrality of greys.
  • Share your work with the community for feedback and encouragement.