In this chapter, I delve into the fascinating world of broken color, a technique that breathes life and vibrancy into your paintings. We'll explore what broken color truly means and how to effectively incorporate it into your artwork. To illustrate this, we'll start with a seemingly simple block study from life. While it might appear straightforward at first glance, this exercise presents a rewarding challenge that will enhance your understanding and skills. Initially, I'll guide you through painting the block using a toneless method, capturing it just as it appears. Then, we'll introduce broken color to transform the painting, adding depth and interest. This foundational lesson is crucial, as it contains the keys to mastering more complex applications of broken color in future projects. Embrace the challenge, and enjoy the process of discovering how this technique can elevate your art to new levels of expression and dynamism.
This guide accompanies the full video lesson. The lesson includes the complete narrated video, the printable PDF chapter, and personalised critique support.
"Block study 2 - broken colour" 8x8" Oil on Canvas by Richard Robinson
Step 7Adjusting light and shadow
Compare Lightest Lights
Compare the lightest light already in your painting to the area you are working on. Identify if the area is a warm gray due to light falling on it.
Mix a Warm Gray
Add yellow ochre to your mix, as ochre is an orange that helps achieve a gray tone. Test the color by applying a small amount to see how it looks.
Adjust Color Temperature
Notice the color changes from cooler and darker to warmer and lighter. Mix blue and red for a purple, then add yellow to achieve a gray. Adjust by adding more of one color to shift the hue.
Fine-Tune the Value
Squint to compare the value of your mix to the painting. If it appears too dark or too light, adjust by adding more warmth or lightness as needed.
Create Soft and Sharp Edges
Use a soft edge in the background to push forward the sharp edges of the subject. This contrast enhances depth.
Add Occlusion Shadow
Add a dark gray-green occlusion shadow to areas where light is not reaching. Avoid using pure black, as reflected light often adds a glow.
Pro tipSquint at your painting to better judge the value relationships between colors.
Embark on your painting journey by carefully drawing the cube, ensuring it fits harmoniously within your composition. Pay attention to perspective adjustments to capture the cube accurately from your viewpoint. As you move to painting, start with the most vibrant side, using warm light to enhance the yellow and orange tones. Adjust your mixes to reflect the light source, and remember that color relationships are more important than matching a single hue.
As you progress, focus on mixing shadow colors and adjusting color relationships. Use complementary colors to achieve the desired saturation and balance. Clean your brush regularly to maintain clarity and vibrancy in your work. Simplify the scene by squinting to see shapes and colors as flat, interlocking pieces, which will help you understand their relationships better.
Finally, apply the broken color technique to add texture and depth to your painting. Experiment with different hues and values to enhance the vibrancy and interest of your work. Practice with simple shapes before moving on to more complex forms, and always aim to maintain harmony in your color choices. With these techniques, you can create dynamic and engaging paintings that capture the essence of broken color.
Points to remember
Use perspective drawing techniques for accurate cube shapes.
Enhance vibrancy with a warm light source.
Start with a more saturated color mix; it's easier to lower saturation.
Clean your brush thoroughly to prevent muddy colors.
Squint to simplify the scene into basic shapes and colors.
Compare darks to darks, mids to mids, and lights to lights.
Add white to lighten a color, but remember it cools the hue.
Test your color by placing a small dot and squinting to check value.
