I have always been very inspired by color. Colors are so important because not only do they help us differ- entiate between objects, but they also carry emotions, and can be incredible to just look at! I think our society teaches us at an early age that colors are important. Baby toys are usually brightly colored, and for a good reason! Bright colors are more inspiring and fun. Colors are important in our clothing. Even food that is colorful seems more fun to eat!
When children are given the opportunity to play with color and to make their own decisions about which colors to paint with, it is a wonderful way for them to express their feelings, likes, and ideas. Painting at an early age is great for tapping into pure fun! Preschoolers are usually quite in awe of a new box of crayons, or getting to paint at an easel, or playing with colorful playdough.
When I teach drawing or painting to school-age children, I almost always start out with a color wheel exercise. It's sort of like a history lesson about colors. They've already been introduced to all the colors- the bright rainbow colors, and the pastels like pink and light blue and lavender and peach. They want these colors in their art. I give them the primary colors and they learn how to use them. Sometimes they get a little frustrated at first, because it's not always easy to make a good green or brown right away. But, as they get more experience mixing colors, I'm hoping they come away with an appreciation for the colors that are around them everyday, and a sense of accomplishment in these simple pleasures. If your child is struggling with making some of the colors at home, here are some basics to help them:
"Really Basic" Basics:
Red & Yelow = Orange
-More yellow is probably needed because red is such a powerful color!
-Starting with yellow and adding very small amounts of red will help ensure that you don't end up wasting a lot of yellow- trying to make it lighter.
Yellow & Blue = Green
Most children can make a green very easily. But some may want more of an aqua green. Aqua or turquoise are often impossible to get with the types of blue that are included in most basic paint sets. Look for a tube of paint at the art store called "Pthalo Blue."
Red & Blue = Violet (or purple) Usually easy!
Brown
OK, now it starts getting tricky. There are many ways to make brown, and many different kinds of brown.
Red & Yellow & Blue = Brown
If your brown looks too Red- add Green. If your brown looks too blue add Orange. Basically add the complimentary color to it.
Complimentary colors
Red - Green
Orange - Blue
Yellow - Purple
Red & White = Pink
But, if you are using watercolors White isn't always included because it isn't translucent. When using water color, you can make pink by adding more water to your red. The White paper will show, making it look pink.
If you want more of a bright pink, you will need to start with a magenta, instead of red.
Red & Yellow & Blue = Flesh color
Isn't that what you use to make brown? Yes, but in different amounts. Flesh color (for caucasions) often has more red and yellow, and just a touch of blue. Test out your color by rubbing a little on the top of your hand. See what it needs. For Watercolor paint, add lots of water for paler skin.
Black
For younger children I often just let them use black right out of the tube. Mixing a satisfyingly deep, dark black is difficult for even the experienced artist at times. It is a great exercise in patience, since it often can take some time and repeated applications of color.
Red & Blue & Yellow = Black
What? That's right. The problem stems from the quality of pigment (lack of quality) in most paints. And, it could also probably be argued scientifically that a true black is not possible to attain in the "real world." Sort of like attempting to reach a number like "infinity." You just can't quite get there. But, you can create a dark color that can be used as a black, and will give some satisfaction of darkness.
When using watercolors, avoid using too much water. In fact the less water, the better. This is where a lot of younger artists have problems. They are taught to clean their brushes between getting each color- to keep their primary colors clean. This puts water into the brush, and can make your black too watery. Remind your child to wipe off the excess water from their brush on the side of the cup or on a paper towel. This will help!
The other trick is using more blue and red (mostly blue) and less yellow. Yellow will often turn your "black" greenish. And the "going in circles" begins.
Mixing black is a great thing to practice!
