Weekly BobBlast Issue 467
Painting with Neutral Colors
Welcome Back to Another BobBlast!
There are many books written about why and how to use neutral colors. I have, for my own work, simplified things by making my own color reference chart about how to make neutrals with only two colors.
The WHY to use neutrals: The background or base color is made by combining the two main painting colors from my Goof-Proof Color Wheel (dominant and focal point color) plus black and white. On a Standard Color Wheel, the complementary colors are combined.
As in cooking, I stir these colors until I get the "quiet" color I want. This is not an exact science… it's about making the color I want.
The HOW to use neutrals: Watch the video. You will see I have made a studio reference chart that I follow. I look for the neutral I want, then mix the two pure, clean colors - plus black and white.
An example: I want to use a neutral khaki color for a painting. The two pure colors are green and purple. This works, because even though this may be a limited palette of green and purple, mixing them helps hold the painting together as a unified, cohesive unit. It's a happy family!
Like I've said before, shift into the neutral gear to move forward!
Want more info and a hands-on experience about Neutrals?
We have an online workshop coming up!
Neutrals! How to Create & Use
•August 26-27, 2023
Color is exciting! Bright colors scream color! Neutrals whisper…
This Burridge workshop is all about neutral colors.
How to make neutrals and how to use neutral colors effectively in your paintings.
•You will make your own Neutral Color Chart as a studio reference
•You will learn to “grey down” color and discover which colors make neutrals pop
•Plenty of time for experimentation in mixing your favorite neutrals
•Making mud verses working with neutrals - Bob will assist you in learning the difference
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Don't Miss! - Online Figure Workshops
June 23-25, 2023
Drawing & Painting the Model Pash with Motion and Emotion
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•and•
November 11-12, 2023
Paint Bob's Circus!
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Painting with Dry Pigments, Chalks & Powders
In-Person Workshop: July 21-23, 2023
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Learn how to create a singular!
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Join us for our NEW 1-Day Online Intensive Workshops
• July 15, 2023
"Loose Abstract Landscapes
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•August 31, 2023
"Painting the Illusion of Glass Vessels"
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Paint with Bob in his Studio in Arroyo Grande, California
Studio Mentor • Instructional • Figure Painting Workshops
3-day Painting with Dry Pigments, Chalks & Powders - July 21-23, 2023
Studio Mentor Workshop - August 3-6, 2023
5-day Loosen Up with Aquamedia - September 11-15, 2023
Studio Mentor Workshop - October 5-8, 2023
Studio Mentor • Instructional • Figure Painting Workshops
The Entire 2023 Studio Workshop Schedule is on our website!
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Enjoying watching Bob's Demos? Join Bob Online!
• June 20, 2023
“Creating Contrast in Abstract Painting”
• July 11, 2023
“Quick Guide to Working with Neutrals”
• August 9, 2023
“Painting Pears, Pineapples and Peppers!”
• September 6, 2023
“Dramatic Landscapes: Clouds and Skies”
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Burridge Critiques Your Art
Online honest critiques • Private one-on-one
Critiques • Coaching • Comments • Suggestions
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We have Gift Certificates!
For YOU to give… or for someone to give YOU
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Burridge Available ArtWork - For sale on our website
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Bob’s 80th Birthday Party Blog
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