How To Make Colors DARKER The Right Way | 3 Alternatives To Using Black

Summary

In this instructional video, the artist addresses the common mistake of using black to darken colors in painting, particularly lemon yellow, which results in an undesired green hue. Instead, three alternatives are suggested: adding violet (the complementary color), yellow ochre (a darker shade from the same color family), and orange (a related color containing yellow). These methods provide warmer, more neutral tones without altering the color's integrity. The video is aimed at art enthusiasts seeking to enhance their painting techniques.

Takeaways

• 🎨 The video addresses a common mistake in color mixing, specifically the incorrect use of black to darken colors.
• 🍋 The instructor uses lemon yellow as an example and acrylic paint for the demonstration, but the principles apply to other colors and mediums like oil paint.
• 🖌️ A frequent error is adding black to darken a color, which can result in an unwanted greenish hue when mixed with yellow.
• 🟣 The first alternative method suggested is to use the complementary color, violet, to darken yellow without turning it green.
• 🟡 The second technique involves mixing a darker shade from the same color family, such as yellow ochre, to achieve a darker yellow.
• 🟠 The third method is to add orange, which contains yellow and is from the same color family, to darken the yellow tone.
• 🔍 The video emphasizes starting with a small amount of the additional color and gradually increasing it to reach the desired shade.
• 🎨 The instructor highlights that while there are more ways to darken yellow, these three methods are the most common and frequently used.
• 🌄 The video concludes with a call to action for viewers to explore more painting tips in another video focused on landscape painting.
• 🙏 The instructor expresses gratitude for the viewers' time and interest, inviting them to join for the next video.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in the video?

The main topic discussed in the video is how to mix colors correctly, specifically focusing on how to darken a color without making it turn green, using lemon yellow as an example.

Why is adding black to a color often a mistake when trying to darken it?

Adding black to a color often results in an unwanted color shift, such as turning yellow green when black is added. This is because black can alter the hue rather than just darkening the shade.

What is the first alternative method suggested in the video to darken yellow without using black?

The first alternative method suggested is to add the complementary color, which for lemon yellow is violet. This creates a warmer and more neutralized yellow.

How does adding violet to lemon yellow affect the color?

Adding violet to lemon yellow neutralizes the color, making it darker and warmer without introducing green tones.

What is the second alternative method presented in the video for darkening yellow?

The second alternative method is to add a darker color from the same color family, such as yellow ochre, to gradually darken the lemon yellow.

What is the third alternative method for darkening yellow discussed in the video?

The third alternative method is to add orange, which is in the same color family as yellow and contains red and yellow, to darken the yellow without turning it green.

Why are orange and yellow ochre suitable for darkening yellow without changing its hue?

Orange and yellow ochre are suitable because they are in the same color family as yellow, meaning they contain yellow and will darken the color without drastically altering its hue.

What is the significance of using the color wheel when mixing colors?

The color wheel is significant in color mixing as it helps identify complementary colors and color families, which are crucial for understanding how colors interact and can be mixed to achieve desired effects.

How does the artist ensure they don't over-darken the color when mixing?

The artist ensures they don't over-darken the color by starting with a small amount of the darker color and gradually adding more until the desired shade is reached.

What other painting tips does the artist offer at the end of the video?

The artist offers a tip to check out another video for best painting techniques for a successful landscape, suggesting it as a resource for further improvement.

What type of paint does the artist use in the video, and can other types be used?

The artist uses acrylic paint in the video but mentions that the techniques can also be applied using oil paint.