Painting Advice: An Easy Way to Achieve Harmony in Your Paintings - Part III

This is the third and final post in my series, "An Easy Way to Achieve Harmony in Your Paintings". So far, we have covered the two main points (1) pick a limited palette and mix your own colors and (2) know your color wheel, choose a color scheme and stick to it.

This third tip is just as important as the other two: Put a little bit of every color into every color. Never use the paint directly out of the tube. It will look out of place next to all your other harmonious colors. A white object in the sunlight is not stark white, there will be a light yellow/orange tint to it. So take your white, add a little (very little) blue, a little yellow, and a little red, until you have a nice, warm white.

Adding just the teeniest bit of each color into every color will enhance your harmony, and create unity. You will have a better painting than if you haphazardly apply the paint directly from various pre-mixed tubes.

So remember, the easiest way to achieve greater harmony in your paintings is by following these three tips:

1. Pick a limited palette
2. Choose a color scheme and stick to it
3. Put a little bit of every color into every color

As you work these three ideas into the planning and execution of your painting process, you will find that your work improves almost instantly. But don't take my word for it. Try it and see!