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How to Make Lavender Color with Watercolor?

Published in Watercolor Painting 3 mins read

The provided reference is a YouTube video about painting loose lavender flowers in watercolor, but it doesn't explicitly detail the exact color mixing recipe. However, we can infer how to achieve lavender color from general watercolor knowledge and visual cues in the video. Typically, creating lavender involves mixing a red/pink with a blue.

Here's a breakdown of how to achieve lavender color with watercolors:

Mixing Lavender with Watercolors

To create a lavender color, you'll need:

  • A cool red or pink: Examples include Rose Madder Genuine, Quinacridone Rose, or Permanent Rose. A "cool" red leans towards purple.
  • A blue: Ultramarine Blue or Cobalt Blue are excellent choices. These are versatile blues that work well for mixing purples and lavenders.

Steps:

  1. Start with your blue: Place a small amount of blue on your palette.
  2. Add red/pink: Gradually introduce the red/pink to the blue, mixing thoroughly. Add small amounts of red/pink at a time, as it's easy to overpower the blue.
  3. Adjust the hue:
    • For a more purple lavender, add more red/pink.
    • For a bluer lavender, add more blue.
  4. Adjust the value (lightness/darkness):
    • Add water to lighten the color to create pastel lavender shades. Lavender flowers are typically a softer, lighter hue.
    • To darken the color, add a tiny touch of a dark brown or a darker blue, but be cautious to avoid muddying the color.
  5. Test the color: Before applying to your paper, test the color on a scrap piece of watercolor paper to ensure it's the shade you desire.

Tips for Variation:

  • Green undertones: Adding a tiny amount of green can create a more natural, muted lavender. Use a sap green or a hooker's green and add the SMALLEST imaginable amount.
  • Experiment: Different combinations of reds and blues will yield slightly different lavenders. Don't be afraid to experiment to find your favorite mix.
  • Watercolor paper: The paper you use can also slightly affect the color appearance.

Important Considerations:

  • Water Quality: Use clean water to prevent contamination of your colors.
  • Pigment Quality: Artist-grade watercolors generally provide better color saturation and permanence.
  • Mixing Surface: Use a clean palette to ensure pure color mixing.

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