To create lilac with watercolours, you'll primarily mix shades of blue, pink, and purple, focusing on varying the proportions and values (lightness/darkness) to achieve the desired hue.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
1. Understanding the Base Colors
Lilac is essentially a pale, desaturated purple. Therefore, you need:
- Blue: A cool-toned blue like Ultramarine or Phthalo Blue (in small amounts) is ideal.
- Pink/Red: A cool-toned pink or red, such as Rose Madder or Quinacridone Rose, will work best. Avoid warm reds like Cadmium Red, as they can muddy the mix.
- White (Optional): Watercolour doesn't have white as an opaque colour, so you use water to lighten colours. However, if you're using gouache, you can add white gouache to your watercolour mix to make it opaque and lighter.
2. Mixing the Initial Purple
- Start by mixing a small amount of blue with pink/red on your palette. Add the blue very gradually to the pink, as blue is often a stronger pigment.
- Adjust the ratio until you achieve a purple that leans slightly towards blue for a cooler lilac, or slightly towards pink for a warmer lilac.
3. Creating the Lilac Shade
- Lightening: Dilute the purple mixture with plenty of water. This will create the pale quality characteristic of lilac. Add water gradually until you reach the desired lightness. Remember that watercolour dries lighter than it appears when wet.
- Desaturating: If the colour is too intense, you can add a tiny amount of yellow or a neutral brown (like Burnt Sienna) to desaturate it and make it less vibrant. Be very cautious with this step, adding only the smallest amount at a time.
4. Painting Lilacs: Varying the Tones
When painting lilac flowers, the key is to avoid a uniform colour. This will make your painting appear flat. Instead:
- Vary the Blue/Pink Ratio: Create several mixes of lilac, each with slightly more blue or pink than the others.
- Vary the Value: Use more water to create lighter washes and less water for slightly darker areas.
- Layering: Apply thin washes of different lilac mixes on top of each other to build depth and complexity.
5. Example Lilac Color Recipes
Here are a few starting points. Remember to adjust these to your specific paints and preferences:
| Recipe | Description |
|---|---|
| Blue + Pink + Water | Standard lilac. Adjust the blue/pink ratio for cooler or warmer tones. Add more water for a lighter tint. |
| Ultramarine + Rose Madder + Water | Good for a slightly cooler, more muted lilac. |
| Phthalo Blue (tiny amount!) + Quinacridone Rose + Water | Creates a brighter, more vibrant lilac. Use Phthalo Blue sparingly as it's very strong. |
| Base Lilac + Touch of Yellow or Burnt Sienna + Water | For a more muted, antique lilac. Add the yellow/brown extremely sparingly to avoid turning the lilac muddy. |
| Lilac + White Gouache | For an opaque, pastel lilac with more coverage. Mix only if you have gouache. |
By experimenting with these techniques, you can create a wide range of beautiful lilac shades for your watercolour paintings.
