How to Choose Your Colors When Painting | Beginner Watercolor Tutorial / Tip

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Hi there, Liron here!
Today I want to teach you how I choose my colors.
We will talk about both the Macro level, and the Micro level.
🎨 TIME-STAMPS 🎨
01:35 - Part I - Choosing your colors
04:21 - Part II - What color to use, and when (during painting)
04:46 - Demo
26:55 - Conclusion
🎨 CONCLUSION 🎨
The colors I'm using are Phthalo Blue, Alizarin Crimson Permanent & Nickel Azo Yellow.
I hope you enjoy this one!
Let me know in a comment below what you thought of this, and if there's anything you want me to talk about in the future (:
And until the next time, take care!
- Liron
** MUSIC CREDITS **
Music by Joakim Karud / joakimkarud
Music by @joakimkarudmusic

[@bevvyk1]

Liron. This is THE BEST tutorial. You said “don’t be held back by fear…” When I was at school in the 70’s I was fairly relaxed and happy about sketching and painting. When I started nursing in the 1980’s I stopped making time for art. In my 60’s I have more time. I buy paper and paint but don’t want to mess it up. I lack confidence and feel inhibited. I observe too much and do too little. I tell my grown up kids who are artistic, not to relinquish the skill they have just because it is not needed in their day job or because they are too tired. I urge them to hone the skill they have if only for a little time each week. Today, for the first time in a long time I stopped procrastinating and trying to make a perfect likeness. I remembered my studies in 1970’s of the Impressionists after thinking of your comment about your style. I have followed this tutorial, stopped and started, and relaxed. My husband has come and asked what I have been doing. I told him that this is the first time I have felt positive and inspired in a very long time. Thank you Liron. I am going to be braver and abandon the fear.

[@LironYan]

That is just AMAZING 🤩 I’m so happy to hear!! 🎉🎉 Keep up the great work. Fear is an illusion, all there is - is the creation process and the here & now 😊🎨🎨🎨

[@ernestcrane6227]

bevvyk1 I so relate to what you're saying. I got so stuck when I started drawing, still sometimes with watercolor. My best friend is the trashcan -- knowing I will chuck 90% of what I do frees me up to make the mistakes that lead to growing. Also, when I see a painting going bad, I call it an "experiment" with no chance of surviving and I go bold and crazy and I learn something. And then I toss it and feel great. 😄

[@wisteriandraws367]

Decision paralysis and the worry that a misplaced stroke will screw up the painting can slow me down a lot if I'm not careful. Hearing your thought process behind each stroke as well as how you correct mistakes is very helpful!

[@LironYan]

So happy to hear 😊🙏🏼 Thank you. I slowly learn how patience also plays an important role in this as well. I find it helps me to worry less!

[@jinny5974]

Now this is a great tutorial! Thank you Liron for slowing down giving us beginners a chance to see watercolor in real time. Personally I would like more of this type of tutorial. Glad your thinking of more lessons/titorials.

[@LironYan]

Thank you 😊🙏🏼 So happy to hear! I know real time is something many wanted. Will try and do more soon

[@brendalogan7940]

jinny moore I agree. 😊

[@ruthbowe9295]

I love how ur colors look better than the natural ones,especially the pears👍🏻

[@LironYan]

Thank you 😊🙏🏼 I find that often natural colors bore me 😉🎨 So I go with more unique colors

[@debv3284]

Thank you so very much for the camera shots that show your palette, water and how you are wetting and (sometimes) cleaning your brush. No one seems to give these sort of basic and very important tips and advice. Also, thorough advice on achieving a consistent, even wash. You spend time explaining. You have become my go-to advisor. Thank you for taking the time and understanding the needs of beginners and beyond!

[@LironYan]

Wow thank you so much 😊🙏🏼 Doing my best to create the best videos out there!

[@jandersson2053]

When you narrate your videos as you paint I find that I learn so much more (though I'm sure it's more challenging for you). It really makes me see what you see in the reference photo, and my mind starts thinking about what I see differently and how I would have interpreted/represented the scene (although I'm not nearly as good as you...yet!). So these videos help me find my own artistic preferences and expression. One thing I've heard you mention several times is that you know in advance which colors you will be using for a painting. I would love to see a video where you are looking at your reference photo and deciding on your palette/color scheme before you even put pencil or brush to the paper. The thought process behind your choices. Thanks a million for another great video and for letting us be part of your journey this year!

[@LironYan]

Thank you so much 😊🙏🏼 It’s my pleasure! Regarding real time - it may be a little harder to paint, but these videos are easier to edit 😉 But I see that people find them more helpful in some senses, so definitely more on the way! Regarding choosing colors for a particular painting - I added it to my “to film” list 🎨🙏🏼

[@carolatchley3797]

I loved this one. I particularly liked that you pointed out that the values are of primary importance and the colors are secondary. I'll try to remember that. Your fruit had a very fresh look, which is something I'm noticing about your paintings. Also, I'm so glad you're getting your drive back!

[@LironYan]

Thank you so much 😁🎨 I have a few very fun videos on the way, really enjoying making these!

[@btwilks]

I like all your videos, Liron, but I think this was one of your very best. It dealt with one of the most important elements of watercolour (control of values) in such a clear and well-explained way that at no stage was there any doubt as to what (and how) you were aiming to achieve in the painting. Lots of good 'take-aways' for me from this one. Many thanks for sharing it with us all. Best wishes, Brian.

[@LironYan]

Thank you so much my friend 😊🙏🏼 I think these real time videos do have some extra that helps 🎨

[@o0mew0o]

Every couple of months, I come back to this video when I'm overwhelmed with colors. I love the way you explain your thought process, you do it so well in a way I can understand. Thank you so much!

[@LironYan]

I'm so happy to hear! 😊🙏🏼 Colors can be so freeing once you allow them to do their thing, and not shy away from using them (: Keep up the great work!

[@o0mew0o]

@@LironYan I actually played around with all the different primary colors I have on my palette today. It was a lot of fun. I think I’ll stick to your rule of 3,4 colors in one image. I hated how my paintings looked like with one color just being off. I think found a nice spring/summer & autumn/winter palette. Thanks again.

[@LironYan]

@@o0mew0o Haha I know what you mean with one color being off (: You can sometimes find more than 4 colors that will still maintain a nice harmony (for me that was finding out about Yellow Ochre + Phtalo Green / Blue + Quinacridone Rose + Pyrrol Scarlet). Somehow they all work together 😂Or maybe I'm imagining they do, who knows!

[@robinhuizing4406]

OMG, I love this primary combo Liron, thanks for teaching me from afar!

[@LironYan]

Thank you Robin! It’s my pleasure 😊🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@windywednesday4166]

Wow, the painting behind you really pops! the highlights on the cars and the shadows of the trees make the painting breathtaking! Also thanks for the color tips... this was very helpful.

[@janicek9399]

As a beginner, I really appreciate this, a good lesson to try! Thanks!

[@LironYan]

Thank you 😊🙏🏼 Happy you found this useful!

[@Durchii]

As the beginner of all beginners (I'm a 29 year old photographer), you are one of the greatest instructors on here for slowing down and going over every detail most other channels gloss over, if they're mentioned at all! Keep it up, your work is tremendous! 😁

[@carolwade6143]

Love the way you use colours

[@Chavacandraw]

That is ridiculously gorgeous. So much skill involved, but you made it look sooooo easy. Thank you for sharing your process.

[@LironYan]

Oh thank you ☺️

[@helenschaefer1167]

Liron, I love how you say it's done and then you see more, and then after more darks and deeper shadows, you say I'm not touching it, and you do. I love this. Wonderful video, so natural.

[@catherineblondell9605]

Lorin, your artistic qualities match your gift to clearly communicate techniques. Thank you!

[@LironYan]

Thank YOU for the kind words 🙏😊

[@barbaraverser1056]

I have watched this video a lot, Liron. It is one of the best narrations about painting values. Thank you again. Have a blast in New York! Wish I was there with you and your many other students!

[@colleenmcchesney1482]

Wow that’s a gorgeous still life painting. If I hadn’t watch you paint this I would have missed so much of your color mixing, your limited color palette choices and mostly how you fixed the mistakes that you claimed as you were painting it. So much valuable information & inspiration in this video. It is definitely amazing how much control of the paint & water levels are used. I would have never thought 3 colors made this painting. Thanks for sharing this with us.

[@ginnysullivan7392]

Working in real time reveals some of your mental processes, to our benefit. Thank you

[@LironYan]

Thank you 😊🙏🏼 Indeed it does. I want to do more of these for this precise reason (:

[@ernestcrane6227]

This is so good! You hit so many useful points and I love the explain-while-you-paint style.

[@LironYan]

Thank you 😊

[@margaretmartin6620]

What a great and helpful video. Thank you, Liron. I'm sure it is much more helpful for us to see you working in real time and "thinking out loud". Such a wonderful tutorial and so much information packed in!

[@LironYan]

Thank you 😊🙏🏼 Yes - a lot have asked for real time. Will try and do more of these soon!

[@elsagrace3893]

For me it’s been about two years to get a good feeling of which colors I really love. Not the colors themselves which is how beginners and crafter people choose colors but choosing colors as a tool to complete a desired effect of the whole painting. Sure, I love all colors but I’m acquiring definite preferences for a working palette. Over Consumer Alert: (hello, America) you don’t need all the colors! Values are what is most important.

[@LironYan]

Haha true true 😂 You don’t need much

[@StephenMarkTurner]

Terrific. Nice tutorial

[@LironYan]

Happy to help 😊🙏🏼

[@bette-annlaberge4888]

I really like the real time painting and your narrative. Very good, Liron! 👍🏻

[@LironYan]

So happy to hear 😊🙏🏼 Thank you Planning on doing many more real-time vids

[@jeanneednathelwell2728]

This tutorial really helped answering a question I've always had when I looked at paintings: how do artists use colors that are very different from what I see, and yet make wonderful representation? It was slowly coming to me, but watching you solidified it: the important thing is to match the values, not necessarily the color. Value seems much more important to the eye, and if they are correct, the brain will accept almost any colors.

[@sylviaroan3265]

Amazing colors and effects of the values resulting in three dimensions!

[@GM-yn9nc]

Liron, You are fabulous! I love your watercolor tutorials and how you break it down for us. I feel like I can do this following your lovely instructions. Thank you for being wonderful. ❤

[@barbwhite6217]

This was extremely helpful! You are such a natural teacher!

[@berolinastrassmann]

Thanks for this tutorial, really appreciate the real time, train of thought process. Great way to explore and find favourites. Instinct develops as a result from training and practice -and exercises like this help us get to that point. Lots of teachers say "follow your instincts" or "you will just know what works best" -which I always found frustrating as a beginner, as I obviously did not know as much as they did. Great painters are not always great teachers. This is why I find this tutorial valuable. Your commentary takes us through the thought process and practice. I noticed that the more I practice, the easier it is to decide based on this past experience. This training then kicks in almost unconsciously later on, and it is as a result of practice. Nobody is born with an advanced skill...we are all learners until we get there. Thanks again for these very useful studies and tutorials.

[@LironYan]

Thank you so much for the kind words! 😊🙏🏼 I can relate to a lot of what you say. It’s almost like studying a new science. At first, you barely know what any of the terms mean. And you simply have to ACCEPT that and go ahead and read about every small thing! Then, once you know the terms, you can start learning ideas (not even understanding them necessarily, just learning). And so it goes 😁

[@priscillawarren9979]

You have reminded me of things learned in Stan Miller's workshop. Excellent tutorial. Many thanks.

[@cindyhorton6980]

Thank you so much!! Just what I was hoping for! ❤

[@LironYan]

So happy to hear, thank you 😊🙏🏼

[@rachelm7525]

You sure know your stuff, Liron! I always learn a lot! Color choice can make or break a painting, so great to focus on this. Thanks! 🙂

[@LironYan]

So happy to hear 😁🎨 Thank you

[@ColleenM61]

Great lesson! Great for learning more about values too! Thanks Liron!

[@LironYan]

My pleasure 😊🙏🏼 Happy I could help!

[@elsagrace3893]

Fascinating and so helpful to hear your thought process with the demonstration to sho the contours, planes, 3D shapes of the fruit. I really loved this.

[@LironYan]

So happy to hear 😊🙏🏼 Thank you

[@monopinionestcelle-ci6650]

I keep coming back to your tutorials, all of them. They are the complete foundation of my paintings. Love, love your tutorials. Thank you so much.

[@ladoubleu5534]

Thanks, Liron for another awesome tutorial.

[@LironYan]

So happy you found it helpful! Thank you 😊🙏🏼

[@michaelannfitzgerald8742]

Awesome! Thank you Liron ☺👍

[@LironYan]

Happy to help 😊🙏🏼 Thank you!

[@brendalogan7940]

Thank you Liron. I love how you paint! This was a superb lesson for beginners and for advanced. I love how you use 3 colors. And gave other 3 color examples. Today is Saturday which gives me time to try this out. I hope you will do more of these still life lessons for us beginners. Thank you again. 😊

[@sharonthibodeau4652]

Great video, thanks. I really liked that you worked live, but more slowly. It really gives this beginner a good look into both your technique and how you choose your colors. More of these types of videos would be greatly appreciated.

[@LironYan]

Thank you 😊🙏🏼 I will be trying to do more of these true real time tutorials. People seem to find them helpful

[@watercolorhomie146]

Bro you are a watercolor Jedi... I learned so much. You made it and make it so easy and beautiful in the usage of simple clear colors. Thank you sensei!

[@LironYan]

Thank you so much 🙏🏼🙏🏼😁😁🎨🎨 Hope I can improve even more and be a Jedi master!

[@Emiliapocalypse]

Talking slowly is actually helpful, as it allows me to listen well while really observing your technique. This is a helpful video thanks a lot!

[@mchlhrwd50]

Thank you liron!

[@LironYan]

My pleasure 😊🙏🏼

[@jennymccullough9060]

Thank you so much Liron, learned alot. I can't wait to try your process!

[@LironYan]

So happy to hear 😊🙏🏼 Thank you

[@stringz63]

Lot of good tips -thank you Liron!

[@LironYan]

My pleasure 😊🙏🏼 Thank you!

[@HerradaJulio]

Thanks Liron, good information.

[@LironYan]

My pleasure (:

[@DrStench13]

I'm already an experienced drawer but did my first ever water color attempt today. Made a right mess, but already learned some things. Now I found this channel and it seems to be exactly what I was looking for. Like you said, the narration of the thought process is most important! Bless you.

[@neiladrianorilla660]

I love the impressionist style. I really want to learn but im struggling because I rely too much on what the actual color is. This and other videos of yours explained it well. Thank you for the help.

[@kirsten5723]

What a great video. I get so hung up on precision, which is fine for drawing and learning brush control, but seeing the freedom in your strokes and color choices is inspiring! Thank you.

[@LironYan]

Thank you ☺️ So happy to hear that! Keep practicing and with time you learn to combine the two (precision and freedom).

[@Moon999Girl]

Love the colors.

[@marycatyoung2143]

Yes, an especially helpful video! I agree with others who like your commentary while you paint (and I just plain admire it. I couldn't do it). A couple of times you mentioned the importance of one stroke where possible ~ the idea being (I think) to keep colors vibrant. I'm interested in that because sometimes my colors look dull once they're dry. It's increasingly noticeable with darker hues. Very disappointing because those hues look soo rich while they're wet! I read somewhere that too much brushing affects pigment particles somehow (i forgot exactly how) and that's why they dull. I would appreciate hearing what you have to say, Liron. Or if you've covered it in another video, just point me there. Thanks so much!

[@LironYan]

Thank you 😊🙏🏼 Yes - from what I hear messing around with the paint can lead to dulling / changing of the vibrancy. BUT - I never experienced it so much, so it's hard for me to tell with certainty. However, I do have a recommendation. If you find your paints end up looking too dull when drying, it could be that you are over-mixing. Try using more pure paints like I did here and see if that makes a difference. Let me know how it goes ^_^

[@barbaraverser1056]

You are such a good instructor! Great video! Thank you.

[@LironYan]

So happy it helped, thank you! 😊🙏🏼

[@corneliasteinberg862]

I love your narrating and sharing your thoughts about why you do things a certain way. It helps a lot

[@livinginmexico]

I have learned so much from this video. You have simplified the colour question down to such an understandable and basic level. Thank you Liron.

[@LironYan]

So happy to hear 😊🙏🏼 Thanks!

[@ullazitabinder2091]

Simply amazing to watch you create a painting from the beginning, and love your explanations and thoughts during the painting. Thank you for sharing! Have a very happy New Year! I look forward to watching more of your videos in the year to come!

[@LironYan]

Thank you so much, have a fantastic 2019 😊🎆🎇 I hope I can continue making vids you’ll find helpful! 😊🙏🏼

[@jprhea665]

So glad you went back and got the shadow at the bottom of that second pear it was really bothering me. LOL

[@LironYan]

😂😂 Happy I ended up getting it!

[@ElenaVans]

You are right! It comes down to experience and personal liking. So my fave combination at the moment is quin.gold by DS or Indian Yellow, indianthrone blue (delft blue - PB60) and pyrrole red for primaries. However, my all time love colors are cobalts. So sometimes I stick only within certain hue such as blue or turquoise with a complementary accent such as transparent pyrrole orange or warm yellow.

[@LironYan]

That’s the way to go! 😁🎨 I’m happy you discovered your favorites and how to use them 👏

[@stinar37]

wonderful, Liron. Thank you! 🙏

[@suemills8834]

Love this demonstration. It's so helpful to hear your thoughts and watch as you paint. I'm struggling lately with worrying too much about everything... I need to simplify!

[@cecileegeorgeson_artist]

Perfect....thankyou Leon ...you’re style of teaching is so inspirational and encouraging...keep on with these type of videos

[@helend9715]

Great tutorial Liron, please do more like this one.

[@LironYan]

Thank you 😊🙏🏼 Promise I will!

[@monopinion8799]

Very impressive. I got to loosen up with my colours. Thank you Liron

[@LironYan]

So happy I could help! ^_^ Let me know how it goes

[@bethjames1088]

Thank you Liron! You are an exceptional art instructor.

[@jengoodwyn2715]

Jammin' out to the out song .... another great tutorial. Thanks. 😊

[@LironYan]

Thank you 😊🙏🏼 So happy to hear!

[@nsm5689]

Great tutorial thank you!!!

[@LironYan]

My pleasure 😊🙏🏼 Thank you for watching!

[@yuliwang5426]

really enjoy your straight to the point instructions!

[@jamiewashington7853]

I loved this one!

[@MarkBegbie]

Excelent tutorial and an absolute joy to watch.

[@LironYan]

So happy to hear 😊🙏🏼 Thank you!

[@kathleenalbright3908]

Fantastic lesson. Thank you.

[@rainbowfox1934]

I loved learning how you see colors on the object and place them.

[@LironYan]

So happy to hear, thank you! (:

[@Chopanflores]

Hey! Very good tutorial and tips. I mostly use acrylic inks but a lot of what I saw will help me.

[@LironYan]

Very happy to hear (: Ink is so much fun!

[@almeidanorton]

muito muito útil!! tks Liron

[@barbararivera2380]

Fantastic Liron. I learn so much from you. Thank you

[@rainazichterman2537]

This is great. I liked the part of the importance of the values, and how to choose colors. Thank you for slowing down for beginners.

[@karenmason1731]

Very helpful!

[@dianequinn1500]

Really enjoyed this! Taught me a lot. Thank you.

[@sofiacanalesart]

I really like this. Thanks for sharing!

[@LironYan]

My pleasure 😊🙏🏼 Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@lbumstead1959]

I love this! Thanks. Very helpful, useful and entertaining too! I love your art.

[@annekirstennrholm1377]

Very exciting to watch and a beautiful result! I look forward to your nemt tutorial! 👍🇩🇰

[@LironYan]

Thank you! 😊🙏🏼

[@carolray3637]

Hi Liron; I really enjoy your tutorials. You relaxed, creative painting style is lovely. Thank you!

[@theamateurpoint8755]

I absolutely adore this video. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@patlatour2465]

❤the pears mine would be more yellow and my apple super dark but I enjoyed the process and understand a bit more the importance of darker shades thank you.😊

[@yesitavegaandreu1714]

Súper!

[@elaineashdown4012]

Hi Liron This was an excellent tutorial enjoyed watching the process please give us more like this. Also would love to see some drawing tutorials thanks again

[@wingsandfins]

Informative video Liron, Happy New year. jen

[@LironYan]

Thank you 😊🙏🏼 Got a drawing tutorial on the way ✏️😉

[@elaineashdown4012]

@@LironYan thanks for the reply and really looking forward to the tutorial

[@ann-marielofberg1159]

This video is awsome, love when You explain it so good!

[@nancyvonschimmelmann96]

What a great exercise in color values! It is something I have trouble with, so I found it very helpful.

[@lindathaxton1994]

Really really good lesson - hearing your thought process with your painting is sooo good - learning a lot. Things I can put into practice. Wish it was as easy as you make it look - but practice is helping! Thank you

[@LironYan]

That's exactly right Linda! Thank you so so much 😊🙏🏼

[@juttabaxter7760]

Thank you. Great tutorial.

[@virginiarparker9503]

Thank you. This has helped greatly.

[@LironYan]

😊🙏🏼

[@DP-qq9mm]

Thank you! This was a great tutorial!!

[@dianapurdy9529]

When choosing colours, do you think about transparency vs opaqueness?

[@LironYan]

Usually I don’t, but I am discovering that I sometimes will prefer more opaqueness and sometimes more transparency. This is probably something I should explore further.

[@marilynbrown3194]

Yes. Can you do i video on that topic? Sedimentary, staining, opaque, transparent....soo confusing. So glad i found yoy!

[@melissawaddell3358]

Excellent....

[@LironYan]

Thank you 😊🙏🏼

[@3justthree]

Really enjoy your videos! Thank you for sharing.

[@mariannazaitseva1487]

this tutorial is a New Year present from you to us :)

[@LironYan]

Happy I can give you a present! 😊🙏🏼 Thank you

[@wandabeatriz1096]

😍😍😍 Another great lesson!!! I ‘ve tried to paint together but had some difficult with the table reflection and the table itself. But I got there! Thank you very much. Greetings from Brazil.

[@greatpondgirl]

Fantastic! Thanks… so much help thinking about value in all of my paintings!

[@donnacarraway9182]

Really great video!

[@elvisdee9502]

This was a great video. It was a privilege to hear you speak your thought process.

[@francesmaguire4351]

This was a huge help, thank you.

[@sue6002]

Great video. Love the usage of colors. Warm and cool. Matching values. Skills I am trying to learn. Thanks Liron. 👏👍🏼