Mastering Muted Color

We all love vibrant color. But much of what we look at in fact the color is muted. How to create rich, engaging muted color, without just creating a muddy mess? This video gives you some suggestions of how to do it.
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[@paintlady2268]

Amazing how such a seamingly simple scene of mundane everydayness can turn into one in which we find ourselves drawn in, wanting to study it, to really look at it and be introduced to the hand of the artist. Fabulous demonstration.

[@grossolee]

Agreed

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Really appreciate your letting me know. Thank you.

[@noiseintheoffice]

It really demonstrates that it's not just about subject matter, but that the _composition_ is key

[@lunadargent5292]

I watch quite a few artists at KZbin and very rarely do I have an “aha” moment where some of the fog that lives perpetually in my head clears. I had that today when you were discussing the puddle of paint and pulling colour into the puddle. I always feel so surprised when something that feels so complicated gets resolved by such a straightforward technique. You also made a comment that I found very insightful about the temperature issues with mud. Thank you very much. 👏🏻👍🏻😃

[@jonathanroger4705]

I agree, I've just completed my historical interpretation acrylic painting of many weeks. I'll speed up. Today I'll mix and copy your painting, an exercise made simple.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Luna. I really appreciate your letting me know it was so helpful. Best wishes.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Jonathan, I think that sounds like a good plan. A faster, looser interpretation of something after weeks of tighter, slower painting.

[@rivers10151]

You literally couldn’t have said it any better! Wow

[@craigseaborn4222]

I couldn't agree more , Ian please do a video on mud because of wrong temperatures , you can use any of my paintings!

[@mmartin00055]

I have tried to paint an old gray barn with very muted and subtle changes. I kept wasting a bunch of paint making separate puddles of three or four colors. Not sure why this wasn't obvious to me, but starting with a single puddle and slightly mixing in the split complementary colors did the trick! Thank you very much for the video!

[@janetkingwill9347]

So love this. Thank you. It feels like a modern day Andrew Wyeth.. The calm everyday scene.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks Janet.

[@devanshi2193]

This is so fascinating. It reminds of marco bucci’s videos on coloring in the greys!! His videos are mainly for digital art, but love the concept

[@padams7588]

I just cant thank you enough for these videos. I’ve learned so much. I appreciate your time and effort and instruction. thank you again.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are very welcome

[@pjlewisful]

I want to title this delightful painting MOVING DAY. Enjoyed this.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Our youngest is going to college in a month and my wife had pretty much the same title for it.

[@paulineshelley4421]

I could really see the relationship between your colours in that painting. Everything seemed to belong which gave it a comfortable feel. Thank you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks Pauline. It's easier to get those relationships to work when the color is more muted.

[@legendarynoob1477]

Thank you. Absolutely genius and helpful. As a beginner, I'm so tired of my oil paintings looking so cartoonish or illustrated while my intent is realism.

[@patjeffers9431]

Fascinating approach to color mixing. Thank you! Lovely painting too!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you so much Pat!

[@rsbagley3451]

Love the gray puddle in the middle tip...Thanks...Great video!!!!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks Ramona. All the best to you

[@bottegadelloscuro]

Finally a simple explanation about muted colours!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Delighted you enjoyed it

[@daviller74]

you have just described what I have inadvertently been doing for the past few years. I appreciate the confirmation.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Great to hear. All the best.

[@janelintern6969]

Yes, interesting, subtle colours - all looks 3-dimensional. Thanks, Ian.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are welcome Jane. All the best.

[@sydene54]

portrait of the shoes: love it! most pop contrast

[@pleinaire8698]

Rich engaging neutral color gives this painting great harmony and subtle beauty.!! thanks for this great lesson in the SuBLIME!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Really happy you liked it. Thank you for kind comments here. Best wishes.

[@christinerothmuller2597]

It is a beautiful painting and composition ! the colours are great and subtle ! Thank you so much !

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you liked it Christine. all the best to you.

[@jonathano.7109]

I started watching your videos just a week or so ago. I've already noticed the difference in my painting.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

That is great news. Thanks for letting me know.

[@maladjustedmalcontent1532]

Love this. Excellent technique

[@mark-catalinapullen431]

Good work Ian ,thx!

[@meiredeabreu8665]

Gorgeous!!!! Love it! Thank you so much!!!

[@isaniart]

Thank you so much! I’ve been trying to figure out muted colors for the longest time and this helped so much

[@tdbeekman5850]

ohhhh.. just Love this painting 🙏 💕

[@pandurangansatish2973]

Amazing idea !

[@nettacanfi5475]

Great concept, mixing out! Thanks.

[@yiliao123]

Thank you very much for talking through the process

[@carolynlobkowicz8737]

Thanks for the neutral puddle mixing idea and a great demo.

[@mimiwhitney-hafft3036]

Every Demo you do is fantastic. BUT...this was an EXCELLENT Demo on use of SUBTLE colors. This technique should be taught to every beginning artist. I think that would make such a difference in understanding color and how to "modulate" color to make a painting work. The first subjects to study are line drawing and perspective. Then how to modulate color. Thank you for all you do. Every time!!!!!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

So glad you liked the video Mimi. Best wishes.

[@lorraineferraro8946]

Thank you Ian. And that is a beautiful painting.

[@aliciamolloy5948]

Awesome! Thank you so much Ian for such a clear wonderful explanation 🙏🙏

[@davyshah1074]

I have been searching the whole YT since a year and now finally I found this channel that teaches in such a way

[@mandybell7884]

Beautifully done ! Thank you for the quality & great lesson !

[@nadeemahmed2083]

Very very very helpful.... Thanks for sharing this gem ✨

[@alinanaeem6003]

This is beautiful ! I really appreciate you for sharing this valuable information with us. ☺️

[@jayne3944]

Your painting is so beautiful!! I LOVE muted colors!! I also LOVE the light and shadow in your paintings. I am excited about your teachings on perspective next week ... a COMPLETE mystery to me, perspective is!! THANK YOU IAN for allllll your EXCELLENT videos!!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much. I am working on perspective now.

[@thomasbroderick6388]

Brilliant. Thanks Ian.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks Thomas

[@VWLivin]

Awesome. Can't wait for next week.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Delighted you enjoyed it.

[@mattwalter5184]

Beautiful painting!

[@joycesumara416]

Thanks for doing this. Very helpful.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad it was helpful!

[@needlesyndrometattoo]

thank you boss roberts. respect.

[@tonyab4727]

I cannot say thank you enough!! I've been struggling with colour! I love muted colours and this ABSOLUTELY makes perfect sense to me! It works!!!

[@veronicastern3187]

Always inspiring and informative!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you think so Veronica.

[@stephenjamison6124]

Another excellent video, thank you yet again

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@MSDFairfield]

This is one of the best both helpful and engaging, I have always struggled with colour relationships. The simple subject becomes a satisfying dramatic composition without the use of high key blasting colour or primary intense colours all over the place fighting with each other

[@marypartridge5154]

Such a master at what you do. Thanx Ian.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome Mary

[@rosannedistefano4249]

Loved this finished painting …. Such an interesting composition

[@jonroads8281]

What an absolutely fantastic video!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks Jon for letting me know you liked it.

[@Alexandra-ks7cb]

This was quite the epiphany! Such a simple yet genius method. Mind blown, thanks🎨

[@chantelmcskimming6633]

WOW!!! I really find it amazing how you can take an image of something I'd never take a second look at and you make it into a very interesting painting! AND it is wonderful how you did this painting, I almost feel like...hmmm... maybe, just maybe, I might be able to try this (roughly speaking, of course)! Thank you -- nice video 😊

[@sachet22]

Wow, I love your finished paintings and the wonderful, easy-to-understand way that you explain color mixing and shadows both lighted and not as well to help the viewer see beauty in simplicity. I am subscribed and have begun to study the idea of trying a more representational approach.

[@DannySabraArt]

Really lovely painting! i think i'm attracted to it as a subject of mundane objects that illustrate the beauty of light. I also think its so cool how you modulated the lighting in the reference photo to have a single focal point. Very cool!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks Danny. Glad you liked it.

[@tamijacque8335]

Thank you so much for taking time to make these videos!! I have watched a numer of them recently, - just discovered your work:) and find great value in these short and informative videos. Speaking of muted color, I have grown to love grays and now see them in everything. So wonderful! Many thanks again:)

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you are enjoying the videos Tami. All the best.

[@frankt722]

I have waited years for your level of instruction regarding color mixing. Most especially on how to support the eye-brain connection toward great design. It is ultimately great design supported by a color theory that makes perfect sense. Thank you Sir Ian!

[@jaywon6749]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

My pleasure!

[@tinawaters482]

I tried muted colours today . Turned out great ! Thanks so much for the tips !

[@attiliadin]

Thank you, Ian, you are a gently spoken man... I love your teaching ♥

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome!

[@KateColors]

I love the results.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you.

[@lalat7260]

Thank you!

[@soumitrachatterjee1572]

Beautiful

[@KathyBrooksArt]

Very helpful and great lessons here. Thank you so much

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're very welcome!

[@swetapadmamajhi6600]

Amazingly explained Video! Wanted to learn this for quite some time! Thanks so much! :)

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Great! Delighted it was helpful.

[@christinepeters9991]

Thank you, wonderful explanation.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks Christine.

[@suepidlubny3183]

Thanks for this one on “muted” colours. The last time I painted I discovered this for myself (Isn’t that the best way of learning sometimes?). I had a middle “puddle” of neutrals and started to pull from that into my brighter colours. And here I thought I was so smart. LOL. And, I love the way you take an ordinary subject and make it extraordinary as a painting. I see now that the simple things around us can make for a great composition. Looking forward to next week on perspective. Always a challenge for me.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

I agree with you entirely. Figuring things out on your own, you really own it. And yes perspective next week.

[@LaurieSequana]

Makes beautiful from the ordinary, yet again!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks Laurie.

[@attiliadin]

Thank you..it's fascinating to watch you at work. You are a true teacher... wonderful tonal work. Loving your videos.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you very much!

[@cathybyrne9444]

Thank you so much for putting all the effort in your excellent tutorials.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

My pleasure Cathy. Glad you are enjoying them.

[@marieradi-nahas767]

Thank you so much for this video. So much to learn.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you found it helpful Marie.

[@judylearnstopaint1040]

Interesting perspective in mixing. Very useful.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you think so Judy. All the best.

[@---Dana----]

Thank you for such a great lesson! You are a wonderful instructor. ❤

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you so much Dana.

[@laurataggart8018]

Thanks 🙏 Made my day!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed it Laura.

[@JC-lk1mz]

I just came across your channel and you have already become my teacher. Clear concepts very well explained and your short videos are full of good teachings. Thanks a lot!! Already subscribed and joined your email list.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Welcome. Glad you are enjoying the videos.

[@crmfineart]

Amazing composition! I love the geometry that is happening

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

I liked that too and I suppose talk a bit about that this week when I analyze the perspective of the the image.

[@patrickernewein3930]

Hi Ian, very instructive video.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks Patrick.

[@joshtavenner8083]

Just what I was looking for and I didn't even know it! Thanks for all the knowledge!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are welcome Josh.

[@Coco2345ful]

Mind bogling for me. Hope to watch this again, too!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Delighted you enjoyed it Dee

[@theanlychov7492]

Thank you so much. This is very useful 💖💖💖🙏

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're welcome

[@pameciauknyga157]

Much love! Thank You!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are welcome!

[@jazzman1626]

I remember seeing some paintings in the Kelvingrove Art Gallery in Glasgow, which is one of my favourite art galleries, and the colours were very muted. I stood for ages looking at them. “Pastures New” by James Guthrie was one of them. It’s long overdue for another visit! The last time I was there, I got there from the city centre on an old rout-master bus! Really took me back to my childhood and the journey ended all too soon. I was reluctant to get off, such was my enjoyment 😂.

[@andygardner5810]

Thanks Ian. Lots of great advice there.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks Andy

[@Smellyfoundyou]

This helped me with a project I’m doing

[@Realtor365]

Thank you!!!

[@jaywon6749]

Beautiful, I love this series. Can’t wait till next week. Perspective is a struggle for me as well as what you’ve just went over. Thank you so much for sharing your time and knowledge.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are most welcome Jay. Glad you are enjoying them.

[@nicholaselliott9908]

Really interesting thank you Ian

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Very welcome Nicholas.

[@lisakunish936]

Thank you so much for discussing muddy / muted colors! I love your colors and it’s so very interesting to hear your thoughts.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome Lisa

[@zvarda]

Thank you so much for your beautiful demonstration and very clear explanation.💐

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad it was helpful Varda.

[@wcouch8]

TY 🙂 I am going to try this today.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

sounds great. And good luck.

[@callycat6660]

This was very interesting and so helpful ..Thankyou !

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome!

[@arieljiang8198]

Thanks for the lesson! The finished painting looks amazing

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you like it Ariel. THanks.

[@brigittefortier1211]

Merci, I needed that explanation.....Thanks for your tuesdays wonderful classes.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome Brigitte.

[@helanker]

Wow! I really love this lesson. Thank you for sharing.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're very welcome Helle.

[@frankiewoodhouse2914]

so beautiful

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much

[@cindysmith778]

I love that these are so focused on one small point. You really get that point across without taking an hour and it's very helpful.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Cindy, yes brief and concise. It means I find there are questions raised that a longer video could address but I'm with you. Short.

[@bluerooster24]

Loved the composition and the process - the clarity was immense. Thank you

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome Melanie

[@joz3568]

It’s fun to watch that you turn everyday object as an art piece when there is light hitting on. Thank you!

[@joz3568]

By the way, what is low intensity green means?

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Jo, glad you liked the video. Not this week (perspective) but next week I am doing a video on how to paint greens so will talk about low intensity greens.

[@joz3568]

@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition look forward it.

[@mohandoctor1930]

Fantastic sir..! Truly amazing 💕💕

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you Mohan.

[@franzlisztish]

EXCELLENT! Thanks VERY much.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're welcome Ian.

[@Ladysmyth]

Wonderful video Ian!! Thank you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks Diana. NIce to hear from you. All the best

[@clieding]

That was fascinating. I am learning so much from you. Your insights and generosity are much appreciated. 🎨

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome Chris.

[@peachmccomb1804]

Always helpful and interesting. You simplify your lessons and make the painting seem achievable.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Peach that really makes me happy that you find it achievable. That makes me feel I'm doing my job. I'm not actually what my job is but you know what I mean.

[@TheMarkEH]

Fabulous tutorial. Extremely insightful demonstration/commentary. Thank you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Mark.