How to Avoid Muddy Colors in Watercolor

Muddy colors! What are they? Do you want them?... and how to avoid them. I define what they are and show you several things to be aware of when painting to keep colors clean and bright.
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[@mell8577]

"To shade while maintaining intensity, use a cooler analogous color." POW. MIND BLOWN. Thank you, Sensei.

[@TeriKozeluh]

I really appreciate the depth of your tutorials. Not just how to avoid muddy colors, also the technical aspects like what creates luminosity.

[@helenechouinard3473]

Thank you ! Now I understand better the difference between neutrals tones that we aim for and muddy colors. 👍

[@tinahasfjord7808]

I love teachers who, regardless of how 'perfect' an analogy may be, are able to convey the solutions to that problem that has been plaguing me as a beginner. It is particularly helpful when I am able to leave the video with an understanding rather than rote. Well done.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Thanks Tina, very kind and encouraging.

[@TTomJohn]

🖒🖒 Thanks. Another great lesson. Just like weeds in the garden - there's nothing wrong with any of them, until they're in a place you don't want them. Continue your good works. I've learned much.

[@BigDaddyZakk420]

I've never believed in "muddy colors". Colors are only muddy if they're not in harmony with the whole of your composition. Still something great to keep in mind for beginners; awesome video!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Yeah I tend to agree. It such an often used term though, I think artists need to know what is meant when its used. The term came from oil painting where its not uncommon to mix paint that looks like mud. Not really as applicable to watercolor, nonetheless the term persists.

[@makeitmakesense5577]

I think it's time to stop painting & start studying the color wheel & learning color. You've taught me understanding color is step one. I guess it's like cooking..i have to understand the ingredients BEFORE I use them...using salt instead of sugar can ruin a good cake. Thanks for directing me back to square one...building a good foundation is always important.

[@donnaeturner]

When I clean my pallette, I take it to the sink and wash it off with a sea sponge and water. The pigment washes right out of the sponge with cold water, and it saves on paper and cloth towel use.

[@condorreades2148]

Reminded me to go back through my homemade color charts of my various watercolors and mark each as Transparent, Semi-Transparent, Opaque, Semi-Opaque. Really helpful. Did it with Winsor Newton, now need to do it with Daniel Smith, Sennelier and Schmincke. I was just being lazy about it. And so easy to find all the properties on the manufacturers’ websites. Thank you for reminding me, Steve, the more information I have, the better my work will be.

[@lindathaxton1994]

So grateful that you teach in such a clear manner - I am a “minder”

[@FERRAYYY_1973]

Thank you so much for your amazing helpful videos! Whenever I have a question about watercolor, I come to your channel to look for the answers in your videos. Have a happy holidays!

[@Cherylherb]

steve, i can not tell you how much I enjoy your videos. I am so happy to have found you on KZbin, and am so happy for your success.

[@thl1]

excellent video. and i learned how to clean the pallette properly... it's the little things that make a difference.

[@ClaudiaSketches]

Brilliant video! It sounds very obvious (and similar to using complimentary colours), but not full understanding colour temperature also leads to muddiness. Probably more of a beginner's problem than the things you mentioned in your video though! It is something it took me a while to understand, for example ,using a warm yellow with a cool blue is not going to make a vibrant green. Also, making sure your water is clean is very important too. Only recently I started using two separate jars of water for painting. Definitely helps with keeping colours purer and more vibrant :D

[@richiejourney1840]

Claudia Sketches Color “temperature” has nothing to do with it...Color BIAS on the other hand does...

[@rajankumar_art]

True

[@cesartongson3808]

thanks for the lecture on mixing transparent watercolors. Perhaps the reason why some paintings remain vibrant

[@wenangelsfly2105]

Thank you! I haven't been painting for long! May 2020! i'm 74 yrs young, love your teaching on colors and what they do! I surprise myself on the small paintings I do with your info! Thanks again, also enjoy your Scriptures!

[@providencevalleyfarm5270]

Super helpful! So easy to understand the differences when you explain and demonstrate. I have only ever painted w oils and I loved the Cadmium and cobalt shades. 40 years later I am learning watercolors and the color names are so new and unusual to me. I am also learning that convenience colors in the watercolor world aren't so convenient, I need to mix more and study color theory a bit more.

[@elaine-cb]

The joy of learning from Steve's talent & experience

[@lisatodd5075]

Learning so much from your videos! Yours are by far the best watercolor videos on you tube! I love the way your videos end with a bible verse. Thank you!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Hey thanks!

[@JosieLewisArt]

Ah love the explanation of compromised intensity, thank you!

[@joseortiz-fw7by]

Don't be scared of "mud"!! Check out Yong Chen's watercolor channel and watch how he uses "mud" to create beautiful shadow colors especially in skin tones. This video however is still important for people who are not trying to get that same effect. It's all up to the artist what colors they choose to use. Great video thanks

[@cdorothy444]

Actually I love mud. i need dark browns, dark blues, dark purples, dark greens to make the values work.

[@vickiratliff8182]

You are such a good teacher! thanks

[@angemac1519]

Great info. This explains a lot for me. I now understand why I have been disappointed with the effects of some of my colours. I have avoided the mud being careful not to mix complimentary colours but after seeing this I realise that many of my colours are opaque. Thank you so much. x

[@maryriley6163]

A big help about opaque colors. Thanks.

[@sakimiakoto8786]

I like using muddy pinkish colors for some skin tones to make them look more sad and dull, and intensify other areas.

[@craigpotter4056]

love how you talk with your hands! I will now; proof my palette!!

[@zeldacheri]

Thanks for this presentation! In other places, I've heard/read a lot about choosing single pigment paints as much as possible, to help avoid "muddy colors". A fair number of commercial paints are combinations of 2 or even 3 pigments, so that when mixing two paint colors, one could actually be mixing 4 or 5 different pigments! And in this way, mud can result. I've decided to buy only single pigment colors moving forward -- after first using up the many very lovely multi-pigment colors bought as "the kid in the candy store" when first starting :-)

[@meggraham7564]

Very helpful ty,ty. Particularly the written list.

[@joeaccordion]

You have answered in this video questions I've had for years and years - specifically using analogous cooler colors for shading. Also avoiding mixing opaque colors with other colors. Thank you!!!!

[@marybaksheeva2874]

Wow, that was very helpful! Didn't know that cerulean blue makes mud for instance and the ochre! Thanks!

[@mindofwatercolor]

They can. Doesn't mean they always will if used correctly.

[@marybaksheeva2874]

@@mindofwatercolor well, I am only starting with watercolor, so should be aware of this properties, at least. I am sure experienced artists can keep any colour clean, but for me it's helpful to know "tricky" ones beforehand and use carefully)

[@kristynsinnott3673]

I love aaaallllllll of your videos. Clear. Great examples of right and wrong. Well organized. Light-not heavy. I have learned a ton from you. Thank you sooo much. Keep them coming. :)

[@lauravlad7216]

You describe exactly my process of over-working! :)) Thank you so much for showing mistakes as well, it unlocks my 'stucks' :))

[@chantelmcskimming6633]

Thank you!! Great description 😊

[@mrs.martinez9638]

been experimenting and painting with watercolor for over a year, mostly trial and error, but this video is really helpful!! it explains and defines issues i have come across but didn't know how to verbalize. Thank you so much!

[@lindaduke818]

I made the best example of compromised intensity yesterday. Much better than any of your examples. I did all the mistakes, using compliments, opaque's, overworking and a few new ones I invented on my own. After working for years away from watercolor I am trying to start back painting but I get too excited and in a hurry! Some of the things I used to know are still there but practice and discipline must be out the window. Hopefully I will settle down and think and plan better before I ruin more paint and paper and time! Thanks a million for the videos! They are informative but best of all inspiring! If you need examples of mistakes I can come up with some good ones. Keep it up Steve! Love your work!

[@mindofwatercolor]

You're welcome! I well understand the excitement and need to settle down and be more systematic. Good observation.

[@pattycyr8662]

I very much appreciate this video. I have often noticed areas of my paintings looking muddy, and this video is very informative and will help me avoid the problem. Thanks!

[@elaine-cb]

Another excellent video packed with useful info and... always your little bit of the comedic to start with a smile. Thank you Steve for sharing your experience.

[@dustinarnett4404]

This video was extremely helpful to me! I am a self-taught painter working with extremely limited color resources (what I can afford of the artist-quality stuff) and I hadn't realized the issues that might have come from Yellow Ochre and Cadmium Red. I have them both in my palette. Thankfully, it seems like from the brands I have, the only one I need to watch for carefully is Cadmium Red - my yellow ochre is lovely. Thanks so much for your hard work and generosity with instruction in your videos.

[@pate8250]

Excellent summary, thanks very much. I'm what I call a "lapsed botanical artist", but keen to get back into it. I mostly use W&N watercolours and keep my transparents to the opposite of my palette from opaques, but it's easy to slip into bad habits. Love your videos. Very encouraging.

[@andysargent5821]

Thanks for a very interesting video Steve. I too tend to use a lot of neutrals, especially for shadows, rocks etc. I never use black but M. Graham Pthalo Blue, Quinacridone Rust and Quinacridone Red mixed in the right proportions make a lovely dark colour to add some depth to a painting.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Yes, I use a lot of them too. Good mixing formulas for darks. Thanks for the input!

[@lynnweiss7349]

Really Helpful! I love your lessons :) I'm 69 now and just starting up again. Thanks so much for this series!

[@joys4524]

Thank you , Steve! I am still learning after 4 years of tutorials and practice. 🖌🎨🙏

[@mariwyl]

Thank you! I just ordered a set of DS colors. I'll look at their website! You are very helpful!

[@path-finder1]

I so appreciate your kind, soothing tone and the instruction you so generously share...! Most helpful and informative. Thank you also for the extra special inspiration at the end of all your videos as well... :)

[@OldLady-um9kt]

A very good, informative video. Thank you. I only have M. Graham transparent watercolors. Mainly because of your lessons/ videos, but I just love the depth, you have taught, that can be achieved by layering transparent watercolors. I took art in school for four years and never absorbed so much great information as I do with your videos. Thanks again. Save the mud for mud packs and pies. LOL Hugs!.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Thanks Connie!

[@susandavenport8777]

Love the way you present each lesson. I have learned a lot from you and appreciate your talent.

[@aylamonic]

this has been my biggest issue! thank you for sharing your knowledge and helping us newbs

[@dawnsnyder6071]

Good tips! The American Journey transparent earth oxides are nice alternatives to a few of the more opaque pigments.

[@kathleenfischer2241]

Very helpful and showed me some of my errors.

[@SarahAndBoston]

Awesome video! I learned a lot thanks.

[@lorrieg4498]

I have been prone to use too many browns, and only recently becoming more aware of the effect of opaque colors. I am painting some very colorful fall leaves and trying not to muddy up the colors, needless to say it is a good exercise.

[@annfoster1980]

Thanks again from Australia. I always learn something new from you.

[@Karla_Smith]

Very helpful and answers some of my own questions and experiences...

[@jaytempest490]

Something worth mentioning: I let my colours dry out some before I proof them so I don't lose a lot of paint. I'm pretty OCD about keeping my colours pure. Great tips in this video dude. Love it

[@karenhoward303]

Thank you Steve!

[@johnnyrbattaglio6943]

Thank You Extremely good information 👍

[@LadyLeda2]

Great video!!! Thank you so very very much!!!

[@amymclaughlin1201]

Very helpful. Yes it would be very helpful to define the warm and cool versions. My brain understands the concept but my eye can't see it (yet I hope). I know that knowing which is which improves colors when mixing.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Just look at a color wheel. Clears it right up. This video may help if you haven't seen it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqmcpqBnfqecebs

[@han05n]

I have learned so much watching your videos. Thanks a million ❤️❤️❤️

[@good_youtube_handle]

Such a helpful video! I had no idea my yellow ochre was the culprit. Definitely going to be using Indian yellow mixed with other colors a lot more. Also, going to be looking for a possible replacement for cerulean blue. I really only use it for skies, and use other blues for mixing, but it might be worth swapping out for more versatility.

[@makeitmakesense5577]

Aha! Transparency! That's what I need to pay attention to! Everything I do looks like I'm using acrylics when I'm actually using watercolors. I need to get to know the colors & stop using black..ive been mixing black to make my colors darker. Duhhh! Ok..im learning ALOT from you. Now..how much water..how much paint?? ALOT of water..a little bit of paint..is that a good "wash"?.

[@mindofwatercolor]

It varies extensively.

[@cristyjeanconcepcion4654]

Thank you so much for this, Steve! I learned so much from your videos!!!

[@mmmmlllljohn]

Thanks for your clear explanation re mud! So appreciate you sharing your experience and knowledge.🇨🇦😍

[@marigoldwood8494]

Discovered the problem with cerulean blue recently. In an attempt to create continuity/harmony in my paintings, I try to use a limited palette and use the blue I use for the sky when mixing greens. This usually gives quite good results as I usually use cobalt (semi transparent) or ultramarine (transparent). Following the advice of an online tutorial recently, I decided to use cerulean for the sky - a bit "dull", but I quite liked the result - but when I started to mix greens with it, yuck! I then checked the colour chart and discovered it was opaque. Won't be using it again, I think!

[@Shatril1]

Dang, this was eye opening. I really resembled many of these problems. Thanks a million for the video.

[@artetinta2470]

Fantastic! Super helpful for me! Thanks!

[@amykoenig8424]

just stumbled across your site.. very excited..

[@mindofwatercolor]

+Amy Koenig welcome

[@cazscot8397]

excellent artist plus advice

[@sueshanks9447]

great video packed with tons of helpful info. THANK YOU !

[@pinkypilot]

Great info for us newbies. Thanks.

[@mapeandrews3951]

Could you follow up this tutorial with your recommendation for what MG colors would you select for putting together a small (12 colors at the most) travel palette for plain air painting and travel sketching. I got asked this question last month and would love to see your take on it.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Yeah, I might make an episode like that. Off the top of my head I would choose my favorite 8 in this video, kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZPMfJlmhqyZoNE plus a few more. Maybe another green, another blue, another red or purple and probably neutral tint. All personal preference of course.

[@Sasa-iu9ix]

Thankyou for the tips! Especially for wet-on-wet part..

[@DrawingWithFire]

Great video Steve! 😆 Awesome explanations. I still like playing in the mud! My body & brain may be adult, but my heart is only 4.3 years old. 😉

[@selftrue670]

Brilliantly instructed--so clear and precise! Thanks much!

[@christineappel-hinderliter3086]

Fantastic tips thank you for sharing

[@pvl256]

Super helpful!

[@pablomiezavarela8358]

Thank you. from Barcelona (Spain)

[@ТворческийканалСофьиГромовой]

Thank you a lot (from Moscow, Russia). Love your videos :)

[@sherrylee6719]

Thank you so much. I really learned so much.

[@helenemarwood9960]

Now, I understand why some colors on paper turn muddy. I am a beginner. Thank you.

[@AafkeVultink]

Having two buckets of water allso helps. Allways have a clean brush in the paint :) I mix my shadows from the color in the painting if I dont have the same shade in darker color, or dilute less :)

[@mindofwatercolor]

Yes, ALWAYS use two water containers (except for plein air, then its not practical). I actually have a triple well bucket.

[@AafkeVultink]

I have 2 fancy Pickle Jars LOL

[@gorway7]

A .Vultink - Same here - Gherkin (ogórki) jars, I have some huge ones. Pickled Pear jars (Pears in Brandy) are really fancy if you can get them - make lovely water jars.

[@DocumentedJourney]

you crack me up!! Love all your videos! I appreciate all your knowledge and sense of humor!

[@rosapope9623]

Very helpful video - thanks!

[@R_DLF]

Have you made a video on gouache paints? I purchased an m graham gouache set and would like to know if you have any tutorials on gouache.

[@mindofwatercolor]

I did a gouache review but no tutorials yet.

[@LeslieNikulka]

Another fabulous video, Steve. Have you made a video on how to mix 'luminous grays'? Thanks again for sharing your gift. :)

[@mindofwatercolor]

I talk about it in several videos but this one probably delves into it the most. This one is specifically about using complements.

[@madacaphoto]

Great tips. I'm learning more and more each day.

[@Juhani139]

This is the video I've been waiting for! thank you

[@deborahthompson3847]

Excellent. Thank you!

[@isalawton6239]

So helpful, thanks for doing this demo...

[@laurahale5774]

Thank you for explaining this!

[@orcamum]

Thank you so much for this video!

[@susanmayhew2132]

I painted my grandson last, mouth open at a park water fountain. I finished the entire painting almost to completion before doing the flesh tones in his face and hands. I used a mixing recipe from a watercolor book that had Naples yellow. The kid died on the page at the fountain. Inspite of the good areas of the painting, it became a study and I had a do over on another piece of 300lb Arches paper. I will never use anything but transparent colors on flesh tones again.

[@chrisr5362]

Great video! Thank you!

[@diymort]

Enjoyed your video, a great help, am just about to buy 6-8 water colours after painting with acrylics.. and wondering, no white?……presumably as the paper provides that.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Correct. Traditionally, no white, although some artists use white gouache for a few highlights.

[@m.c.5124]

Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge. 😁

[@Lithium_Peaches]

SO. HELPFUL.

[@moma-b]

Black is great for monochromatic value studies. 😉🙂

[@starbuck090]

Hey Steve! Does the number of pigments in a paint matter? Isn't the reason why people prefer single pigment paint is that when mixing them, you won't compromise intensity? Also do paints with white pigment contribute to the "muddying" effect as well?

[@mindofwatercolor]

Yes to all of the above, somewhat, but you don't see white pigment much except in less than artist's grade paint. That and fillers or extenders which can affect muddiness.

[@rajankumar_art]

Wonderful tutorial

[@janyenyo]

subscribed right now!! Thank you!