4. Mixing Your Watercolours - An Introduction for Beginners

MIX YOUR WATERCOLOURS LIKE A PRO!
In this video I show you how to mix watercolours to achieve a combination of subtle and delicate hues, essential for landscape painting. We have a look at the importance of understanding what you can achieve with just 3 primary colours and a few earth colours. I show you how to set out your palette in a way that's simple and effective and demonstrate the benefits of using a limited palette. You will also get to see some of my most important, 'go-to' colour mixes that I rely on in my landscape paintings.
The painting of Kimmeridge Bay that I use to illustrate this tutorial is available as a Limited Edition of 50 prints - please visit for more details www.ourlandscape.co.uk/online...
If you want further details on the colours that I use, then please visit my website - www.ourlandscape.co.uk/kit-re...
PAINTS
Daler Rowney Artists Range - Jacksons Art Supplies geni.us/rwRJa6A
Daler Rowney Aquafine Range - Jacksons Art Supplies geni.us/8bXMGe
Maimeri Blu - Jacksons Art Supplies geni.us/sKIh
PALETTE
JACKSON PORCELAIN PALETTE WITH COVER - 32 WELL Jacksons Art Supplies geni.us/TOCAJt
THIS VIDEO CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS TO PRODUCTS, WHICH MEANS THAT I RECEIVE A SMALL COMMISSION ON A PURCHASE OF THOSE PRODUCTS WITHOUT ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU.
This video contains affiliate links to products, which means that I receive a small commission on the purchase of those products without additional cost to you.
The purpose of this video is to share my knowledge and experience of landscape painting and watercolor with you and from time to time that may involve me recommending products that I use. I receive some of those products from manufacturers for free, but the products that I recommend are only products that I believe in, have used for many years and am comfortable in recommendin to you.
The products that I receive are not contingent on the production of any video tutorial or marketing content, nor are they part of a legal sponsorship arrangement.

[@carolehayes5418]

I am one of the many who decided to take up watercolour when Covid hit. I was eighty three when I started. After paying foir on line lessons for eigthteen months, I have learned more from watching your beginners tutorials. I feel more confident about continuing now. I was just about to give up. Thanks a million.

[@libellula3313]

Bravo!

[@janicewood9228]

Bravo, carolehayes5418! I am coming up on 79, and started watercolour painting in 2015 through a class given at my church. I just found Oliver Pyle's tutorials online tonight and have already learned learned more. I have not painted since Covid lockdown started here in Feb. 2020. So now I am refreshing my knowledge with tutorials before starting to paint again. Mr. Pyle is very good at explaining in " beginner's language" , not expecting us to understand the terms and all of painting and products right off the bat. I really needed this refresher tutorial so I can start off right. Keep on painting and playing with your paints and brushes dear lady. Have fun☺️😀 and try different styles and🎨🖌️ techniques for the fun🪁 of it. 🤗

[@M0odyBlue]

Oliver’s videos are so informative. It took me years of workshops and classes to amass just a fraction of what he covers in these videos. He’s a wonderful teacher. He’s clear and easy to understand and his passion and enthusiasm for the medium is contagious!

[@mscott976]

I’m just a child of 73 and am binge watching these videos to try my hand at watercolor! I really enjoy the videos and his way of presenting information!

[@patricianegron7167]

I have just recently found Oliver’s tutorials and I’ve been watching for over a week now. I love his style of painting and his color mixes. I’m ready now to begin my own color charts and washes for skies and water. I don’t feel ready for an actual painting yet until I’ve done his practice sessions first. I also started painting after Covid, it’s been an extremely hard time for me as I lost my husband [who was a physician] to Covid. Slowly but steadily painting has been a great help to me as far as getting on with my new normal. Thank you Oliver for being such a great teacher and an amazing artist!

[@clareclemens4849]

This has to be the best demonstration of mixing colours I have seen. Thank you for being so generous with your knowledge. So many watercolour tutors are less so.

[@MrCatrig77]

You failed to mention what happens to color after it dries

[@gr8fng]

​@MrCatrig77 why would expect @clareclemens4849 to include what happens to colour after it dries in her comment???

[@diverte]

absolutely

[@alyssaputnam263]

You just saved me so much money. I was looking at a huge big set of paints just last night. Now me and my little Derwent travel pallet are going to conquer the world!

[@user-ev1mh4hs8x]

👍

[@phyllisknight1354]

Hello Oliver … The Greatest Instructors Are The Most Accomplished Artists ! You are That Talent

[@aileencura4795]

Thank you Mr. Pyle. I have written down a lot of notes. You are a very good teacher. I so appreciate your generosity in sharing your knowledge. - Aileen Cura, 63 years old, a retired classical performing artist in the Philippines, reinventing herself into a watercolor artist.

[@johncspine2787]

I’m disabled from a career as a solo horn w orchestra..I’m beginning watercolor myself..

[@helenspicer6296]

Oliver Pyne, Wonderful teacher and brilliant watercolour painter. My palette is a little different for the Australian landscapes but fantastic tutorials and I am addicted to your work. What generosity to share so much with everyone. Thank you so much for the inspiration to keep going at 86 years young.

[@Paul_C83]

I started watercolours 20 years ago, I was never very good and did it less and less over the years... eventually only getting the paints out of the case once or twice a year. A few weeks ago I decided now that I'm travelling more to nicer places I want to make more of an effort with my watercolours by studying and trying something each day. It's been very clear to me that i dont have the expertise when it comes to having the right colours and how they connect to each other... but also how I always added paynes grey to change shade of colours. Having watched this absolutely brilliant, clear, easy to follow and understand tutorial... also my first video of yours.... my mind is now open to so many possibilities. Having practiced during and after the video I'm so excited with the results and how much my paintings will now change and make me less stressed and annoyed because now I have a much better understanding. Thank you so much

[@boetaboer]

Hi Helen, what is in your palette for Oz if I may ask!?

[@yellowrosecottag]

I’m in Oz and I use my warm Colours a lot. Lots of yellow ochre, burnt sienna and cobalt blue

[@kerriefearby9542]

I'm from Oz too but I still found this demo so helpful

[@tezoodle]

Oh wow Olly - the information in this video on mixing watercolours is absolutely stellar! When lockdown UK happened in 2020 I decided to learn watercolours, and my first job was to mix every tube of watercolour that I had inherited, with every other colour. I produced a note book of thousands of shades and hues, it was illuminating! My friends say I have a forensic understanding of colour now 😀 But I completely agree with you, you have to mix them yourself to see what happens if you add a little bit more of X colour and a little bit less of Y. Understanding the colour wheel is really important too. Thank you so much for showing us the colours you use, and how you created those fabulous rocks at Kimmeridge - it is my current goal to use colours more loosely and let them blend on the paper - let go of control, and Ultramarine Blue with everything! Thank you so much for your generosity of spirit and teaching 👍😀

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Thanks Terri - the note book exercise will have been very worthwhile.

[@tmsouth1]

That's how I started out my watercolor 'journey'. I don't have nearly that many mixes yet. Days when I may feel too tired to paint I mix colors. It is so relaxing. I too have learned so much and am so glad I started out that way. I still have more work to do as I have gotten a few new colors.

[@ranjanagosavi4735]

Hey I did that too!

[@benkma]

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[@sinydedeugd6989]

I'm only 2/3 into this video and I've already said 'WOW' at least 30 times. I am now as in love with your way of explaining as many below. From now on I am a loyal fan! Thank you so much for sharing this with us Oliver! 😍

[@donnagoode6923]

This really is SO HELPFUL AND CONCISE! Other videos I've watched on mixing colors have left me confused and overwhelmed but this presents it in a very usable and comprehensible format. You are not only a gifted artist but a talented teacher. Thank you!

[@carolray3637]

I’ve said it before… SO happy to have found you, Ollie. You’re a top-notch artist - and teacher. Someone else said this before me, but thank you for your generous spirit. Cheers from British Columbia, Canada 🍁

[@mehrkhanwilliams401]

Great lesson. Do you have a book?

[@andrecardon2141]

An english painter who knows how to choose colors in link with his country. Really experienced teacher with clear diction and very good flow. UNDERSTEABLE. OUTRE MANCHE. Merci

[@susanyoung6632]

14:12 amazing that the one little puddle of paint transformed through all those colours and we are still in the original puddle of paint that we started with.

[@alexandramaxwell9656]

You are amazing artist and teacher. I am 91 years old I love to paint Its my hobby I still do. I took different painting classes none of the teachers took time to teach us how to mix colors.Thank you so much.

[@momma2cavalierssf]

This is amazing information- best color mixing demonstration I’ve seen so far. Thank you so much!!

[@LizHolmArt]

“That does not lead to better painting, it just leads to confusion” Brilliant!!

[@alatsaf]

Watching you mixing those color is like a meditation for me. How marvelous lesson. Thank you 😊

[@lauramartens5516]

Thank you! Best explanation of mixing colors I have ever seen. Very big help, thanks.

[@juliabehar4229]

Oh my goodness!!! What a GIFT this tutorial is. Thank you!! Now I just need to watch it and practice 2 million times:) I have been learning watercolor for for 9 months. Some in person classes and now online. This tutorial is exactly what I need. I came across your painting as I scrolled through utube looking for new inspiration and completely fell in love with your painting style. I wondered if I would ever learn the secrets that produced such breathtakingly soft, harmonious and light-filled paintings. This tutorial has opened that door to me and I am so grateful for your generosity. I am English so it doesn't hurt that your paintings depict scenes that are very dear to my heart but now I live in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado so learning how to mix my own colors is pivotal. I would also like to say to thank you for teaching in such a clear, complete, encouraging but realistic manner. Your humor is an added bonus. I look forward to much growth as I hop on to this massive learning curve. Thank you!

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Thanks for the kind and thoughtful comment Julia - and all the very best with your watercolour journey. The Rockies will make for wonderful subjects!

[@petegrady9905]

Oliver you have taught me concepts I didn’t know a was struggling with how to do. Especially color mixing!! Thank you Joyce

[@karengodbey8517]

Oliver, thank you!. I believe it's the first video that I've seen from your channel, ...and it is priceless! I began dabbling in watercolors about 3 months ago. The content in this video came at the perfect time for me in my journey. Thank you so much for showing your step by step technique, explanations and application. I just subscribed & liked, and will be recreating your charts today. I appreciate your skills in art and in teaching!

[@janicedigirolamo482]

I agree with all the glowing evaluations of your art and your teaching-what I love is your dry sense of humor-just heard you say-coffee tea? No, give me ultramarine. I laughed a while at this unexpected funny!! Thanks! I needed that.

[@judylarkin1978]

Oliver this was soo helpful! I have purchased so many paints! I love them for a week and then find them all so redundant! They go in the drawer because it gets way too confusing! Thanks for helping me to feel more confident about mixing my own colors! Thank you from Palm Beach Florida!

[@grahamthompson2022]

Possibly the best colour mixing video I have seen🙏

[@alexharbron]

I wouldn't descibe myself as a beginner, but there was something here for me too. The pre-mixed darks is genius; especially for quick plein air work, and the green mixes have got me stretching my colur palette for new recipies. Thank you for the inspiration Oliver.

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Cheers Alex - I find they're perfect for that point just before the wash dries and they're right at hand and ready to drop in before it's too late.

[@artdavisstudios]

Rewatched this and took notes. One thing about your videos that is so exceptional for me is that I can rewatch them after I've applied the techniques shown in my own work for a while and then the second watching reveals new insights. Great stuff!

[@bls924]

Wow! Thank you for this invaluable information! I learned so much about the simplicity of using just three primary colors to create beautiful harmony in a painting. I never realized how important swatching out colors can be. Seeing your video with the different gradations finally made me see the subtle, but important changes in color. A light bulb moment.

[@trishbale8243]

Thank you so much for a very detailed and very easy to understand video of mixing colours .If my art teacher at school had had half of that knowledge to pass on I may have been a lot better at art 😂Thank you again, I’m going to start mixing!

[@user-ms7mj5pj4o]

This has been the best tutorial to demystify colour mixing . I'm going to do the primary colour charts which will be very useful. Bless your Spirit . Jaz

[@jainetawton3852]

Thank you so much for this series of videos. I have been painting for a number of years but I was always disappointed by my muddy colours, now I know why! Your explanations of colour mixing have been a revelation and I am no longer confused about using the different colours. Now I can have harmony in my paintings and save myself a small fortune on buying pigments. Thank you!

[@TheArghnono]

Thank you for another excellent and useful video, Oliver. I am really looking forward to seeing your landscape tutorial next time!

[@leetau8429]

thankyou for sharing your knowledge, i have decided at 60yrs old to learn to draw and watercolour painting... i have approx a cup full of purple i made with white included lol. this video will save my pigments defs

[@dora_di]

I’ve watched so many watercolour tutorials, none of them come close to how you explain things. Thank you Olly 🙏🏻🌸

[@isabellepanaget2961]

Oliver, You are a really good teacher of watercolor paintings. I see all the work and all the way That I have to do ! Thank you for your help.

[@gailbryce5842]

As a beginner, I have found your tutorials so inspirational, and I am indeed learning so much, and understanding how watercolour works, and enjoying doing the exercises , thank you so much 😊

[@KuldaevaWatercolor]

Hi Oliver, Thank you for sharing essential knowledge on how to mix colors and how little we need to create a huge array of colors. It also shows how much care and respect you have for your students (us). Thank you for all the hard work you’ve put in to making this video!!

[@flourchylde]

WOW! Just WOW! This is the best waercolor tutorial I have ever watched. Thank you for sharing your talents with us.

[@merrillyndover9478]

Motivating and informative demonstration. Can't wait to begin practical application now. Thank you!

[@maryloueppard425]

Thank you so much, this has been such a clarifying instruction. I pray much favor for you and your family in the year to come. You have an excellent teaching gift. Sebastian, Florida/Ludington, Michigan

[@simon3030able]

Terrific, simple and illuminating. Thanks. I so love your colour palette, just so peaceful.

[@robynlittlejohn2106]

Thank you so much Oliver. Your videos are always very helpful and appreciated.

[@carolynchambers8716]

Wow...what a fantastic tutorial. I am so grateful to you. Thanks a million.

[@susanritchie9456]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge- your paintings are beautiful!!

[@philcaffrey]

Thanks Olly. Your channel suits me perfectly - the detail and careful explanation is brilliantly paced - too many other channels are a bit too superficial and quick - thank you so much.

[@oatesnaomi]

Every time I hear your voice I think Richard Madeley's teaching watercolour now 🙂 Thanks for the videos.

[@Barbara-ex3ge]

Many thanks for another inspirational video. I find you make the complex easy to understand - I really appreciate your generosity in sharing your knowledge.

[@catierobin346]

Thank you Oliver! Your tutorials are always full of useful information and insights into the unpredictable world of watercolor!

[@sookking]

Thank you very much! I learn a lot from this video, have to go over it again and make some notes and mix the primary colours as you demonstrate!

[@mariettamalone8160]

Thank you so much for all of your incredible videos and for your generosity in sharing your expertise! I can't think of another watercolor artist I have learnt so much from. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@chrispolette8443]

This is exactly what I needed! Thank you for your excellent teaching! I can’t wait to watch more of your videos! Your paintings are gorgeous!

[@micheledangelo9391]

You are a wonderful teacher! Thank you!

[@muireannin09]

You are just fabulous teacher! I’ll keep tuning in. 🙏

[@cviisualartstudio]

Hello Oliver, I am sending a "neutral" warm message from Australia. Thank you so much for sharing your palette and all your other wonderful tutorials! I just landed a surprise teaching job (drawing & watercolour) yet I hardly ever paint with watercolour. I am 63 years young and never taught before... so you are my teacher, before I can teach my students. Love your work!!!

[@margaretmorgan3693]

Excellent demonstration, thank you. I’m rather rusty as I haven’t done any watercolours for 25yrs so you have bridged the gap. I’m v great full.

[@marcusbuckner5582]

Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge. You prevent people from wasting time and resources: albeit everyone starts with 3 primary colors.........I think it's providential!!!!!!!

[@terrycasey51]

Incredibly useful, beautifully illustrated and explained! Thank you Olly!

[@paulbridgman3437]

Thank you Olly your an awesome teacher. Love the simplicity and your soothing voice sir. Much appreciated 🙏

[@julieta3036]

Thank you so much. The best on mixing watercolors.

[@mizninepatch]

Love your organized matrix approach- I'm having a great time making charts today!

[@Sherlock2022]

Thanks for taking the time to explain this, Oliver. Cuts through the confusion.

[@anamarie8]

Your artwork is beautiful.Thank you for your sensible approach with mixing colors and your amazing teaching videos.

[@karenbenson1537]

Thank you Olly! I had watched your “older” video where you showed your swatch cards but it was more in passing. This video was very informative. I’ll be making my swatch cards tomorrow.

[@lindathompson4787]

Thank you so much for producing such a comprehensible collection of colour mixes I feel so much better about getting to water colour now. I will have to watch this again and making notes Thanks again you are the best

[@JulSamoilo]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience!. This is so helpfull in understanding how mix colors. Thank you.

[@yunzers]

This is so helpful. Thanks so much! The painting of rocks and water is absolutely fantastic!

[@deniseb2571]

This is a Masterclass. Thank you!

[@lindacarstens2674]

This is the best I have ever seen as far as colour mixes concerned. Definitely going to do this

[@christinacasteel3198]

What an eyeopener! Thank you. This is without a doubt, the best color mixing tutorial I have watched. Truly a Masterclass. I greatly admire the 'style' you have developed for your painting and am using it as a guide to develop my own. I love the sense that they represent a 1930's date and time-sometime before the world went crazy. It has given me an awful lot pleasure on my own personal journey through watercolor. Again, thank you, Olly!

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

You're welcome - thanks Christina

[@wendylinsen3900]

Thanks Oliver. That was so useful and will save me a great deal in paint. Love your lessons

[@efdoucette]

A great video, the best explanation on mixing colors and techniques for improvement. Thanks for your time, pure gold.

[@pattyhall7162]

Thank you for sharing, love the way you teach!

[@kimbalfre3759]

Thank you! This is a wonderful comprehensive guide to watercolours including how to create colour reference sheets and mixing cool and warm colours.

[@nujsarisuta8748]

Love your colours palette, now I can understate how your colours are blending in together so well. Learn so much from this video and hope to get on with you landscape tutorials. Love love love it. Thank you🙏

[@andrecardon2141]

Really good teacher, so clear. I was visioning how to mix colors in a reasonable way and his exercice by primary colors range from warm to cool are unvaluable. Formidable . Merci

[@gillmundin6026]

This video is such a gem, thank you Olly for delivering so much information in a relaxed, engaging style. You’ve encouraged me to do the colour charts and I love the variations in the shades you can achieve. It’s like looking at light splitting from the surface of a CD! I’m looking forward to your next landscape tutorial, I admire your loose soft style and would love to recreate it in my own fashion.

[@liaclark2393]

great suggestions on keeping records on the mixes thank you 🖌 happy painting

[@stevehenrichs-musicandmoti7031]

A goldmine of information - thanks for sharing

[@DSmith-pc9jn]

Thanks so much. I have been painting for awhile but really enjoyed seeing your way of working.

[@jennytellier631]

Thank you for this tutorial and the invitation to be a bit freer with letting like colours mix together. Seeing how you use this in your own paintings was really helpful.

[@helenkim8395]

Lovely, lovely, lovely time I spend to watch your video. What’s a very useful lesson. Colour mixing is always in my mind but it’s never been clearer in my mind. I will do my own colour chat. Thank you so much.❤

[@jacquiewilliams5151]

Thank you. You explain colour variations and combinations so that it’s easy to understand. Helps take away the fear of messing up and just letting go

[@halinateller2665]

The best tutorial about mixing colors! Thank you!

[@ruthfulton2079]

Love your paintings. That a brilliant watercolour mixing tutorial. Thku for sharing.

[@TheMightyJennifer]

I've watched several lengthy videos on colors now and yours is my favorite. I learned so much from this and my own color charts! I've had the hardest time trying to mix nice colors for rocks and shores that are pretty together and this plus your video on washes blew my mind

[@topgatta]

So happy to have found your show. I live in Hawaii and am painting our mountains and trees now after watching your classes. Thank you!

[@suev1520]

Lightbulb moment..after 25 years of painting this was a eye opener for me and loved how you broke down the process without all the noise and confusion..thank you sooooo much 💕💕

[@pauline3379]

Great tutorial, thank you Oliver. And that seascape painting is beautifull 😍

[@Mimibryant0123]

I found you by accident and I’m so glad that I did. I am a beginning beginner and this video is very informative. Your soothing voice and great demonstrations make your video easy to watch. I subscribed based on this video and I look forward to watching more. I will also soon look for you on Patreon. Thank you

[@orawanmcauley2849]

it’s really as enjoyable to watch as is useful. Thank you 🙏

[@marelemoolman8736]

Most incredible teachings here. Thank you so much for sharing. It opened a new world to me

[@melissabrundrett7981]

Awesome Video!!! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and expertise!!! I appreciate you!!

[@joelleg1824]

Merci beaucoup Oliver, j'adore votre style et cette leçon était très riche en enseignements.

[@peggyherrmann7167]

Love this lesson!

[@01bmw325xi]

Thanks Oliver your tutorials are amazing your bringing out my artists eye. I'm finding all the answers answered

[@leslovesart]

This was excellent ,it’s jammed packed full of fantastic information on color mixing. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@adelamcgrew7135]

Hi, what an interesting way to explain color. Not complicated but just easy to see and get the knowledge. Awesome , thank you.

[@jirikir]

Thank you. I try to play with color mixes. It is fun for it's own.

[@kat6943]

Just brilliant!

[@1msfit]

I have now watched this all the way through and have even made notes. You are a very effective teacher. Thank you for all the time and work that you put into these tutorials. This series for beginners is excellent!

[@RANHEN1]

Your paintings struck me because of the beautiful colours. Now I know how to make them. Thanks!

[@shayfalch7216]

This is very helpful. I'm excited to see the color variations I'll discover now. This really opens up the possibilities. Thank you.