This Simple Color Theory Always Works

Check out my Free Line and Color Quick Start Guide: www.thedrawingcodex.com/quick... You will learn how to develop a simple reliable process in photoshop. You also get all the brushes and PSDs that I use in the guide (the same ones I use for most of my illustrations).
Let's talk about some simple colour plans you can easily apply! These are ideas that have always worked for me.
Below is an Automagically generated summary to help understand the video and aid search optimisation: (I think it does a pretty good job of summing things up, despite sounding a bit generic)
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Mastering color in art can be daunting, but starting with a simple color scheme is a great way to avoid frustration. In this video, I share a straightforward approach to planning and applying colors that has consistently worked for me, keeping it basic to ensure you can apply these principles in your artwork.
The essence of this method is to first identify any necessary colors based on your scene or key elements, like a character's costume or the environment's natural hues. This foundational step helps establish a logical starting point for your color scheme.
From there, choose between two basic color schemes:
Complementary Color Scheme: Select colors opposite each other on the color wheel for a vibrant yet harmonious look.
Analogous Color Scheme: Use colors next to each other on the color wheel for a more subdued, cohesive appearance.
This approach simplifies the decision-making process, guiding you to either amplify vibrancy or maintain harmony in your artwork. Additionally, consider whether your image truly benefits from multiple vibrant colors. Often, less is more, and a limited palette can lead to a more impactful and cohesive piece.
In practical terms, start with the dominant color of your setting or significant element and build your scheme around it. Whether opting for complementary colors for pop or analogous hues for harmony, simplicity in your color choices can lead to sophisticated outcomes.
I also share some examples from my own work. And show how adhering to these simple plans-whether in a desert scene or a forest backdrop-can result in effective and appealing color compositions. It's about making informed choices that serve your artistic vision, without overcomplicating the process.
Remember, the goal is not to restrict creativity but to channel it more effectively through a well-considered color strategy. By focusing on what's essential and applying these basic color schemes, you can enhance your art's emotional impact and visual coherence.
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Happy Drawing!
Tim Mcburnie
Learn Drawing and Illustration from me: www.thedrawingcodex.com
Portfolio: www.timmcburnie.com
www.artstation.com/tim-mcburnie
timmcburnie
timmcburnie

[@Fushione]

I have been watching your videos for a month now, the way your cover and explain these concepts allowed me to unlock things that I previously struggle with for a loooong time. Man I’m so grateful for the content you put out ! Thank you so much Tim !

[@TinRoofVintage]

Wow, what an impact that a minimal amount of color can have! I've always loved the sepia monochromatic color palettes but never knew the color theory behind it. Thank you so much, your work is breathtaking! ❤

[@Silverseptember27]

I’ve been binge watching your videos the last few weeks and not only are your videos relaxing to draw along to, but I’ve learned so much! I hope you keep making awesome content cause I don’t know what I’d do without your channel as my art ritual now!

[@AraceliRamirez-od6sp]

I painted my whole house with these 3 colors, much better than backpaint.

[@shrug_shrugsly]

The more I learn about color theory, the more I marvel how I got anything done before. And the more I understand why I didn’t understand people who could arrange flowers or do interior design. And most especially, I had no idea the VITAL role it plays in video and photo production. I know. Writing that now, I’m embarrassed I’ll be read and judged. But it’s true and I’m so glad for these videos that rapidly correct what I’ve spent years crumpling and scratching.

[@indal6043]

No, I don't think it's that strange. I have never understood why flower arrangement and interior design worked, but WOW DO THEY WORK.... Art is always like this: it seems easy when done right, and it's so so difficult to get to that point 😂😂😂

[@nathanwooler8047]

that vibrancy you talk about makes me think about music. two notes might sound weird together but as soon as you add in that "magical" third note and everyone is lining up to buy your album!

[@barnabart_]

I'm a senior year student in comics in belgium and your videos are always awesome. It's always useful !

[@tomjames9681]

I love your use of colour in particular, so this video was great!

[@Awdhah-]

This made so much sense to me. Use what is simple! Thank you.

[@Rebecca0010]

I appreciate your expert perspective. It helps me grasp the concepts better for my program.

[@YassineCherifi]

Man your videos are so amazing and easy to follow. Thank you so much for all the info 🙏

[@BreezyDefrag]

I feel the description was a bit hard to follow a bit. There was a lot of, 'It just is' kind of mentality. lol One thing that I might suggest to help, maybe explain it with the textures of the image in mind, because I have tried to implement color stuff, using fancy color wheels and what not, but it never really seems to work. So maybe diving bit deeper in the understanding of how to use these colors with a color temperature and texture might really help me understand it a bit. Because I look at your images, which are great, and I think to all the times I have done coloring, which is not often due to my struggle with it. and using the same color scheme you use I still don't get anywhere near the results I'm trying to get. Color is one of my biggest cruxes with art... and every time I finish an image and then think to add color I am struck with intense anxiety because the things I have attempted to color in the past... fell apart SOOO fast... And this was back before I learned how to use Layers... so many of deleted art pieces...

[@erik.decampos]

Gratitude for this class

[@mr.babichslessons7279]

Tim, I was just gifted a membership into the drawing codex! I can’t wait to get started.

[@Eurayo]

Much appreciated! Beautiful work!

[@LleannaBrinsmade]

Awesome color wheel with the grayed colors!

[@getozart2859]

You are the best! Thank you so much.

[@Chinornor]

Nice video. Honestly this is one part of painting I have been struggling with.

[@ArcaneCluster]

Thanks for another awesome video!! My son & I both enjoy your videos! :D

[@rezaafsharr]

Love your work!

[@mngkyouGoD]

Awesomeness sir

[@alexanderfox-robinson4910]

Awesome info man.

[@theodorelowry8601]

very helpful, thanks

[@ojotlacuilo8521]

Thank you!

[@angelivanyashnunez5361]

So good, My friend!

[@goldrine3108]

Amazing video ❤

[@cedricadougba324]

Thanks, GOD bless you.

[@smittie173]

I love your tutorials and your art talks. It contains so much useful information that I can use. I have a question how do you deal with stagnation in art, where it seems you are not improving in spite of all the exercises/ practices done and just getting frustrated with it all.

[@ibrahimmahadfarah7510]

good advice

[@LoganIronwolf]

Great explanation of how simple it can be. Thank you for sharing your expertise!

[@BlakcSheep6342]

Finally, a new video 😀. Love English accents with art studies

[@darkchild130]

This dude isn't English.

[@mengyong5666]

Thank you so much for the Video Tim! 😃 really informative and clear, I think I will have to get one of the color wheels for myself haha. I do have one questions relating to the colour scheme you had for the forest scene at 21:24, what if the character design were to have the cape in red, but you still want the focus to be on the dragons, would you desaturate the red so it has less focus? What would your approach be then?

[@mateoayala9569]

I hope you do a video on how pink and olive work as a palette.

[@vicenteisaisantoscolli2715]

Subscribed!

[@bwGRM]

Just what I needed I could sketch all I want but can't follow solid color plan

[@SJQuirke]

This colour business is sorely lacking in my painting - so I appreciate your input so much - thank you

[@goatplague344]

Wow, these are great tips! I always had issues with color but now it seems less daunting after your explanation

[@KoshNaranick]

what drawing pen display is that you are using? Iam thinking of gettign one and its down to two.. thanks for the video...

[@fishfish7985]

Colours really screw with me when im trying draw from photos its always so much greyer than i think

[@robcil.creative]

Hello. Where did you buy the color wheel? Thank you

[@f-gikyo4170]

the woman drawing is so cool

[@the_jolly_bunny]

When Can I get that color wheel?

[@EvolvedSungod]

I cant seem to find a color wheel like that

[@Rotceev]

When you said "do you even need a color?" it immidiately struck me. Some composer when they compose a symphony they don't know yet which part will be played by horns, tubes, or some fancy instruments. They set every melody to be played by strings(or a piano). (a musical equivalent of using monochrome) and then they "add color" by checking out if an arranging this or that music part to be played by horns or whatever. So, start minimalistically. LIke first movies by Scorsese or Darren Aronofsky. No color. Focus Light and shadow. Then MAYBE add color. One color? Two colors? I'll reverse the saying: Limit is your imagination. (not: imagination is your limit)

[@MichelleRubioarriaga]

My walls were so bland before but now they sing!

[@bozoclown2098]

Any blank wheel exisr

[@vai_samy]

I have the theory, but I have a extremely difficult in applying this in a illustration.

[@RatPerson-vy8vi]

3:00

[@user-yb7rz6bg3f]

Why KZbin does not notified me of your videos i even turned on

[@TheCAWYRO]

Cool accent, Its like 90% Aussie, 10% American

[@celineqoujaq2175]

303

[@DreamiMusho]

Can you do a centar, Wolves, Ghosts and how to draw witches tutorial I love the tutorials can they be step-by-step ❤🎉

[@wasGxX]

Please, subtitule in spanish your work.

[@matyhoppus4842]

don't take this the wrong way but, please, learn english, it's not that hard and it's very useful. Te lo dice un latino que aprendió inglés viendo south park

[@wasGxX]

@@matyhoppus4842 Que uses google translator para escribir no hace que sepas ingles, vos pensas que pedir que abran su trabajo a una audiencia mas grande es solo por mi comodidad? Por favor, aprende a abrir tu mente, te lo dice alguien que aprendió viendo todo lo que existe en múltiples lenguajes en el mundo. Suerte con esa búsqueda de sabiduría. Menos soberbia cachorro.

[@edm2189]

Pinocchio was white…end of

[@TentacleShark]

pff, my method is much simpler: - draw whatever - create new layer from visible - adjust hue/saturation - profit

[@greenc1088]

This guy talks a lot and says so little, bad educator.

[@kklowd]

To save your time he just says look at this green forest. What color should a forest be? Green. Grass? Green. I'm pretty sure this is not a real human. This guy is AI generated