COLOUR MIXING SECRETS OF FAMOUS ARTISTS
Studying the colour mixing secrets of famous artists can provide valuable insights for aspiring artists. However, it’s important to remember that each artist’s approach was highly personal and evolved over time during their careers. Aspiring artists can take inspiration from these techniques while also gradually developing their own unique style and methods of colour mixing.
COLOUR MIXING SECRETS OF ANDRE DERAIN
FAUVISM
Whereas the Impressionists used representational and more realistic colours in their painting, the Fauvists used strong colours and painterly qualities.
The Fauvists were a revolutionary group of artists in the early 20th century. They defied conventional artistic norms and sought to liberate colour from its representational role. The movement was led by painters like Henri Matisse and André Derain. Fauvism emerged as a bold departure from the more subdued palettes of the time. Fauvist artists celebrated the sheer expressive power of colour, employing intense and non-representational hues to evoke emotion and sensation. Their works were characterized by vibrant brushwork and a disregard for realistic colours. They aimed to convey a raw, unfiltered experience of the world. Fauvism’s audacious use of colour paved the way for later art movements and left an indelible mark on the trajectory of modern art.
For an essay on Fauvism from the Metropolitan Museum of Art please CLICK HERE
Please also see my blog post on Colour Mixing for Artists and Aspiring Artists. CLICK HERE.
LEFT: Mountains at Collioure by Andre Derain
COLOUR MIXING SECRETS OF VINCENT VAN GOGH
IMPASTO TECHNIQUE
Vincent Van Gogh used what is now called the Impasto Technique. This means that the paint is thickly applied on a surface so that the brush or knife marks are very clear. Van Gogh was creating textured and highly expressive works. He often used complementary colours to create vibrancy and contrast.
For more information on Impasto Techniques from Old Holland paints please CLICK HERE
RIGHT: Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh
COLOUR MIXING SECRETS OF CLAUDE MONET
COLOUR IN SHADOWS
Monet’s created several series of paintings of the same subject. Theses included his Water Lilies and Haystacks which showcase his mastery of colour. Monet observed that shadows were not simply grey but were filled with myriad colours. He used this insight to infuse his works with a sense of light and atmosphere.
LEFT: Haystacks by Claude Monet
COLOUR MIXING SECRETS OF FAMOUS ARTISTS
I hope that you are feeling inspired by looking at some of these colour mixing secrets of several of the world’s most famous artists. Every artist wants to develop their own unique style but looking at these artists can be a springboard from which you can move forward in your own special way.
COLOUR MIXING SECRETS OF JMW TURNER
DRAMATIC SKIES
Turner was a master of capturing the drama of skies and natural phenomena. He often used bold and unconventional colour choices to create a sense of awe and intensity in his landscapes. The way he has mixed the luminous bright yellow with the soft ochre yellows makes the bright yellow punch with drama. The dramatic effect is increased with his use of complementary purple.
For more information on Colour Mixing for Artists please see my Blog post CLICK HERE
RIGHT: Chichester Canal by JMW Turner
JACKSON POLLOCK
ACTION PAINTING
Pollock’s unique approach involved dripping, pouring, and splattering paint onto the canvas. His use of colour and energy in his “drip paintings” allowed for spontaneous and emotional expression.
MARK ROTHKO
COLOUR FIELD PAINTING
Rothko’s large, abstract colour field paintings are famous for their emotional impact. He used flat blocks of colour to evoke deep emotional responses in viewers. On close inspection you can see that these blocks of colour are not flat but are more complex than they at first appear.
LEONARDO DA VINCI
SFUMATO TECHNIQUE
Leonardo da Vinci is known for his use of sfumato, a subtle blending of colours and tones. He achieved this effect by applying multiple thin layers of translucent paint, creating soft transitions between colours.
ABOVE: Madonna of the Carnation by Leonardo da Vinci
REMBRANDT
CHIAROSCURO
Rembrandt’s use of chiaroscuro, the dramatic contrast between light and dark, was groundbreaking. His careful mixing of warm and cool tones created depth and realism in his portraits.
LEFT: Portrait of an Older man by Rembrandt
PABLO PICASSO
ANALYTIC CUBISM
In his Cubist works, Picasso deconstructed objects and used a limited colour palette to emphasize form and structure. He often used earthy tones and muted colors to create depth.
GEORGIA O'KEEFE
INTENSE COLOUR IN NATURE
O’Keeffe is known for her close-up, highly detailed paintings of flowers and natural forms. She used bold, intense colours to magnify the beauty and subtleties of her subjects.
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