Let’s Paint! A Fun Exercise in Mixing Colours

For the month of March, fellow artists Zoraida Anaya, Lisa Fox and I launched our exhibition titled My World, Our World at the Smith Zone Gallery of Lakeshore Arts. The exhibition was part of the Women’s Art Project artist collective, a multidisciplinary and diverse group of women artists. To close the exhibition we were invited to the gallery’s special edition of Open Studio as their guests. An open studio is an event that offers art creators and enthusiasts a fun and supporting environment to discuss and create art. Lakeshore Arts hosts such an event every Friday (unless otherwise noted), from 12-4pm. If you haven’t been to an open studio and are looking for a little inspiration, I highly recommend checking out Lakeshore Arts!

In the session I decided to do an exercise of mixing colours directly on the canvas and thought to share with you my process. In my last post I mentioned that I like to create my palette by mixing the primary base colours of red, yellow and blue. If you want to build your technique in mixing colours then I recommend doing this exercise. If not, then try it anyway just for fun! This exercise will help you:

  • create greater colour-harmony and balance in your painting
  • think about composition
  • learn how to use warm and cool colours effectively to create contrast
  • become familiar with working with your paint medium, giving you greater control

I used inks because they’re fluid and easy to blend making them ideal for this exercise. However you can use any paint medium such as acrylics, watercolours, oils etc… In fact, I repeat this exercise using different mediums to build strength in working with them. Now with that said, let’s paint!

What you need:

  • A red, yellow and blue based paint, black and white (Ink, or soft-bodied acrylic paint)
  • Brushes: If using acrylic paints a round soft bristle synthetic brush will work. For inks, a natural bristle calligraphy brush, bamboo or Chinese ink brush will work best.
  • Cold-pressed paper, canvas or canvas board
  • Water container for rinsing brushes and re-wetting paint
  • Paper towels for wiping excess paint off brush if needed

Note: If using heavy-bodied (thick) acrylic paints, you will need 5 small containers (one for each colour) to thin out your paint with a little water.

Since we are actually mixing the colours directly on the paper or canvas, we will not need to pre-mix the colours on a paint palette.

For this exercise I'm using Daler and Rowney Acrylic Artist's Ink: Process Magenta, Process Yellow, Prussian Blue (Hue), Black and White.

For this exercise I’m using Daler and Rowney Acrylic Artist’s Ink: Process Magenta, Process Yellow, Prussian Blue (Hue), Black and White.

Step 1
Starting with the colour, drip the blue ink/paint directly on the paper or canvas. Then drip white ink/paint over the blue.

134310-B

A view on the side so you can see how think the ink is.

A view on the side so you can see how thin the ink is.

Step 2
While the ink/paint is still wet, with the tip of the brush start to slowly “swirl” the white ink/paint into the blue in various directions. Afterwards add drips of red and start to “swirl” that into the blue. You can also drip a little more white. As you start to swirl red into blue, you may begin to notice various shades of purples. With the additional white you will get various tints of blues and pinks.

This exercise requires a light touch with the brush. Therefore, don’t over mix the colours. Work with the tip of the brush and loosely swirl one colour into the other. During this process you want to pay attention to how the primary colours mix to create other colours on the paper/canvas.

Red and blue mixed together will create, which the secondary colour. Notice when white is added light blues, purples and pinks are created? These lighter shades are called tints.

Red and blue mixed together will create purple, which is a secondary colour. Notice when white is added light blues, purples and pinks are created? These lighter shades are called tints.

Step 3
While the ink/paint is still wet start to drip in yellow and begin to swirl the colour into the red and blue. Depending on where you place the yellow, you should begin to see green or orange form. Yellow and blue will create green, while yellow and red will create orange.

At this point the ink/paint may begin to dry. You can keep adding drips of red then yellow, then blue in stages, slowly swirling them together to create as many colours as you can. Adding in drips of white will give you a lighter/tint of a colour. You can also add drips of black, to get a darker/shade of a colour. Black will also create contrast. You can also swirl black with white to create shades of grey. Pay attention to how the various colours are created. Also notice the how light and dark colours lay next to each other. Continue building up the layers until you’re satisfied with the result.

Notice how the primary colours; red, yellow and blue are mixed together to create the other colours.

Notice how the primary colours; red, yellow and blue are mixed together to create the other colours.

Final result
At the end of this exercise, I usually ask myself:

  • How many colours was I able to create by doing this exercise?
  • Do the dark and light colours create contrast?
  • Is there balance in the shapes of the swirls?

There are no definitive answers to these questions. They are only guidelines to help me think about colour harmony, balance and composition.

I recommend doing this exercise numerous times until you are comfortable with blending and mixing colours. This exercise will not only build your technique as a painter but you’ll get a different result each time.

Enjoy!

Learning how to mix the primary colours will help you understand colour harmony, balance and composition. It will also help you use warm and cool colours effectively to achieve contrast.

Lakeshore Arts Open Studio Special Edition Featuring WAP, Apr 1, 2016

Meet fellow artist Lisa Fox and myself at Lakeshore Arts, this Friday, April 1st between 1-4pm.

As our Women’s Art Project (WAP) exhibition, My World, Our World winds down, we will be Lakeshore Arts special guests at their Open Studio event. Hosted by the gallery every Friday, between 1-4, Open Studio offers art creators and enthusiasts alike to discuss and create art in a fun and supporting environment.

So drop-in and let’s chat!

Lakeshore Arts
2422 Lakeshore Blvd, West, Toronto, ON
416-201-7093

The Art Connection

Whenever I show my work often times I’m often asked “where do you draw your inspiration from?”. My prepared response is usually nature, music or family. The interaction rarely lasts for more than a few minutes and typically the person asking the question comes away feeling satisfied – Or that’s my assumption. However over the years, I’ve found myself asking “did I really connect with the viewer?”. (more…)

My World, Our World – Lakeshore Arts Exhibition, Mar 1-Apr 2, 2016

My World, Our World, Mar 2016

My World, Our World, Mar 2016Women’s Art Project is pleased to present:

My World, Our World
A multidisciplinary art exhibition by
Lisa Fox, Michelle Montague, Zoraida Anaya

Please join us:
Reception: Thursday, March 3, 2016, 6 PM – 8:30 PM
Lakeshore Arts, 2422 Lakeshore Blvd, West, Toronto, ON

Lisa Fox, Michelle Montague, and Zoraida Anaya are members of Women’s Art Project, a multidisciplinary and diverse group of women artists. The artistic intentions of these women intersect in the creation of the imagined worlds they portray through their work. Through their practice, they use different media to draw the viewer into these invented worlds.

Lisa creates images depicting a fictitious world that is both intimate and dreamy. With her photography, she invites the viewer to transition between what is real and what is fantasy. Michelle’s paintings and style transport the observer from the real world into the realm she creates through her use of organic shapes and lines depicting an entirely different universe. Zoraida’s collages allow the viewer to escape the harshness of reality. She tries to achieve this with work that focuses on color, shape and movement.

The exhibition will be on display at Lakeshore Arts from March 1 to April 2.

New Works Posted

Works from the “Explorations“(The Paper Mill Gallery) and “A Matter of Expression” (Gallery 1313) exhibitions are now posted to the Sanctum painting series.

Explorations at The Paper Mill Gallery, March 19-30, 2015

ExplorationsPaperMillGalleryMy works will be in the “Explorations” group show at The Paper Mill Gallery. Curated by Rupert Young, the exhibition features the works of 10 contemporary artists in a variety of media. The exhibit runs March 19-30.

The Paper Mill Gallery is located on the Todmorden Mills Heritage Site in Toronto. The museum features several art exhibitions and theatrical productions throughout the year.

Exhibition: Thursday, March 19, to Monday, March 30, 2015
Opening Reception: Thursday, March 19, 2015, 6-9pm

The Paper Mill Gallery
67 Pottery Road,
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Todmorden Mills

For more information about the exhibit contact: (416) 821-7073

Upcoming Exhibition at Gallery 1313, March 18-29, 2015

Montague evite1_MatterofExpressionMar2015In “A Matter of Expression” cell-like organisms alternate between growth and decay and, light and shade. They guide the viewer through an exploration of nature, life energy, and rejuvenation. Using crochet, acrylic and oil sticks, Michelle explores interlocking gestural lines and the arrangement of shapes and colours. These elements serve as metaphors of our oneness with Nature.

Gallery 1313
1313 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 1-6pm
Reception: Wednesday, March 18, 7 pm

Click here for more information about Gallery 1313

 

 

 

 

 

 

NTGA – Fine Art Show and Sale, Nov 13-15, 2014

2014 Ad Card FINAL - Sept 24(1)

If you’re looking for a special holiday gift for a loved one, check out the 2014 Fine Arts Show & Sale at the Blessed Sacrament Church. I will be participating in the exhibition along with other members of the North Toronto Group of Artists. Please join us!

Where:
Blessed Sacrament Church
24 Cheritan Ave. (@ Yonge St.)
Toronto, ON

Reception:
Thursday Nov 13, 6:00pm – 9:00pm

Hours:
Friday Nov 14, 12:00pm – 8:00pm
Saturday Nov 15, 10:00am – 3:30pm

 

Days of Summer Members Exhibit at Gallery 1313, Aug 20-31, 2014

DaysofSummer_Aug2014Gallery 1313
August 20-31, 2014
1313 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON

Reception Thursday August 28, 7-10pm
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 1-6pm

I will be participating in the “Days of Summer” members exhibit at Gallery 1313 starting Wednesday, August 20. Every year the gallery holds at least one members group exhibition, showcasing their latest work. This year’s exhibition will include the work of over twenty talented artists in a variety of media. Check it out!

 

Summer Art Showcase, June 26 – July 1, Montreal

Thanks to everyone who showed their support for us at the Montreal Art Centre.  It’s been a tremendous experience and I hope to be exhibiting there again soon. Works from the exhibition will be posted to the painting gallery soon. Below are some photos of just after set-up.

Take care!

Upcoming Summer Art Showcase, June 26 – July 1, Montreal

If you’re going to Montreal for the Jazz Festival, stop by the Montreal Art Centre and check out the Summer Art Showcase. Curated by Rupert Young, my works will be exhibited along side the works of fellow contemporary artists; Mike Sillers, Rhonda Nolan, Kate Taylor, Ila Kellerman and Nishma Gopaul. Exhibition runs from June 26 to July 1, 2014.

Opening Reception:
Thursday, June 26, 2014, 7-9pm

Le Canal Gallery
Montreal Art Centre1844, rue William, H3J 1R5
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
www.montrealartcenter.com

For more information contact: (416) 821-7073

Summer Art Showcase

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sanctum at Gallery 1313

The exhibition of my latest series of works, titled “Sanctum” kicked off on Wednesday, April 16th in the Cell Gallery at Gallery 1313. Thursday night the gallery held a joint opening reception for fellow artists, Paul Brandjes, Milena Roglic and myself. The show is open until April 27th, so be sure to check it out. Below are some pics of my works (taken after installation) and the reception.

Gallery 1313
Hours and location
Wednesday – Sunday, 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
1313 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON
Phone: 416-536-6778