Create Your Own Unique Oil Painting Color Wheel

Create Your Own Unique Oil Painting Color Wheel

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Why a Customized Color Wheel is Important
3. The Munzel Color System
4. Materials Needed to Create a Color Wheel
5. Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Customized Color Wheel
6. Notating Colors on the Wheel
7. Placing Paints on the Color Wheel
8. Using the Color Wheel as a Painting Reference
9. Adding New Paints to the Color Wheel
10. Conclusion

Building a Customized Color Wheel for Easy Color Matching

Introduction:

Color theory is a fundamental aspect of painting, but applying it practically to match colors can be challenging, especially with store-bought color wheels. In this article, we will explore the importance of creating a customized color wheel and how it can help You easily match colors in your paintings. We will also discuss the Munzel color system, materials needed to create a color wheel, step-by-step instructions, notating colors, utilizing the color wheel, and adding new paints to the Chart.

Why a Customized Color Wheel is Important:

While store-bought color wheels can teach you color theory, they often fail to Show how to practically Apply it to the specific paints you have. By creating your own customized color wheel, you can accurately plot your paints and easily reference them when trying to match colors. This personalized approach eliminates confusion and ensures that you can achieve the desired color without spending excessive time learning color theory.

The Munzel Color System:

The Munzel color system is ideal for creating a customized color wheel. It takes into account the properties of color, such as hue, chroma, and value, and assigns each color a number. This system makes it easy to plot your paints and locate specific colors on your color wheel. If you use Gamblin paints, they already have their colors notated with this system. However, even if you have different paint brands, there are resources available to match them with the Munzel color system's notation.

Materials Needed to Create a Color Wheel:

To create your customized color wheel, you will need a foam Core board, neutral gray acrylic paint, oil paints, a Pencil, a ruler, and a knife. Foam core boards are lightweight and easy to cut, making them an ideal choice for this project. The neutral gray acrylic paint serves as the perfect background for any color, ensuring it doesn't interfere with color judgment.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Customized Color Wheel:

1. Cut the foam core board into an 18-inch square and find the center.
2. Paint both sides of the board with the neutral gray acrylic paint.
3. Measure eight inches from the center and mark it all around to create concentric circles.
4. Divide each quadrant of the wheel into five sections, creating reference points.
5. Draw lines from the reference points to the opposite edge of the outer circle.
6. Notate each point around the outer edge of the color wheel with the Munzel color notation.
7. Assign each concentric circle a number from 2 to 16, indicating saturation.

Notating Colors on the Wheel:

Using the Munzel color system, notate each tube of paint on the color wheel according to its hue, chroma, and value. This process involves identifying the properties of each color and placing small circles with text on the wheel to indicate the corresponding paint color. It is important to use a clean brush for each circle of paint, ensuring the purity of the color.

Placing Paints on the Color Wheel:

After notating the colors, it's time to place them on the color wheel. Use the Munzel numbers to identify where each paint tube should be placed Based on its hue, chroma, and value. It is recommended to apply the paints on the wheel as thick as possible, especially for transparent or semi-transparent colors. Allow the paint circles to dry, and if desired, add a small dab of varnish to restore the luster of the paints.

Using the Color Wheel as a Painting Reference:

Once your color wheel is complete, hang it on the wall in your Studio and utilize it as a painting reference. You can easily match colors by referring to the chart and identifying the hues, chroma, and value of the desired color. The color wheel becomes an invaluable tool in achieving accurate color matching in your paintings.

Adding New Paints to the Color Wheel:

As you acquire new tubes of paint, add them to your color wheel to expand its utility. Simply notate the new paint according to the Munzel color system and place it on the chart in the corresponding position. This ensures that your color wheel remains up to date and continues to serve as a reliable reference for your painting needs.

Conclusion:

Creating a customized color wheel is a worthwhile endeavor for any artist. It provides a practical and personalized approach to color matching, saving you time and frustration. By following the step-by-step guide and utilizing the Munzel color system, you can easily plot your paints and reference them accurately. Incorporating the color wheel into your painting process will enhance your artistic capabilities and enable you to achieve the desired colors in your artwork.