Master Vibrant Colors in Oil Painting

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Materials and Colors Used
3. Setting Up the Painting
4. Mapping Out the Subject
5. Blocking in the Darks
6. Massing in the Lights
7. Painting the Background
8. Working on the Shadows
9. Adding Highlights
10. Refining the Values and Colors
11. Working on the Glass Bowl
12. Final Touches and Details
13. Conclusion

Introduction

Welcome back, everyone! In this video, I'm going to Show You how to achieve vibrant colors in your paintings. I will be completing an alla prima oil painting of bright orange tangerines using a range of colors by Michael Harding. In this tutorial, I will discuss a key principle for achieving realistic and vibrant colors known as broken color. So let's dive in and see how we can bring these tangerines to life!

Materials and Colors Used

To start off, let's go over the materials and colors I'll be using for this painting. I will be using titanium white, cadmium lemon, cadmium yellow, yellow ochre, cadmium red, alizarin crimson, transparent oxide red, viridian, and ultramarine Blue, all by Michael Harding. These colors will provide a vibrant and rich palette for our tangerines. Make sure you have these colors ready before we begin.

Setting Up the Painting

Before we jump into the painting process, let's first set up the canvas. I recommend using a warm ground made with transparent oxide red and ultramarine mixed with solvent. This warm base will enhance the overall vibrancy of our colors and Create a harmonious foundation for our tangerines. Take your time to Apply the ground evenly across the canvas and let it dry before moving on to the next steps.

Mapping Out the Subject

Now that our canvas is prepared, we can start mapping out the subject. I will be using a small soft-head brush and some transparent oxide red to sketch out the basic shapes of the tangerines. Rather than drawing each individual tangerine or detailing the glass bowl, we want to focus on capturing the light and dark shapes of the subject. This will create a visual impression that emphasizes the form and overall composition of the tangerines. Take your time to accurately place the top, bottom, and sides of the tangerines, as well as the main areas of light and dark.

Blocking in the Darks

With the basic shapes mapped out, it's time to block in the dark areas. I recommend using a larger brush and mixing a warm dark color using transparent oxide red and ultramarine blue. Use this color to mass in all the dark areas of the tangerines with an even tone. This will establish the overall light and dark pattern of the painting. After applying the darks, gently wipe over them to even them out and remove any visible brush marks. This will create a smoother and more consistent base for the rest of the colors.

Massing in the Lights

Once the dark areas are blocked in, we can move on to massing in the light areas. Start with the brightest and most intense color you see on the tangerines. In this case, it will be a warm orange made with cadmium yellow and cadmium red. However, be mindful that this color might be too intense on its own. To balance it out, add a touch of ultramarine blue to slightly neutralize it. Once you're happy with the color, use it to block in the rest of the tangerines. We want to capture the bright and vibrant nature of the oranges, so don't be afraid to be bold with the color.

Painting the Background

Now that the tangerines are taking Shape, let's move on to painting the background. I see the background as a neutral gray-violet color, so I will be using a mixture of ultramarine blue, titanium white, alizarin crimson, and transparent oxide red to achieve this. Start by placing this background color next to the edges of the topmost tangerine and the tangerine in the foreground. These are the two most prominent edges in the painting and will create a strong contrast with the vibrant oranges. As you apply the background color, Notice how the blue-gray-violet appears even more intense when placed next to the bright orange. This contrast will add depth and visual interest to the overall composition.

Working on the Shadows

With the background in place, we can now focus on the shadows. Mix a darker version of the violet background color for the cast shadow behind the bowl. This shadow will be warmer, containing more red. Additionally, mix a color that falls between the cast shadow and the original background color to create a gradation in the background. This gradation should move from the lightest part in the middle, just above the tangerines, towards both the left and the right, where it gets darker. Pay Attention to the subtle shift in color as well, transitioning from a more blue-gray violet to a warmer color with more red as it gets darker. This variation in the background will add depth and nuance to the overall composition.

Adding Highlights

Now it's time to add the highlights to the tangerines. These are the areas where the light hits the oranges and creates a bright, almost glowing effect. I see the highlights as having a pink color, so I will mix titanium white and cadmium red to achieve this. Carefully apply the highlights to the tangerines, keeping in mind their placement in relation to the light source. The highlights will add a Sense of dimension and realism to the oranges, making them appear more 3-dimensional.

Refining the Values and Colors

With the main elements of the painting in place, it's time to refine the values and colors. Look for smaller color notes within each value to add variation and complexity to the tangerines. The goal is to create a sense of vibrancy and lifelikeness by using multiple colors within each value. Mix warm and cool versions of the colors for both the shadows and the mid-tones between the lights and shadows. Don't be afraid to experiment with different colors and combinations to achieve the desired effect. Remember to maintain the tonal value of each color note to ensure a Cohesive and visually appealing result.

Working on the Glass Bowl

Now that we have perfected the tangerines, we can turn our attention to the glass bowl. Mix a light pink highlight color for the brightest areas just under the rim of the bowl. This highlight should have a subtle color variation to maintain a realistic representation of the glass. Additionally, mix a green highlight color using viridian and titanium white for the reflection on the bowl. Apply this green carefully, ensuring it enhances the overall composition without detracting from the main focus points.

Final Touches and Details

As we near completion, it's time to add the final touches and details. Pay attention to subtle details such as refractions in the glass and reflected light within the shadowed areas between the tangerines. These details will add a sense of depth and realism to the overall composition. Be mindful not to overcrowd the painting with unnecessary details. Keep the focus on the main elements, such as the tangerines and the glass bowl.

Conclusion

In conclusion, capturing vibrant colors in your paintings requires careful observation and strategic use of color. The technique of broken color, which involves placing multiple colors within each value, is a powerful tool to create lifelike and dynamic artworks. Remember to keep the values simple and experiment with color variations to achieve the desired effect. With practice and experimentation, you will be able to achieve vibrant and realistic colors in your own paintings. Happy painting!

FAQs:

Q: What is broken color? A: Broken color is a technique in painting where multiple colors are placed within each value or tone, creating a sense of vibrancy and realism in the artwork. This technique is particularly effective for capturing the complexity and variety of colors found in natural subjects.

Q: How do I maintain clean colors on my palette? A: To maintain clean colors on your palette, make sure to regularly clean it during your painting session. Scraping off mixed colors and wiping the palette clean will prevent colors from getting muddy and mixing together. This will ensure that your colors remain vibrant and true to their original hue.

Q: What should I focus on when painting glass? A: When painting glass, pay attention to the reflections, refractions, and transparency. Capture the highlights and shadows on the glass surface to create a sense of depth and three-dimensionality. Additionally, observe the colors and shapes that are reflected within the glass to add realism and interest to the painting.