Part 3, Project 2 Exercise: Mixing Greens 2

Exercise Mixing Greens 2 - Page 1

I found the instructions for this exercise far more straightforward! Although I can really see the value of this particular exercise in demonstrating how the layering of colours worked I have to admit I was a little disappointed that this approach did not seem to give particularly well mixed tones - or a range of different hues. Despite being layered one over another the colours did not blend particularly well. I think to summarise page 1 - I was happy with the mixed boxes, yet the rest did not leave me with a range to work with.

Exercise Mixing Greens 2 Page 2

An early lesson learned here with page 2. I decide to move from working on my 300gm "expensive" paper as there is not much left in the pad to my 130 gsm pad. The way the paint went onto the paper and was immediately absorbed had a detrimental effect on the outcome of these experiments in my opinion. Frustrating the paint was absorbed into the paper, making the wet sample difficult, yet took forever to dry! I persevered through four different colour combinations then gave up and reverted back to the better quality paper. I think from this I have learned that I am going to get the best out of the watercolours and see the best possible effects by using the better quality paper - even for "test" pieces. The watercolours really did handle differently on the poorer quality paper.

Exercise Mixing Greens 2 Page 3

On page 3 (above) Prussian Blue created some warm dark greens which I wonder is more to do with the texture of the paint? This particular watercolour pan seemed to have a grainy texture when applied to the paper which leaves an interesting look when painted over the yellow - but not as effective as when used as a base for the yellow.

Exercise Mixing Greens 2 Page 4

For page four I returned to the better quality paper, and had a bit of a revelation here  Having been disappointed about the range of greens being produced through the exercise I found that Indigo gives a really beautiful range of greens when washed over gamboge hue - this was my final experiment, but well worth the effort - see bottom right of above photo. I think this is a colour combination worth me returning to at some point.