Good morning everyone. Firstly I’d like to show you this little abstract I did in my sketchbook. And it was very much a quick, watercolour sketch done between chores with my travel paint set. However, it was also my first chance to try out two new watercolours, Mauve and Payne’s Gray. Actually, I’ve been doing a bit of research on watercolour technique. And I read that Payne’s Gray is a much better choice for a really dark dark, if you know what I mean! Also, it doesn’t seem to muddy the colour mix either, which I was having a problem with when I used black. In addition, I chose to use Mauve in this painting too, which is new for me. And I loved it – the colours seem so fresh and glowing! I wonder if you see the same scene as me- two figures in a cave?
Anyway, this is what my subconscious came up with, seemingly without much intellectual output from me! But, when I’d finished it, I turned it round all four ways, and I liked this one too. Incidentally, do you see anything in this one? You can see more of my intuitive abstracts here.
Finally, if I want to use new watercolours when I’m out and about, I’ll have to sort out the colours in my little paint set or carry extra tubes. Which could be quite awkward. Ideally I need something with more space for colours and larger areas to mix washes. And, at the same time stay compact enough to manage on my knee! Has anyone any good recommendations for this impossible ask?
The colours work well together, and the image looks fine both ways.
Thank you, Vivienne. That’s the fun part, turning the picture around at the end – there’s always a nice surprise!
I have yet to find something to hold all the colors I want to carry that has enough mixing wells to suit me. Still searching.
Concerning Payne’s gray, I’ve used it for a long time in place of black. I’ve also used a paint called “Neutral Tint” for black. Both work well.
I like both your abstracts. The colors compliment each other.
Thank you for taking the time to respond, KT. I shall keep on looking too! I might buy some Neutral Tint. Btw, what do you use for a decent pink colour?
I use “Permanent Rose” by Winsor and Newton. I buy it on Amazon.
Thanks so much for these useful tips. I must buy a Permanent Rose.
I think you’ll be pleased with it.
Soooo beautiful!
Thank you so much, Robin!
I bought an empty metal watercolour box from Jacksons online, I think. I only use 8 colours, but there is plenty room for more. I bought a big one ( which easily fits into my rucksack) I squeeze my tube colours into the compartments. But what I bought it for was the six large areas for colour mixes. It’s been all over the world with me.
Thanks for taking the time to respond, Graham. That travel set sounds ideal – I’ll have a look in Jackson’s for it.
Always worth trying something new.
I hope you got the idea of not using black from my advice on the blog.
Black is a very bad choice with watercolor. The other types of grey you get from mixing any dark strong blue with either burnt sienna or burnt umber. French Ultramarine plus Burnt sienna in different shades looks good.
Great job on testing the new colors!
Thank you, Inese. Your advice plus tips from other friends must have stuck in my mind and I suddenly understood how not to dull down my dark washes. I do try Ultramarine and Burnt Umber too – now I’m on the lookout for a strong pink!
Paynes Grey is a very versatile color. I use it a lot.
Thanks for that, Susan. I must try it out a bit more.