Color Notes - Put Away the White!!!

If you are looking at a painting with chalky colors, blame it on the white.  The mistake most students make in color mixing is thinking that white is the only way to lighten a color.  OK, I use white also, but I always try to be conscious of the fact that my colors will become chalky if I use only white and go too far with it.  Next time try this.......put some French Ultramarine Blue on a palette and try to add some Cobalt Blue to lighten it before grabbing the white.  The same with yellows.  Lay out some Yellow Ochre, add some Cadmium Yellow Pale or Zinc Yellow.  If it goes too bright, add some white.  NOW, GO PAINT!