I've been so busy lately helping out my son with his business that I have not had time to paint. But I did have time to think, mostly about my fear of greens, which really limits me in my landscape watercolors. What got me thinking about it, and realizing I had this problem, was a recent Mineke Reinders blog on greens. She then went on to paint some really lovely watercolors using a myriad of greens and inspired me to face my fear. I needed to experiment with mixing greens and come up with a selection I would like. Here is my first attempt. Some worked and some didn't.
From top left to right: French Ultramine+Transparent Yellow; French Ultramarine+Aureolian Yellow; French Ultramarine+Windsor Yellow(a blue green); Phalo Blue+Transparent Yellow; Phalo Blue+Windsor Yellow. Middle row, left to right: Cobalt Blue+Aureolin Yellow; Cobalt Blue+Transparent Yellow; Viridian+Aureolin+Indian Red; Viridian+Aureloin+Light Red; Viridian+Light Red. Bottom row left to right: Indigo+Aureolin; Indigo+Transparent Yellow; Indigo+Windsor Yellow; French Ultramarine+Aureolin Yellow; Hookers Green+Alizarin Crimson; Hookers Green+Burnt Sienna; Alizarin Crimson+Hookers Green.
I don't usually buy greens in a tube because most that I have tried have been a little harsh on their own - like Hookers green. I only liked a few of these mixtures I came up with. I need to come up with a few more before I test them out in a painting - maybe this weekend. If anyone has a nice green mix to share please let us know.
Artists who seem to have no problem with greens.
Laura's Watercolors
Art For Life
Fabio Cembranelli
Robin Maria Pedrero
M.E. Bailey Art
Brent Perkins
