Creating colour
with EDWARD BULMER
Lesson 8 of 24
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Edward demonstrates how earth pigments are the essential ‘salt and pepper’ of all colour, and shows you how combining different colours well depends on understanding which of these earth pigments they share.
From the Lesson Workbook
Creating Colour
When learning about colour, it can be helpful to observe the effect of pigments and how they alter the appearance of a paint.
While you may not be physically mixing the paint yourself, observe how a tiny element of pigment can dramatically alter the appearance and feel of a colour.
The Balance of Pigments
It is best to combine colours that contain similar pigments. For example, if you have a pink that contains a strong yellow undertone, it's advisable to choose an off-white that similarly relies on yellow pigments.
A well balanced colour will use earth pigments as a base, with stronger pigment imposed on top. This is how a paint can embody tonality while also offering stronger colour. In other words, the earth pigments become underlying tones, giving way to the stronger and colour-defining pigment.
The Seasoning
I often call the earth pigments 'the seasoning' within paint making, and this is because they may be added in small quantities but they're fundamental to the success and aesthetic of a colour.
The mineral pigments may be the more visually noticeable colours, but they will only achieve a balanced scheme if they are layered with a tonality provided by the earth pigments.
Employing colours with an undertone of earth pigment really is the best way to build any decorating scheme.
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Your Instructor
Edward Bulmer
Award-winning interior designer, architectural historian, paint expert. House & Garden Top 100.
Edward Bulmer is one of the UK’s leading interior designers and architectural historians, specialising in the restoration and decoration of historic buildings. After studying History of Art at university, Edward trained under legendary designer David Mlinaric CBE, as well as working for Alec Cobbe, and Gervase Jackson-Stops OBE, who was architectural advisor to the National Trust. Alongside running his own paint company, Edward Bulmer Natural Paint, Edward has led a highly successful design team for over 30 years, working on some of England’s greatest country houses as well as a range of private and commercial projects including Goodwood, the Tower of London, Chequers and the Arts Club.
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