Colour theory - Part 1

Colour Theory - Part 1

Learning colour theory isn't essential, but it does offer a solid foundation of understanding and I hope this will give you the confidence to use colour intuitively.

The Primary Colours

These primary shades are the foundation from which all other colours are made, by mixing each of these together in varying combinations. My chalk paints are made without black pigment, so they can be mixed.

• Red
• Yellow
• Blue

Secondary Colours

Secondary colours are made by mixing primary colours.

• Orange
• Green
• Purple

The Greens

I find green to be a very interesting colour as the spectrum is so vast. Greens can range from being more yellow or blue in tone, and their appearance can vary massively.

Don't be afraid to mix paint to achieve the exact hue that you want. Applying either a white or dark wax after will also impact on how the colour will look.

The Blues

Another colour that's endlessly fascinating is blue. It's often thought of as a cold colour, but that's not necessarily the case. A cool blue will have quite a lot of green tone in it, but there are other shades with redder tones in them that feel a little warmer.

The Yellows

These range from bright sunny colours to more neutral creamy tones.

The Reds

Burnt umber is a reddy pigment that's often used in place of black to give colours depth and warmth. Reds and pinks are often considered to be earth colours, as they would traditionally have been made using natural pigments.

The List of Colours in Order of Use

• Emperor's Silk
• English Yellow
• Tilton
• Aubusson Blue
• Napoleonic Blue
• Capri Pink
• Arles
• Amsterdam Green
• Rodmell
• Firle
• Florence
• Olive
• Chateau Grey
• Antibes Green
• Giverny
• Greek Blue
• Provence
• Svenska Blue
• Duck Egg Blue
• Oxford Navy
• Louis Blue
• Old Violet
• Emile
• Cream
• Versailles
• Old Ochre
• Primer Red
• Honfleur