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Learning tools for artists

Watercolour | Tonal Values and Layers

This masterclass shows how to create a range of tones by mixing two watercolours, Alizarin Crimson and Cobalt Blue, and applying these tones in layers to create further tonal values. See how to mix 3 purple tones by adding increasing amounts of water to the mixture, creating a light, medium and and dark tone. The lightest is then painted onto the white paper to create two tones: white and purple. The medium and darker values are then painted on the paper and on top of the earlier dried layers of colours to eventually reveal how 6 tonal values can be created from just three colours. With watercolour, always remember that best practice is to use the paper for your white and start with lighter colours, painting the darker values in later layers.