Amazing Watercolor Mixes
Jan Hart Creates Amazing Mixes with Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolors
At Daniel Smith, we've always enjoyed our association with Jan Hart. First as a customer and later as a workshop instructor, she has been a big fan of Daniel Smith watercolors and has shared her enthusiasm about them with many a student. This summer, a member of our staff took one of Jan's workshops in Española, New Mexico and was so enthralled that she asked Jan to write an article including her favorite color mixtures and answering the questions students most frequently ask. An expert at color blending and creating atmospheric effects, Jan is an inspiring teacher and a great guide to the marvels of the Southwest.
"I mix pigments on the paper, 140 lb. cold press Lanaquarelle-the first pigment becomes the wetting agent into which I add the second and/or third. I use individual strokes or smears, skipping to allow the under pigment to show through in places, untouched. Often I just watch and enjoy! I really appreciate Daniel Smith's granulating pigments-often for their action instead of color!"
Neutral Rock/Earth Mix
I apply the Buff Titanium and immediately add in a side brush of Cobalt Violet-and watch. The Cobalt Violet mixes with the Buff creating subtle, slightly violet granulation.
Creamy Pink Earth Mix
For a creamy, lush earth color try mixing some Rose Madder Genuine or Transparent Red Oxide into the Buff Titanium.
Reticulated Earth Mix
I love to apply Lunar Earth to the paper and immediately wash in some Burnt Sienna or Quinacridone Burnt Orange to brighten the color. Try this with Lunar Red Rock too!
Deep Red Earth Mix
I like to mix some staining Quinacridones with a strong sedimentary pigment to create deep red earth tones, adding water to lighten here and there.
Dark Tree Mix
This is my absolute favorite for evergreens. In the pan, I mix a rather heavy puddle of Ultramarine Turquoise and Burnt Sienna or Quinacridone Burnt Orange-pushing it towards the orange at one side and towards the turquoise on the other. Evergreens need the variety from the sunny orange side to the shadowed side.
Sunlit Tree Mix
Using New Gamboge, Quinacridone Gold or another yellow as a wetting agent, I lay it in for the sunlit edge of the tree. Then I add #5 into it using dancing gesture strokes, working from light to shade, orange to blue.
Lively "Sap" Green Mix
Applying Nickel Azo into Cobalt Blue is so exciting-it dives and pushes the blue, creating a wonderful variegated mix.
Dark Tree Mix with Red:
Adding some staining deep red/maroon to Ultramarine Turquoise creates a very dark neutral and can also make a too-green tree look natural.
Dual-Colored Sky Mix
To create a late afternoon sky with a light horizon, try Aureolin over all and wash in Cobalt Blue at the top.
Cast Shadow Mix
This transparent blue/lavender darkens but allows the underlying formation to show through. It can also be used as a wetting agent to add some touches of additional colors.
Soft Blue/Lavender Neutral Mix:
Try it! What a great neutral!
Translucent Gray Seattle Sky Mix:
My three favorites!
Sagebrush Mix:
A light wash of Cerulean with Cobalt Violet added creates just the pale lavender gray of sage, especially over an Aureolin underwash. Adding a touch of Aureolin into the wash produces a magical finish.
Fall Cottonwood Mix
Jan Hart's Amazing Mixes Watercolor Set
Twenty 15 ml Tube Set
About the Author
Ten years ago Jan Hart decided to move to the light and sunshine in New Mexico after 8 years in Seattle. She chose the town of Española on a map - for its centralized location. Jan now makes her home at a former turkey ranch she calls Ranchito San Pedro. From her home, she can freely search the landscape for her next painting inspiration. As a self-supporting artist, Jan Hart continues to teach watercolor from her studio at Ghost Ranch near Abiquiu, and from other places that beckon. Her home at Ranchito San Pedro also serves as a modest Bed and Breakfast. Jan has finally completed her dream of providing Artist/Vacation Cabins especially suitable for artists and travelers interested in the spectacular landscapes and destination points all around Española.
2002 brought a long envisioned dream into reality. "The cabins are truly lovely - and just what I hoped I'd find when I moved here" says Jan. She is currently working on a book based upon her workshops and classes in New Mexico.