Color Theory: Warm and Cool Tones Within Each Color

Color temperature is not absolute—meaning, not all reds are warm and not all blues are cool. Each color family can have warm and cool variations, depending on the undertone, or "bias," within that color. For example, there are warm blues and cool blues, warm reds and cool reds, and warm yellows and cool yellows.

BIAS refers to the subtle undertone in a color that leans toward another color on the color wheel. A warm blue has a red bias, making it a slightly reddish-blue since red is a warm color. On the other hand, a cool blue has a green bias, giving it a more greenish hue since green is a cool color.

How Can You Tell If a Color is Warm or Cool?

The best way to learn to identify a color's bias is by creating color swatches. Seeing the colors on paper makes it easier to notice their undertones and distinguish between warm and cool variations.

If you’re still unsure about a color’s bias, try adding a little white to the paint. In most cases, this will reveal the subtle shift towards warm or cool tones more clearly. 

For example, when you mix white into Payne’s Grey, the blue bias becomes much more noticeable, helping you understand its cool undertone.

Being able to recognize warm and cool colors within each family is a powerful skill that can enhance your artwork. It gives you greater control over your palette and the mood of your painting. Keep practicing, trust your observations, and have fun experimenting with these subtle shifts in color. Over time, this awareness will help you create even more dynamic and harmonious pieces!