Neutral Colors

Some hues, like black, white, gray, brown, and beige, aren’t typically found on the color wheel. These are known as neutral colors, as they’re neither warm nor cool on their own. However, you can adjust a neutral’s temperature by adding a touch of a warm or cool color to it.

For example, if you add a bit of warm yellow to a neutral brown, you’ll create a warm brown. Similarly, adding cool blue to neutral gray will give you a cool gray. This flexibility allows you to create a wide range of tones and atmospheres within your artwork.

Neutrals play a vital role in painting. While bright, saturated colors from the color wheel may catch the eye, neutral colors provide balance, contrast, and depth. They can tone down an overly vivid scene, ensuring that the composition remains harmonious. Additionally, neutrals are powerful tools for creating mood and atmosphere within a painting.

Another benefit of using neutrals is that they allow your focal point to stand out. By surrounding your main subject with neutral tones, you can make it "pop" and draw the viewer’s attention exactly where you want it.

Embrace the use of neutral colors in your watercolor practice. They may seem understated, but they are just as important as the more vibrant hues. By mastering neutrals, you’ll add subtlety and sophistication to your work, creating pieces that are both balanced and impactful. Keep experimenting, and enjoy discovering the beauty that neutrals can bring to your art!