5 Steps For Making Your Own Watercolor Mixing Grid

Plan Your Mixing For Better Creative Flow

I use mixing grids as tools, because it saves so much guesswork.  Clearly seeing which mixes I want to use in my work,  I am less frustrated and make fewer mistakes.  It's less, "oh, I don't like that!"  There's more "oh, it's coming together!"  

Would you like to make one?  Does it seem intimidating?  Can I give you some tips to get you started?  It's an enjoyable process, methodical yet relaxing at the same time.  In the past, artists have shown interest in making a chart like this.  It's just paper and paint.  Really.  I promise.  Don't hold back because I'm just sure you can handle it.  

(Well, no...I don't know you that well...what do you have to lose?  You might have a great time!)

After the many years I've painting with watercolors, there's a stack of various watercolor paper scraps with free form brushstrokes of color.  Each one of these pages is a record of my time exploring how to achieve a certain mix for a painting.  The earliest mixing "notes" are filled with blobs of color with a few scribbled notes in my handwriting.  I sorted this stack into the following collections.  Some of them instantly take me back to the specific painting, others not so much.  It's interesting to see how my methods changed over time.

LET'S BREAK IT DOWN.

Supplies:
Watercolor paper (I'm using 300 lb. cold press)
Pencil
Fine-point permanent marker
Straight edged ruler
Watercolor pigment
Watercolor brush
Watercolor palette
Container of rinse water
Paper towels

1.  Choose your pigments.  

Keep the number limited.  How about the primaries, and then a few other pigments you're curious about trying out.  I usually begin by comparing my reference photo with my favorite reference book, The Watercolor Painter's Pocket Palette by Moira Clinch.  Over time, I have saved my mixing grids from previous artworks, and those are also great tools now.  So, for the hollyhocks as my photo reference, I've chosen these watercolor pigments.

I chose Daniel Smith Quinacridone Coral, Daniel Smith Quinacridone Red, Windsor & Newton Transparent Yellow, Daniel Smith Quinacridone Gold, Da Vinci Cerulean Blue, and Daniel Smith French Ultramarine.

Coming Soon: 5 Steps - Watercolor Mixing Grid

Hey there!  I'm just so glad you stopped in today.  I want to welcome you to She Must Make Art.  I am Christy, an artist and lover of creating in all kinds of ways.  I enjoy sharing my own journey in making and loving art.  While life has thrown me a few curves and I'm not making art as often, I am here no matter what.

There's a new blog post in progress and I've got my plan for a tutorial describing my method for mixing watercolors and creating a color mixing grid.

The tutorial is written and edited so now it's time for brushes to do their job.  This is a tutorial that needs new photos taken as I create a mixing chart just for the purpose of showing my methods to you.  Once the photos are taken, edited and added...you'll be able to see something brand new.  Here.  From me.  Christy.  The artist.

So for now I'm just giving you a bit of inspiration for the next blog post.  Here are the photos taken as I prepared and began to paint cherry blossoms in watercolor last spring.  This was one of the most recent artworks completed before life changed in such a big way.  I'll share the progression of several watercolor paintings focused on cherry blossoms in a future blog post.  Can you see how I was just in the creating-watercolor-happiness-zone?  I really was!

While the background is soft and pale, the layers of watercolor wash begin in a gradual process.  The watercolor mixing grid helps me stay focused as I work through the artwork.  

Okay, well now I must be off to get the watercolor pigments on the grid.  I am excited to share it when it's finished!  Thanks for giving me the time to share and come hang out again soon!

-Christy
She Must Make Art.

My Art Studio Update

All my references and mixes for current artwork in progress. #watercolorpaint #watercolorinprogress #christysheelerartist

A photo posted by Christy Sheeler (@christysheeler.artist) on Nov 2, 2016 at 10:46am PDT

This place is a zoo!

Hey there!  I am stopping by really quick like to let you know, I'm still plugging along in my little art world.  With quite a few "irons in the fire" at this point, I'm making the most of every minute this month.

In two days, my booth will be set up and selling at the Holiday Bazaar in Cut Bank, Montana.  It's being held at the Cut Bank High School building in the gymnasium from 10 am to 4 pm.  This event has been well promoted and has a large selection of vendors as well!

I've been working with great purpose to complete two watercolor painting of the Cherry Blossoms.  These two watercolor paintings will be framed and on display!  The three watercolor paintings are 5" x 7" dimensions and I will not be making Giclee Art Prints from them for that reason.  The paintings with mat and frame are available for purchase now at $210.00 each.  The third artwork, The Delicate Unfolding, (also 5 x 7) is offered with mat and clear protective sleeve for $170.00.

My artist's booth will offer original watercolor artwork, both with mats and frames, fine art prints, my handmade note cards, my own handmade lip balms, and rustic wood candle holders in sets of three or four (my husband's handiwork).

Abundance of Spring, 5 x 7, original watercolor painting now available - $210, will have mat and frame. #cutbankholidaybazaar #christysheelerartist #newartwork #originalwatercolorart

A photo posted by Christy Sheeler (@christysheeler.artist) on Nov 3, 2016 at 8:14am PDT

Along the Way, original watercolor painting 5 x 7 with mat and frame $210. No art prints made due to size. #christysheelerartist #newartwork #originalwatercolorart #cutbankholidaybazaar

A photo posted by Christy Sheeler (@christysheeler.artist) on Nov 3, 2016 at 8:25am PDT

The Delicate Unfolding, original watercolor artwork, 5 x 7, with mat and clear protective sleeve $170. No art prints made due to size. #christysheelerartist #shemustmakeart #newartwork #watercolorartwork #thecreativelife

A photo posted by Christy Sheeler (@christysheeler.artist) on Nov 3, 2016 at 8:29am PDT

Fall touches are popping up in my art studio! Pumpkin scents are keeping my creative energy alive. #artstudiotoday #fallaccentdecor #christysheelerartist #rusticwoodcandleholders

A photo posted by Christy Sheeler (@christysheeler.artist) on Oct 26, 2016 at 12:08pm PDT

In addition to all this, I've accepted a private art commission to be delivered by Christmas!  It's a large artwork of 22" x 30" and I'm already enjoying the process beyond explanation.  I'm so honored and blessed at the same time!  As I've drawn, reworked the perspective, transferred the drawing to watercolor paper, planned the color mixes, and studied the reference photos...I've considered how the past 17 months prepared me for this opportunity.  Each technique I've practiced and every challenging detail has given me this full tool resource for a new challenge.  I feel the weight of providing my best work now, as always.  Each of the more than twenty paintings that were created in those months strengthened my confidence and ability.

Thumbnail sketch for an upcoming project; a quick little study shows my vision for this place. #preparingforartwork.#watercolorsketch #gettingitonpaper

A photo posted by Christy Sheeler (@christysheeler.artist) on Oct 18, 2016 at 7:07pm PDT

Art room activity with watercolor in progress! Large piece this one!

A photo posted by Christy Sheeler (@christysheeler.artist) on Nov 2, 2016 at 10:49am PDT

I just need to say that God's timing is impeccable!  Many times along this artistic journey, I worried that maybe I'd be given a surprise challenge I would fail at miserably.  I feel like that was a silly concern now.  As I work here in the art studio, my mind is hard at work but my spirit is busy in prayer.  Many friends and family have commented on the atmosphere of this room; they observe the peaceful and relaxing way it affects them.  That is something I wanted from the start.  That is what I strive for and how I prepare to be creative.

My mind is also busy working on a plan for offering watercolor classes in the spring.  The space here limits me to 5 or 6 people per class.  I could choose another location but this room, my art room, has its own special draw for others and I'd like to host classes here.  So, if you should see me at an event, or around town, let me know if you'd like to take a watercolor class in 2017!  I've considered offering a make-and-take stamping and card making class, too!  If either of those sound like a great idea to you, let me know!  The space will be limited and I may need to offer more than one class.  This would be a full day workshop, 9 am to 4 pm...bring a lunch.  Coffee, tea and water would be available.  Bring your art supplies!  If you don't have any, I can provide a list of supplies needed and you can get them yourself before class.  I can provide student-grade watercolor supplies for an added supply fee.

I'd love to stay here and share more but my list of today's tasks is waiting for me!  I'm excitedly working away to provide the most beautifully handmade items, each one crafted with great attention to detail.

I look forward to meeting and visiting with many on Saturday in Cut Bank...

and then again on November 11th, Ladies' Night Out at the Golf Course in Conrad, Montana!

Stop on over and check out my facebook page for more current updates!  

Have a great weekend everyone!

-Christy

Cherry Blossoms For My Sister

I've never had an artwork take so long to complete!  There are thousands of photos in my art reference folders on my computer. Photos don't always get chosen for subjects of paintings.  I choose the subject based on how inspired I feel to do it well.  The focus of today's post, the cherry blossom, has been on the list for eight years or more!  While the photo reference for this painting was taken just a few months ago, the plans to paint cherry blossoms have been upended many times.  I've taken photos of this painting's progress, so join me today and I'll do a bit of storytelling at the same time.

The watercolor mixing chart used for these artworks.

My sister's husband is in the Navy and their family travels a lot, as many military families know well.  I've had a desire to paint something for her for many years.  Her request was for a painting of cherry blossoms.  They've been stationed in Japan twice.  The first time was about eight or nine years ago.  She emailed me a photo of a branch with cherry blossoms.  I loved the photo and began to think through the process of capturing the scene.

The first photo sent by my sister from Japan.

Art Studio This Week: Baby Lambs and Cherry Blossoms

Ink Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

I am amazed.  The amount of progress made here is a wonder.  We've been going in so many directions this week!  Improvements are being made on my art room; I'm already so thankful for the work done to make this room more beautiful.  That door I had on my wish list...it's been stained and lightly white/gray washed and soon it will be hung back in the doorway.  That is going on plus so much more!  I won't complain because it's all such a gift.  My parents are visiting and they find major projects to complete while here.  They run circles around me, seriously.  I'm the multi-tasking manager and overseer of projects in progress so I'm staying busy, too.  Having the early evening opportunity to add something here on the blog is a tentative undertaking.  I'm not sure how much I'll be able to share before I'm pulled away again.

An artwork completed recently focuses on baby lambs.  The day I took the reference photos (over a year ago), I was sure it would be a watercolor painting some day.  I wasn't sure when the urge would hit to take this subject on.  This past two weeks a pencil sketch and ink drawing have been taking shape at my art table.  What a pleasure it's been!  

There's no way of knowing which art works will flow and which will not...  It's unexpected.  After years of avoiding animals as a subject matter, I may have changed my mind.  It will be several weeks before the sketch will be ready to begin painting with watercolor paint.  

I've been making my preliminary sketches on tracing paper for over a year and it's my favorite way to work.  Once the pencil sketch of the lambs was complete, I laid a heavier weight piece of tracing paper over it.  The ink drawing was guided by the sketch on the layer below it.  The classic quill dip pen and nib with India ink was such a great way to go here!  The amount of control and fine details made this a success all the way.  

The art reference photos were taken at the Snyder place and while telling Susan about them, she lit up!  She's the reason for the ink drawing.  She made arrangements with me to have the finished jpg image for an invitation she's having printed.  I hope to have the chance to share with you how it looks once its been printed!

©Christy Sheeler 2016.   All Rights Reserved.  She Must Make Art.  Lambs Ink Drawing

The cherry blossoms watercolor paintings are continuing with much joy in the progress.  My work space may seem overwhelming but it's all in order, really.  Yes, I really do need that many color mixing grids.  Yes, I do need that many different watercolor pigments, though I use only a third of what is showing on the tables.  

My newest additions to the paints are Daniel Smith and they are wonderful pigments.  I wished I'd tried them years ago!  

I've got five backgrounds done at the present time.  I'm working on the details of a single painting this week.  A few days ago, I began working on layering in for the branch, leaves and flower petals.  With the application of masking fluid for finer details, the piece is taking shape nicely.  It takes great concentration in the beginning stages as I map out areas in the pencil outline.  I can easily feel confused about what is flower and what is background!  With deep thought, I study my reference photo and lay the colors in from one area to another.  I am pleased to share photos of the progression so far!

This summer has been a challenge for me to make significant progress in my art room.  My efforts here on the blog have to be simplified in order to keep up with my weekly posting goal.  Persistence and flexibility are key in my daily schedule.  

So I am still here, making time to be creative on a daily basis, though my hours spent painting are less.  Quite a few changes in the art room have already made me look forward to autumn days spent painting with my watercolors!  

I'm continuing to add new Giclee art prints in the Etsy shop ChristySheelerArtist.  Have you checked out my shop lately?  Check out my Contact Page for all my many art related links!  There you'll find me on all the various platforms where I share my enjoyment of art...we can trade art tips and secrets!

So, for this week...(my weekly posts seem to post later each Thursday this summer) I am Christy, an artist, sharing my artist's journey here, because it's really happening every day.

What artistic pursuits are you chasing after, finding ways to make time, making art a part of your days?  I'd love for you to share here or on my Facebook artist page.

Enjoy the summer evenings, the sunsets, the cool breezes!

I'm aiming to meet you back here next week...someway or another.

-Christy

She must make art.

Watercolor Mixing Grid (Created with @Magisto)

Mixing Up Pigment for a Watercolor Grid

In the previous post, I shared Why I Make Watercolor Mixing Grids.  Better than telling is showing!  This quick video shows the action in completing a row of mixed swatches.  Watercolor mixing is great fun!!!  The result is a guide for an upcoming watercolor painting.  Having a reference close at hand is such a great tool.  I can't imagine being without some record of the general creative plan.

I've been having a fantastic time with learning to record on video!  New skills can be a great adventure!!!  While there's plenty on my to-do list, I'm making time for sharing what I do...
The video is created with Magisto free version.

Are you even a tiny bit curious?  I hope so.

It's short.  It seems self-explanatory to me, but maybe not.  My purpose isn't really to give a demo how-to but to a quick little glance at what I've been doing lately.  If it seems too small a window, click to view on YouTube.

Over the years, I've noticed that people have a fascination with watching artists at work.  Whether it's other artists or myself...I know that when I pass by an artist busy with their craft, I've got to stop for a few moments and see how they do their thing.

I remember in California Adventure, the amusement park, there are artists who look like street sweepers.  They come along with a bucket and and a broom...and they create a work of art there on the sidewalk with water.  That artwork is only there until the water evaporates.  I was just amazed.  I could follow them all day, watching what they'll create next!!!

Okay...I found a YouTube video of a Broom Artist in Disney California Adventure:

What do you think?  Have you ever stopped to observe an artist while they create?

Have a beautiful day!  Remember to watch for the priceless in today.

Christy

She Must Make Art!

Why I Make Color Mixing Grids

Let me begin by saying that not every artist does it this way. 

 Some use washes of pigment, adding in layers on top of layers...the previous one dry before another is added.  Some artists change pigments as they paint, letting one color meld into another.  It is such a fun sight, seeing the color mix right there on the paper.  And some, like me, get caught up in the possible combinations (endless?) of mixing various pigments!

Every artist has their methods.

It's great experimentation to see the results on paper.  Add to that, the ways the result can change by diluting with water, changing the proportions of pigments used, adding a third pigment.

Have I lost you already?  I hope not!

Color mixing grids have become a key part of my preparations for painting watercolors.  I usually have a firm vision in mind of where I'd like to go with an art reference photo.  There are times when the vision is still fuzzy and the color mixing can help me make more decisions.  

My mixing results do not have to match the photo.  The photo is just a guide, a starting-off point...inspiration.  It took me a long time to let go of the expectation to stick to the photo too closely.  That may have been when my artistic style began growing in a really noticeable way.

Several years ago, my way of mixing pigment was more haphazard.  It was a guess-and-by-golly method!  I'd pick pigments out not really knowing much about their characteristics.  Is it transparent or opaque?  Transparent pigment will show the layers below it.   This brings a luminescence.   Is it more granular...resulting in a mottled effect?  Is it strongly staining?  Lifting and scrubbing later, there would still remain a hint of that pigment.

Why Go To All This Trouble?

1.  Useful Guide For Future Artworks

So here's an example of my earlier color mixing "notes" from previous paintings.  They give me very little information about how I got those sample bits of color.   I may look back now and love something I see there, but without any written guide, it would be hard to duplicate now.