How many times have we heard it: “Green is hard.” Actually, I don’t believe green is the problem but that a lack of observation is, along with a hastiness to paint greens straight from a tube instead of mixing them to match what is actually seen in nature. Of course, the best way to do that is by painting from nature itself. But here’s an exercise you can try right now to help you see the variety of greens possible.
Matching Nature’s Greens
In the photo below, you can see that permanent green and viridian green straight from the tube have no place in the natural landscape. Instead, I chose just one (permanent green) and mixed it with a variety of other colors to create a full range of natural greens that are true to the landscape.
Experiment to find even more possibilities for yourself. You’ll find you can make an infinite number of colors from one tube of green by mixing it with two or three colors from your collection of paints.
Step-by-Step Watercolor Tutorial: A Landscape Comes Together
Good news! Catherine Hillis has joined the faculty for Watercolor Live. She’ll be demonstrating basic techniques and special effects on Essential Techniques Day on January 21, 2025.
