Help with Red

[Maryna]

I am really struggling with mixing the correct red for my roses. I have one that is a very deep red, but the highlight portion, which is a large section is bright.
I have wasted so much paint today trying to mix the correct color. I am frustrated.
So in my box I have, Alizarin Crimson,  Cad red, cad red light.
How do I mix reds, what must I use?


Either my colors end up brownish or too strange dull.


I have two commissions for red roses and at this stage struggling.


Money is a bit tight, but should I rather go buy another type of red that would make things easier for me?


I would prefer to mix from what I have. Please please help.

[MaryAnne Long]

OH, Maryna, I totally feel your pain on this.  Have been in your situation many times.

Here's a 4-minute video that only deals with Alizarin Crimson and should be very helpful.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=382U8hedAjM

Also refer back to to the PB Forum thread from 2012:  http://www.paintbasket.com/members/index.php?topic=1645.msg21943#msg21943

Best advice  (from experience) is to mix only tiny batches and start with the light color and slowly add the dark until you find the right color.  Then use that formula to make a bigger batch.

Also, white and black make colors dull.  Use the up/down color on the color wheel instead.

Hope that helps.  Good luck  Tell us how it goes.

aloha

mea

[Maryna]

Thank you for the youtube lunk. Very interesting.


The PB color mixing video I have watched over and over the last few weeks and still struggle here and there. I have tried my color buster but oh my, that is another struggle.

[Maryna]

I sorted myself. All good now.

[dennis]

Magenta is another very good red to have.
Remember that when you add white to red for the highlight, you have to add some orange or yellow to it to not have the chalky effect.

[Maryna]

Thank you Dennis.