LESSON #71 - Mixing Greens

[Val]

Thanks much Doina. Just writing it down in my book. 

I'll do a post when I'm done Dennis. 

[waterbug]

Dennis,

I hate to spoil the party but I have to comment that over two hours of how to make a colour chart is not money well spent. This lesson should be a give-away. I was expecting a more artistic approach to the subject of mixing greens. Perhaps mixing on the paper with different techniques using scenic or other examples in subjects where a lot of green is required. The concept of the colour chart can be picked up in a half hour at most without the painful patience required to watch someone paint little boxes all class. Since we all have our own selection of pigments we use, we have to create our own anyway.

A better approach would have been to show how a color chart is created and then move on to something which is not so obvious such as blue over a layer of dry yellow etc.

Sorry, your other classes were worth the time to watch but this one is a lesson in patience.

Regards,
Alan

[Val]

To some of us, me if you like, that have a bit of a vision impairment...this lesson was and is invaluable. Also, for anyone who has never seen or made a colourchart, it is a very worthwhile exercise to see how it is done. As we have all levels of experience at PB, those with more knowledge and experience hopefully will have the patience to help bring the others along. That's my two ha'pennies. 

this one is a lesson in patience.

Regards,
Alan

A lesson in patience. This in itself is worth the price of admission. 

[doina]

I believe that this lesson was great for the beginers! I started watercolor last year in April. Just some guidance from the arts and crafts director here at the community. It took me 5 months of frustration on mixing colors with bad results. Then, I found a book called "600 watercolor mixes" by Sharon Finmark. What a revelation! Since then I am making charts for myself for different colors and nuances. I am very pleased by the way Dennis presented the class. Sometime I knew already what he was talking, but it was worth to have a reinforcement. Do not forget Alan, any type of art/painting needs patience! Not everyone is experienced and with every class you learn something new. Doina

[jrhall036]

Do you think you might have been a bit too harsh with the criticism, Alan? Here on PB, we are all at different levels of study, and Dennis has to address all levels at the same time. If he would have taught the class in the way you wanted, he would have lost more than at least half of the class, who are still struggling with color mixing. And in his defense, he did mention that this would be a practical lesson, not necessarily a "creative" one, as you mention. Additionally, the handout, which was posted well before the class started, showed quite clearly what was going to be done. Personally, I found the lesson quite informative and helpful. Until I actually applied the principles on paper, I had no idea I could get that many colors from very basic mixes. Now I have charts that I can go by, rather than relying on "hit or miss" to get the colors I want. Maybe if you had painted along instead of just watching, your patience would not have been tried. Jump on in!  The water is fine!    

[MaryAnne Long]

Alan,

We all see things differently.  The lesson on mixing greens was worth a lot to me.  I didn't want the class to end.  I wanted Dennis to keep mixing colors all day.  I found it fascinating.

There are those of us who have a lot to learn.  This was a great lesson.

aloha

mea

[Happychappy]

This is one of my charts for the colour mixing as I did charts for almost all of the blues in my possession. I didn't realise how many greens one could get from mixing different colours and found the lesson to be most informative as I always struggle with my colours.  Thank you Dennis once again for a wonderful lesson.   Patricia
 
 

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[Happychappy]

Alan, I have just read your post and was dismayed that you thought the cost of the lesson was money not well spent.  You are obviously a master artist but for us beginners, I found the lesson informative and well worth the money and time spent as I struggle with the mixing of colours.  Further in Dennis' defence, you must not lose sight of the fact that he is teaching artists of all levels and therefore has to try and cater to everyone's needs.  It is your prerogative to sign up for any lesson you may/may not wish to take. Dennis goes to lengths to explain what the lesson will be about before we book it which everyone can view by clicking on the blue box "Watch Paint Basket TV now" at the top of your screen.  Hope that this helps you and we look forward to having you join lessons of your choice in the future.  Patricia

[dennis]

Alan, thank you for attending the lesson and for your interesting comment.

I was expecting a more artistic approach to the subject of mixing greens.

The sign-up page was very clear on how the lesson would be conducted - let me quote:

This lesson will be mostly about mixing and combining of colours to produce a range of greens that will look good in paintings. In the end you will have a set of charts which will serve you in all your future paintings

I have been teaching art for over 25 years - 20 of which is full time as a professional artist and my experience is that even if one has a 1000 art books in a bookshelf they mean relatively nothing until the head knowledge is put into finger practice and then in a proper systematic approach - not higgeldy piggeldy as most are wont to do. I know many artists who still struggle to mix greens properly - maybe you are one of the lucky ones.

A better approach would have been to show how a color chart is created and then move on

This lesson was about finger practice. One swallow does not make a summer! Blue over a dry yellow is not mixing - that is glazing.

With this lesson I have set before the attendees a set of charts and a highway along which they will progress to become excellent artists who will eventually will have virtually no problems in mixing colours in any medium.

I am glad that you enjoyed the previous lessons and sincerely hope you will continue to stay with us and also be of help and encouragement to the other members who who are (and were) mostly beginners when they joined the Paint Basket and have progressed wonderfully. I am proud of all of them

[Lillian]

I missed the live class but I just finished watching the replay and I plan to watch it again while I work on mixing greens and making a colour chart. 



I learn something new in each class and some things get reinforced.
It's great to see so many colour charts appearing here.     everyone!



  Dennis.  I really appreciate the replay and I'm looking forward to the pdf.


I am privileged to have the opportunity to benefit from your years of painting experience.   


 

[Tousabella]

Welllll.....wouldn't that frost your cupcake!!...I can't download my pictures from my camera for some 'cyber reason', so ... I have done four sheets of colors for greens and great 'earth' colors.
I'll post when I find the cyber Dr...hope he makes house calls!   


Well...The Dr. is in!!  This is next day, and I have my pics. Phew.

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[NHC50]

Val and Dennis you could not of said it any better. I for one find this kind of lesson very valuable. No I have not done it yet, But I will. Greens do still give me trouble. Thanks again Dennis. 
Nina 
PS. Bella you are a trip.    God Bless you. You make my day. 

[Val]

Point, and game! This exercise in greens is about to SAVE my poor rickety shack! 

[Lillian]

Oh my, Retta!  You've been a very busy girl!      Good for you!!!   


You really put me to shame!     


It's great to see so much activity on the forum and so many productive artists here!


Meanwhile, I'm still on a learning curve with my new Apple laptop.  My laser jet, purchased 6 years ago isn't compatible, none yet available.  I'm hoping some manufacturer will do some fancy artwork of their kind and put one on the market. 
This summer turns out to be a bit 'Time Out' from drawing and painting.   

[ShirleyFrapp]

I'm late because I have been far from home for a week. No computers over there. Anyway I have done my home work: this is my mixing greens

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