Mixing Pigments for Watercolor

Introduction

Just as the grain of wood guides the carpenter's hand, the flow of pigment on paper teaches the painter patience. This guide shares the basics of mixing watercolor pigments — a skill that, like joinery, rewards precision and practice.

Essential Materials

• High-quality watercolor pigments (tubes or pans)
• Mixing palette (ceramic, plastic, or enamel)
• Clean water containers (two: one for rinsing, one for clean water)
• Soft brushes (sable or synthetic, various sizes)
• Watercolor paper (140lb/300gsm, cold press)
• Paper towels or cloth

Understanding Pigment Properties

Each pigment has its own personality:

• Transparent pigments (quinacridones, phthalos) let light through — ideal for glazing
• Opaque pigments (cadmiums, cerulean) cover previous layers — useful for highlights
• Staining pigments (phthalos, alizarin) sink into paper fibers — hard to lift
• Granulating pigments (cobalt, ultramarine) create texture as they settle

Basic Mixing Techniques

1. Wet-on-Wet Mixing

   Wet your paper first, then drop in colors. They bloom and merge organically — like watching sap spread through end grain.

2. Palette Mixing

   Mix on your palette before applying. Start with the lighter color, add darker pigment gradually. Test on scrap paper — the color dries lighter.

3. Glazing (Layering)

   Let a wash dry completely, then apply a transparent layer over it. Builds depth like laminating thin wood veneers.

Color Recipes to Start

Tips from the Workshop

• Mix more paint than you think you need — matching a second batch is nearly impossible
• Keep a mixing journal: note ratios, paper used, lighting conditions
• Clean your palette between sessions; dried pigment contaminates fresh mixes
• Respect the pigment — some combinations create mud, others sing

Explore Further

Built your easel? Now put it to work. See the easel-building guide here.