BobBlast 327 - "Background Colors that Work."

Weekly BobBlast Issue 327
Background Colors that Work.

Welcome Back to Another BobBlast!

Here's a question I hear frequently from painters: "What color should I make the background?" If you want your background to truly be just a background, you may want the color to not be “forward.” In other words, you want the background to “move back” or “recede” and not be the same color intensity, competing with the dominant color.

I have found, by mixing together a complementary color with a dominant color, I eventually get a neutral color that is compatible. I mix the two colors, then add white - as much as I want to achieve the desired neutral. My demo is just that!

In the demo, I’ve taken older paintings that I have decided to simplify! You will watch me paint over the background by using the dominant color - and adding a bit of its complement (color across from the dominant color. Using my Goof-Proof Color Wheel, I mix the dominant with the focal point color. After the initial mixing, I add white to make it opaque. I paint this beautiful, new, neutral color over the parts I want to be less noticeable.

BTW… I don’t think of my painting as a background or foreground color separately. I paint all over, all at the same time - to unify the work. However, I am conscious of color all over, as it recedes or moves to the forefront.

Well I hope that answers your question… Or at least piques your curiosity to give it a try! It’s not the only solution, but this works for me!
If you are interested in making and using NEUTRALS in your paintings, we have perfect the Workshop for you! Contact Kate@robertburridge.com for info or click on the link:
•Color Lesson: Making and Using Neutrals in your Painting - 12/7-8

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"Clean the studio! It is a small room with everything in there. If I don't clean weekly, I can't work." - Sharon J.

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•Loosen Up with Aquamedia Painting - 11/30-121/1
•Color Lesson: Making and Using Neutrals in your Painting - 12/7-8

•Art Marketing: Make More $$ - The 10 Must-Do's to Sell your Paintings - 11/14
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