Mixing Neutral Colors with Warm & Cool Primaries | Watercolor Color Wheel Lesson

In this beginner watercolor lesson, we take the warm and cool primary color wheel one step further by intentionally mixing opposite colors on the wheel to create neutral colors.

Many beginners are taught to avoid “mud,” but understanding how neutrals are made gives you control, confidence, and flexibility in your paintings. Neutrals add depth, shadows, and balance—and when mixed on purpose, they’re incredibly beautiful.

🎨 In this lesson, you’ll learn:

How to build warm and cool primary color wheels

How to mix opposite colors to create neutrals

How warm vs cool combinations affect neutral tones

Why neutrals are essential for shadows and balance

How to avoid muddy color by mixing with intention

This exercise is one I teach in my in-person watercolor classes and is especially helpful for beginners who want to understand why colors behave the way they do instead of guessing.

Remember: making mud on purpose is magic—and it leads to better paintings.

📌 Supplies used:

Watercolor paints (warm & cool primaries)

Watercolor paper

Round brush

Water & paper towel

✨ If this lesson helped you, please like, subscribe, and share it with another creative soul learning watercolor.

—
DeElla Hoberg
Fine Artist & Watercolor Instructor
“Art You Can Feel, Stories You Can Hang”