So, back over the last few years I've touched on colors a bit, but only in a very light sense. Nothing really indepth. If you want anything like color theory, without much emphasis on application, you can look back and easily find those. This time though I'd like to get into some things that will help arrange these into a picture.

A lot of people ask me a very difficult question.... or dare I say, a simple question, with a difficult answer. You know those painters who use a bajillion colors all in a relatively small area space? They're using greens and purples in a blue or red shirt, and for some reason it looks alright? Well the fact is that there is no exact science to it, but there are ways of trying to make sense of it.

First off you need to realize that when you do a painterly style piece, you need to carry your colors around. A blue sky will never feel right if you don't use blues elsewhere, even if there aren't any more pure blue areas. These blues could show up in shadows, even in some highlights, pretty much anywhere.

I've learned that it matters less where you put the colors as much as it matters how consistent they are used. For example, you shouldn't use the same color in the middle tone and the darkest shadow.... you should consistently choose one to apply it in. This creates a routine of color. I can take a picture with blues and purples primarily and add a dash of slightly blended in green to those middle tones occasionally and half of you wouldn't notice? Why? Because it fits out of routine.

But what's the purpose of doing this? Just because you can? Not quite. You see, by changing your colors throughout an area, and even with each stroke, you create more dynamics and depth – it will add excitement. Don't just think in basic color theory – apply it as the image needs – basic color theory creates really boring images that you wouldn't expect to do well outside of a school class. In the real world, art directors don't really care for that. So you need to be more subtle with your color theory, use complimentary colors hidden away in those shadows like we mentioned earlier, understand which colors make others more vibrant and special. Just remember that the more colors you use in a small area will give a better understanding of depth in a figure and show light in a neater way. It makes it feel more real. Some people have used the term “color vibration” with this sort of technique.

A good rule of thumb is to use at least 3 or so colors in one particular area, you can use a very wide variety of colors for depth – the important thing to remember is the value of these colors. When first trying this out, many of you who are doing this for the first time will choose very vibrant versions of those colors, when there is a wide spectrum to choose from – take your time to find the colors, don't just complacently pick one at random.

Do remember that if your light source is a cool color, your shadows should be warm. Cool and warm being a representation of the vibration and intensity of the color you're seeing. Either way, this exchange of cool and warm in your lights and shadows will offer depth and keep your image from looking flat – and a flat image just doesn't call out to potential clients or art fans. With this in mind, remember that your light cool colors will always be cooler than your dark cool colors – this can sound sort of vague at the moment, but think about it next time you're using those colors and it will hopefully make sense. Most of this needs to be applied to a picture before you'll really have it click anyway. Oh, quick note – black and white are both considered cool colors. It's why when you use white as a highlight on bright red (we've all tried it at least once) it usually looks like crap. Use blacks and whites sparingly anyway, but if you must use them – try and keep them to the cooler regions of your image. They likely won't feel right otherwise.

A few side notes? Be aware that one of the most common colors that people like to look at is in the blue area of the spectrum – don't ask me why, but it's pleasing for a lot of people. Perhaps it emotionally clicks better for some individuals. Think about it, it's the average color. People buy hot red cars if they wanna feel fast, but they often pick blue if they don't want to feel too reserved or too spendy. It's just a comfort color. Dare I say that I feel it gradates a bit easier than some other colors as well.

Also, remember that some colors will look muddy in your picture. Remember that you should think about your colors wisely – deliberate, think. If it's muddy, you probably didn't think it out well enough. You may have also blended too much – by mixing too many colors together you'll get this muddy tone – why? Colors desaturate when they mix, the more you add in, the less emphasis one particular color will have. You get visual crap out of it after awhile.

I have no idea what we'll be talking about next week.... maybe just various ways of dressing up an image? More portfolio goodness? Anything particular you guys and gals would you like to read about? You know I love suggestions