Mixing guide
Digital color mixing guide.
Good color mixing is mostly restraint. Fewer piles. Fewer panic corrections. More reloading before the brush turns into a dirty rag.
Set up the palette so you can still read it
Keep piles separated at the start. Pull small amounts together when you need an in-between color. If the entire palette turns brown in three minutes, you are mixing too much paint too early.
Know when to reload and when to clean
- Reload when the brush goes weak and dry.
- Clean when the next mark needs to shift hue or value cleanly.
- Do neither if the current dirty mix is helping the painting.
How to stop shadows from dying
Shadows go dead when every correction adds a little warm, a little cool, and a little white until the whole thing turns chalky. Keep the shadow family narrow. Change temperature with intent. Save the brightest light for later.
See the mechanics
If you want the engine-level version, open the Paintmoo color mixing page. If you want to put it to use right away, start painting online.
Frequently asked questions
How do I keep digital color mixing clean?
Keep the palette simple, reload before the brush goes dead, and clean the bristles when you need a new hue or value.
What should I do when a mix turns muddy?
Stop adding tiny corrections. Pull the color back toward a simple family, then save stronger changes for the next pass.
Is this a free painting app with no sign-up?
Yes. Paintmoo runs free in the browser and does not ask for an account before you paint.