Book Summaries

What if the hit-and-miss approach to mixing color disappeared?

Mixing color is a common and frustrating speed bump for painters early in their development because mud is often the outcome. This obstruction is compounded by the overwhelming variety of tubes of paint available to purchase.  Artists lament, “Which ones to buy and which to choose when wanting to mix a certain color?”

Until I Just Want to Paint: Mixing the Colors You Want! a systematic approach to color mixing has not been outlined in an easy to use instructional format. Because of the road blocks Caro McIntyre encountered when she was learning to paint and erroneous feedback she received, she developed a methodology to color theory that has unleashed the true color expertise of many painters.

By following 10 clearly outlined exercises utilizing 125+ color illustrations, readers discover how to stop using the hit-and-miss approach to mixing and they stop making mud. I Just Want to Paint! introduces the revolutionary Balanced Palette System™ providing artists (oils, acrylics and watercolors), a way to strategically choose six primary colors for their working palette. They learn two other key color concepts: 1) color bias; and 2) the impact complementary colors have on mixing color. Through the use of Carol’s step-by-step method, mixing bright and dull greens and purples is achieved with confidence.

Ultimately the joy of exploring color and mixing it supersedes the myth that color is learned intuitively and cannot be taught. I Just Want to Paint! provides order to a painting skill that can feel chaotic.