My Top Three Fav Colours

Number 1: Quinacridone Magenta

This one takes the crown for me. The vibrancy it brings is just unmatched. It’s a star in glazes and as a base colour, creating a beautiful backdrop.

Quick Color Theory Lesson

One common mistake I see among new painters is attempting to create a vibrant violet using red. In school, we’re taught the primary colours as red, blue, and yellow. But here’s a secret: that’s not entirely true for painting! We actually follow the CMYK colour wheel, where the primaries are Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow. Mind-blowing, isn’t it? I won’t dive deep into that now, but just remember, for a stunning violet, you need magenta, not red.

Number 2: Phthalo Blue (Green Shade) 

Another gem, rich and intense. Its tinting strength is high, so a little goes a long way. Mix it with Phthalo Green (Blue Shade), and you’re in for a treat.

Number 3: Phthalo Green (Blue Shade) 

Not a standout on its own (for me), but when it dances with my number two—oh, the magic!

Give this a Try:

Mix the following and thin with water to unveil the true colour (adding white changes it quite a bit, so try both):

• Magenta & Phthalo Blue (Green Shade) – if you have Ultramarine Blue works even better!
• Magenta & Phthalo Green (Blue Shade)
• Phthalo Blue (Green Shade) & Phthalo Green (Blue Shade)

Now add some white to the mixes.

Ahhh, I’m in love!