This Simple Color Theory Always Works

Let's talk about some simple colour plans you can easily apply! These are ideas that have always worked for me.

Below is an Automagically generated summary to help understand the video and aid search optimisation: (I think it does a pretty good job of summing things up, despite sounding a bit generic)

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Mastering color in art can be daunting, but starting with a simple color scheme is a great way to avoid frustration. In this video, I share a straightforward approach to planning and applying colors that has consistently worked for me, keeping it basic to ensure you can apply these principles in your artwork.

The essence of this method is to first identify any necessary colors based on your scene or key elements, like a character's costume or the environment's natural hues. This foundational step helps establish a logical starting point for your color scheme.

From there, choose between two basic color schemes:

Complementary Color Scheme: Select colors opposite each other on the color wheel for a vibrant yet harmonious look.

Analogous Color Scheme: Use colors next to each other on the color wheel for a more subdued, cohesive appearance.

This approach simplifies the decision-making process, guiding you to either amplify vibrancy or maintain harmony in your artwork. Additionally, consider whether your image truly benefits from multiple vibrant colors. Often, less is more, and a limited palette can lead to a more impactful and cohesive piece.

In practical terms, start with the dominant color of your setting or significant element and build your scheme around it. Whether opting for complementary colors for pop or analogous hues for harmony, simplicity in your color choices can lead to sophisticated outcomes.

I also share some examples from my own work. And show how adhering to these simple plans—whether in a desert scene or a forest backdrop—can result in effective and appealing color compositions. It's about making informed choices that serve your artistic vision, without overcomplicating the process.

Remember, the goal is not to restrict creativity but to channel it more effectively through a well-considered color strategy. By focusing on what's essential and applying these basic color schemes, you can enhance your art's emotional impact and visual coherence.
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Happy Drawing!

Tim Mcburnie

[Fushione]

I have been watching your videos for a month now, the way your cover and explain these concepts allowed me to unlock things that I previously struggle with for a loooong time. Man I’m so grateful for the content you put out ! Thank you so much Tim !

[YassineCherifi]

Man your videos are so amazing and easy to follow. Thank you so much for all the info 🙏

[shrug_shrugsly]

The more I learn about color theory, the more I marvel how I got anything done before. And the more I understand why I didn’t understand people who could arrange flowers or do interior design. And most especially, I had no idea the VITAL role it plays in video and photo production.
I know. Writing that now, I’m embarrassed I’ll be read and judged. But it’s true and I’m so glad for these videos that rapidly correct what I’ve spent years crumpling and scratching.

[BlakcSheep]

Finally, a new video 😀. Love English accents with art studies

[bwGRM]

Just what I needed I could sketch all I want but can't follow solid color plan

[mengyong]

Thank you so much for the Video Tim! 😃 really informative and clear, I think I will have to get one of the color wheels for myself haha.

I do have one questions relating to the colour scheme you had for the forest scene at 21:24, what if the character design were to have the cape in red, but you still want the focus to be on the dragons, would you desaturate the red so it has less focus? What would your approach be then?

[fishfish]

Colours really screw with me when im trying draw from photos its always so much greyer than i think

[robcil.creative]

Hello. Where did you buy the color wheel? Thank you

[TheCAWYRO]

Cool accent, Its like 90% Aussie, 10% American

[DashaRosnia]

For example is ok.
But i find these colors quite primitive: green trees with green tones, little bit yellow and blue.
Nature is more colorful and strange that artist like you cannot see these colors... trees are contain out of more shades and grass...

[TinRoofVintage]

Wow, what an impact that a minimal amount of color can have! I've always loved the sepia monochromatic color palettes but never knew the color theory behind it. Thank you so much, your work is breathtaking! ❤

[morphi]

I didnt expect to be taught color theory by obi wan today. a surprise for sure, but a welcome one

[Silverseptember]

I’ve been binge watching your videos the last few weeks and not only are your videos relaxing to draw along to, but I’ve learned so much! I hope you keep making awesome content cause I don’t know what I’d do without your channel as my art ritual now!

[BreezyDefrag]

I feel the description was a bit hard to follow a bit. There was a lot of, 'It just is' kind of mentality. lol One thing that I might suggest to help, maybe explain it with the textures of the image in mind, because I have tried to implement color stuff, using fancy color wheels and what not, but it never really seems to work. So maybe diving bit deeper in the understanding of how to use these colors with a color temperature and texture might really help me understand it a bit. Because I look at your images, which are great, and I think to all the times I have done coloring, which is not often due to my struggle with it. and using the same color scheme you use I still don't get anywhere near the results I'm trying to get. Color is one of my biggest cruxes with art... and every time I finish an image and then think to add color I am struck with intense anxiety because the things I have attempted to color in the past... fell apart SOOO fast... And this was back before I learned how to use Layers... so many of deleted art pieces...

[tomjames]

I love your use of colour in particular, so this video was great!

[AraceliRamirez-odsp]

I painted my whole house with these 3 colors, much better than backpaint.

[barnabart_]

I'm a senior year student in comics in belgium and your videos are always awesome. It's always useful !

[nathanwooler]

that vibrancy you talk about makes me think about music. two notes might sound weird together but as soon as you add in that "magical" third note and everyone is lining up to buy your album!

[Awdhah-]

This made so much sense to me. Use what is simple! Thank you.

[mr.babichslessons]

Tim, I was just gifted a membership into the drawing codex! I can’t wait to get started.