Color Theory

Color Theory Basics

Lets go over some basic color theory vocabulary:

• Complementary- colors that are on the opposite side of the color wheel

• Neutrals- These are Black and White, as these two go with any color you pick. These also can be used to change the shades of paint on your pallet to be slightly lighter or darker.

• Split Complementary- Where you pick one main color and then you use the two shades next to the color directly opposite

• Analogous- The colors that are right next to each other on the color wheel

• Triatic- using the 3 colors evenly placed aroudn the color wheel. These are also known as your primary colors (red, yellow, blue) or your secondary colors (purple, orange, green)

• Hue- the shade of the color such as navy for blue, or burgundy for red. Hue gives you a specific range in the one color wedge of the color wheel. 

• Tint- the color plus white

• Shade- the color plus black. 

Picking the color for your Mini

When you pick your colors think about what you would like to do:

Complementary colors- choose one as your main color and then use the other as accents

Analogous colors- gives the colors a harmonious feel. One is picked as dormant and then you use the others as highlights and accents.

Triadic- very vibrant scheme, but pick and dominant color and then the other 2 are accents

Split-Complementary- is the easier to balance vs Triadic or complementary. Still gives a good base color and 2 complementary colors that are easy to balance as accents.

A good starting formula for painting

• pick 3 colors (based on one of the theories above) After you use the starting colors you can make glazes and add more hues, tints and shades based on the main 3 colors you used. 

• pick any metallic you need for weapons

• black & white paints.

Painting with Name Brand Paints

Many paint companies will even include a guide on what paints will compliment each other. What I love about The Army Painter is they set up their color guide in triads- showing in hexs the colors that complement each other and can be used together for base, midtone and highlights. The Citadel paints do really well with giving a base paint and then showing both the steps for layering and dry brushing. I personally prefer the dry brushing techniques but it depends on if you want to use 3 or 2 different types of colors. This is where I also say it's important to know your paint systems! The army paints have a colored cap system, Citadel & The Army Paints have many types dry, technical, air, etc. It's also important to know that some paints from different brands do not mix well and just like some paint types don't like to mix together either. 

Painting with a rainbow of colors is great but with many brands it can be overwhelming. It is important to know that some paints are branded towards specific things. For example Reaper has officially licenses Pathfinder paints and the Bones miniatures only are to be painted by Reaper MSP paints at the manufacturers request. Citadel is branded towards Warhammer projects and Vallejo has D&D branded paints. You can mix and match which paint you use but sometimes you need to test what paints will mesh well. I recommend testing out paint on the bottom of your mini before putting it on the areas that will be seen.

Make sure that the paint that you use is completely dry before putting other layers on top. Speed paints (such as Army Painter brand) and contrast paints (such as from Citadel) can have other layers put on top of them but it is important to have the paint completely dry. A rule of thumb is paints made from the same brand play nice together and usually don’t need to be tested on the bottom (only test if the paint is old, dried, rehydrated or you’re worried of what the color looks like). Citadel paints tend to be a little thinner and may need multiple coats when going on top of thicker paint (such as that of Vallejo).

Other tips and Tricks

• Have a plan. Start by picking out your 3 main colors that you want to use. Many of the paint brands will come with charts with colors that compliment each other.

• It is up to you to decide between complimentary or contrasting colors. Over all the paint you pick is your choice, color theory is only there to give suggestions and advice.

• We live in a very colorful world, sometimes you want to bring that into your art and that’s ok too. Create things with ombré, rainbow and have fun with your creations.

• It can be really rewarding when you put all of your pieces together. Work on making sure that your base coats, highlights, washes/shades and dry brushing fit within your scheme (3-6 colors) and then work with the different shades and hues to blend and make everything come to life.

• If you don’t get it right away that’s ok too. There have been paint disasters at my own table (neon pink ogre loin cloth). Painting is a hobby where you learn as you go and with more experience.

• Thicker paints are good for base coats, more moist paints are good for glazes and washes.

• Look into the different types of paint that you would like to use- base, contrast, shade/wash, speed paints, technical, dry brushing, etc. as each type will bring different experiences.

If you found this article helpful and you would like to download it for reference you can find it in brochure form for free on on Ko-fi page. The Color charts on this page on in the brochure were created/found in Canva for use with the premium account and has permissions for publications.