Applying Colour Tutorial

Colour isn’t just decoration — it’s mood, emotion, and atmosphere. In this clear, practical tutorial, I teach artists how to make stronger painting decisions by understanding one essential concept: Colour Key.

Learn how High Key and Low Key approaches influence every brushstroke, from colour mixing to value control, and discover how choosing a dominant key creates harmony and confidence in your work, taking the confusion out of colour decisions.

Inside this tutorial you’ll learn:

• The difference between High Key and Low Key painting
• How tonal range controls emotional impact
• How to apply colour differently depending on your chosen key
• Practical methods for keeping colour clean or intentionally neutralized
• A simple exercise to help you discover your natural colour voice

Designed for painters of any medium or style — including abstract — this tutorial simplifies colour theory into actionable decisions you can use immediately.

Part of the Be a Better Artist series — focused, practical lessons designed to strengthen your artistic foundation.