Yellow ochre isn’t a Lamborghini. It’s the Honda Accord that you can always count on to get you where you need to go.
During her renowned Colour Tutor Workshop in Cambridge, Juliet Docherty asked us to pair colors to create sophisticated palettes. I chose yellow ochre because it “looks great with everything.” She paused, looked me in the eye and said “I totally agree.”
Colors to try with yellow ochre
EVERYTHING. But if you want to get technical and involve the color wheel, yellow is across from violet, making them complementary colors. Try them together!
PROMPT: Add yellow ochre to your practice!
Use an ochre Neocolor or pencil to sketch, then draw or paint over them.
Replace your usual yellow with ochre and prepare to fall in love!
Practice mixing it yourself with warm yellow paint and a tiny bit of brown or raw sienna (or use the primaries: the tiniest bit of red and blue).
Whatever sits next to yellow ochre looks better than without it. It’s not as loud and energetic as a traditional yellow, so it lets the other colors shine.
I had the most fun comparing it to cadmium and lemon yellow, then mixing them. Making this sheet was what inspired me the painting at the top of this post!
If you use ochre in an interesting way this month, tag me! I’d love to share and we can all learn and appreciate this lovely color together!
Upcoming Sessions
🐾 Draw Dogs Your Way Online Workshop - Tomorrow at 4 pm CST
We’ll focus on canine color theory, shape studies, and a few classic drawing techniques to give you insights to how YOU like drawing dogs. Sign up is below!
😻 Drawing Cats with Samantha Dion Baker - October 8 at 2:30 pm CST
Sam and I are switching techniques for this session! We’re drawing from photos I shot worked as a photographer. You can register at the link below or in Sam’s chat!
Video highlights:
Comparing yellow ochre with warm & cool yellows.
I get so inspired, I make a whole illustration.
Swatch a bunch of ochre materials.
Share a lot of colors next to ochre for inspiration.