As artists, we’ve all been there—staring at a canvas that isn't working out like we hoped it would. The truth is that "hoping" for a great painting rarely leads to a great result. But not to worry. With a few thoughtful adjustments, you can breathe new life into that painting and create something beautiful. Today, we’re diving into How to Fix a Bad Painting: Part 2, where we’ll focus on COLOR, specifically color harmony, value, and saturation.

Color Harmony: Working Together

When you take a step back and inspect your painting, one of the first things to consider is the overall harmony of your colors. Are they working well together, or do they clash like a bad first date? A harmonious color palette can elevate your artwork dramatically, while discordant colors can leave your piece feeling off-balance... like something is not quite "working".

Experiment with Different Color Choices

Take a moment to think about the paint colors you initially selected. It might be helpful to paint a color swatches onto a card that includes the colors you’re working with. As you think about those hues, ask yourself:

- Are there specific colors that stand out too much and draw attention away from your subject?
- Are there colors that seem to get lost in the mix?

Try swapping out one or two colors for others that might enhance the overall feeling of your painting. If you were going for a calming, serene vibe, consider incorporating soft pastels or muted tones. For a vibrant, energetic piece, you might want to think about bolder colors instead. 

Don’t be afraid to throw on a little bit of unexpected color! Sometimes stepping outside our comfort zone can lead to delightful surprises.

Pro tip:

Try repeating a color at least 3x in the painting. This will help pull the harmony together. Harmony isn't necessarily about "matching colors"; it's about finding pleasing arrangements of colors.

Color Value: Are You Hitting the Right Notes?

Next, we need to dive into the importance of color value. This refers to how light or dark a color appears in relation to others. Getting the values right in your painting can enhance depth and bring a three-dimensional quality to your artwork. 

Play with Light and Dark

Take a step back and squint at your canvas. Are there areas that feel flat or two-dimensional? If so, it might be a signal that your colors need a value adjustment. 

An effective exercise is to convert your painting into black and white. This can often reveal whether your values are working effectively together and if there are sufficient variations in light and dark. If your piece loses interest in black and white, it might need more contrast.

Pro tip:

You can snap a quick photo of your canvas on your smartphone, and use your phone's photo editor to see how it looks in black and white. That will give you a quick read on the values of your colors.

Consider these other tips:

- Add darker values in the shadows to create depth.
- Lighten up the highlights in relevant areas to draw focus where you want it.

This simple adjustment can make all the difference in portraying your intended message.

Color Saturation: The Balance of Boldness

Color saturation, or the intensity of a color, is another vital aspect of your painting. If your artwork looks cartoonish or overly vibrant, a little tweaking may be needed. Alternatively, if some colors appear muddy or lackluster, those hues could use a refresh.

Add Complementary Colors

If you perceive certain colors as too vibrant, try adding a touch of their complementary color to tone them down. For example, if you have a striking red that feels overwhelming, considering adding a bit of green can gray it down and bring it to within a balanced range.

Conversely, if you find yourself struggling with a color that looks murky, there are a few solutions:

- Simplify your palette: Instead of mixing a lot of colors together to get a single color, use just a few (3-4 max) to mix up a color. Limiting choices can often lead to more vibrant results.
- Use a couple pure colors from the tube: By using pure/saturated color accents mindfully, you can generate a painting that has an exciting "spark".

Bringing It All Together

At the end of the day, know that every painting is a journey—one with the potential for growth and exploration. Fixing a “bad” painting isn't just about correcting errors; it’s about embracing the process of creation and falling in love with your art all over again. 

Remember to evaluate your colors through the lens of harmony, value, and saturation. By thoughtfully adjusting these elements, you can turn a lackluster painting into a vibrant expression of your subject.

With patience and practice, you'll find your artistic voice growing louder and clearer. So pick up that brush and let your creativity flow, knowing that every stroke has the power to transform the painting a little at a time.

Want a handy SIMPLE checklist to keep track of color in your paintings? Download my FREE pdf "How to Fix a Bad Painting" checklist here. It'll help you get clarity on where exactly your painting is going wrong, so you can get back on the path to creating beautiful art quickly and with less stress. Get the checklist here.

Until next time—happy painting!