Now for the Queen of “Purple”. Violet. 

It is the color you think of for grape popsicles. It is the color of royalty.  (whatever that means) And it is a fast friend of yellow since they get along so well.  Need something to pop bright and lit? Surround it with violet.  

I have heard other instructors say “violet” can be warm or cool.  True. But so can every other hue on the wheel. I have heard artists say that their teachers told them to “add violet to your shadows”…  and I always ask- why…..Anything that sounds too pat and too easy probably won’t get you too far and fix too many problems in a painting. But ah, this hue can be lovely. 

I challenge you to put it in a portrait.  Not timidly.  Not gently.  Load up a brush or grab a stick and have at it.  It may just be what you need instead of looking for the “right” color all of the time. 

And a violet dominant painting?  Fearless. I am afraid we need more of that in the world right now.  

So unleash your inner royal. And never bow down to anyone.