You have every intent to capture the beautiful colors in front of you, only to end up with a garish painting lacking focus and definition.
But you are not alone. You just haven't learned to mix colors.
When most of us first learn to paint, we reach for the bright colors in our 48 color set, and apply that directly on paper, without mixing with other colors and without judging the relative value and temperature of this color in relation to other colors in the scene.
The result? Incohesive, amateur looking paintings that lack contrast and focal point.
In fact, colors rarely make or break a painting
Why it works
Build a solid foundation of shapes and values so you aren't distracted by colors
In order to use colors in a sophisticated manner to create emotionally resonating artwork, we need the foundation of strong shapes and values – something most learning artists overlook and therefore fall into the traps of "garish colors".
That's why this course leads with this core premise and you will explore for yourself how to achieve a solid foundation using your own photos.
Why it works
Understand color differences
We will dive deep into the value differences of different colors – why some colors can't be used to replicate certain values, what to mix them with instead to achieve the desired values on paper.
With transparent water medium, there are additional mixing tips to be aware of, because colors often fools us on palette when mixed with different ratios of water.
Why it works
See why color temperatures matter more than color hues
You will explore why often less is more when it comes to colors, and how warm and cool color temperatures - when working together - can heighten the physical presence and sense of light in your painting.
Why it works
Push colors like a pro
The course also teaches you a fool-proof and scalable method of pushing colors as well as adding vibrant colors to your palette. But the precursor for this is establishing the boundaries of color pushing as well as the ratios between the vibrant and the muted. Using this method, you'll learn to not over do it, but rather use the bright colors to elevate the mood and story of your piece.
Why it works
How about the color theories?
As opposed to studying lofty theories that paralyzes action, the color theories are integrated throughout the course – when we discuss the color properties, and when we paint certain demonstrations. This way, you can internalize the theory and put them to use!
What's included in the course downloads
Comprehensive video instructions
This course boils down all the color related teaching I shared over the years into 3+ hours of concise yet actionable instructions.
Helpful frameworks and full-speed demonstrations
This course includes some of my most useful teachings around value, contrast and shapes. And then maps the learning to color mixing skills. All demos come with templates, references and additional practice sheets.
10 archetypal color studies
We will paint a prototypal scene together 10 times, so that you can learn by doing. Build your own understanding and then evolve it further.
All color charts and guides in one place
This course also includes my practical color mixing charts, the simplified color wheel that supports the understanding of color theories.
About the Instructor Ina Xi
With a background in product innovation and business consulting—and having witnessed transformations in learning and development across many sectors while fine art education remained stagnant, stiff, and ineffective—Ina, now a professional artist based in Port Orchard, Washington, has dedicated herself to creating innovative, student-centric curriculums that make fine art principles accessible, creative, and engaging.
Since stepping onto the art scene in 2024, Ina has quickly gained both regional and international recognition for her work while cultivating a loyal online community through her YouTube channel. Her accolades include 1st Place in the NWWS International Open, 1st Place in Parklane Gallery’s Smallworks Winter Show 2024, and the Emerging Artist Award at the 2025 CVG Annual Show.
Looking to deepening your learning? Get Coaching Help!
Ina offers small group and 1:1 coaching through her Patreon program, for which you can submit your painting for critique and attend monthly office hours to get personalized coaching and instruction.
Membership starts with $28/mo with first month 50% off. Space is very limited. Learn more by following link below:
Book a private online class
If seats are filled with the online coaching group, or if you are looking for the most hands-on, in-depth teaching to help you unstuck and make strides, a private session with Ina – with her dedication to your personal needs and problems, her insightful teaching and undivided attention – is the most effective way to grow and a memorable experience.