What do you think?
Rate this book
Mixed Media Color Studio: Explore Modern Color Theory to Create Unique Palettes and Find Your Creative Voice--Play with Acrylics, Pastels, Inks, Graphite, and More
Discover innovative painting and mixed-media art techniques the most inspired way through rainbows of color! In Mixed Media Color Studio , you’ll learn color and design ideas that will boost your creative intuition. Based on Kellee Wynne Conrad’s popular former online True Colors Art Program, the lessons include color explorations designed to strengthen skills and confidence . You’ll learn how to develop your own unique style using acrylic paint, pastels, graphite, ink, and more. See how to mix colors to make signature palettes and get inspired to try new, exciting combinations of colors, materials, and methods that will take your artwork and imagination further . The imaginative projects include expert information on how to work with colors to evoke moods, emotions, and energy for dynamic landscapes, calming seascapes, vibrant abstract florals, layered architectural pieces, and much more. Discover easy techniques that add texture, details, and interest to your artwork. As with the original True Colors program, guest artists contribute exciting artwork , creating an expanded artistic repertoire filled with fresh styles and ideas. Mixed Media Color Studio also
Dive into this incredible world of color and allow your creativity to flow!
Dive into this incredible world of color and allow your creativity to flow!
- GenresArtNonfictionCrafts
128 pages, Paperback
Published August 24, 2021
36 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 26, 2021
This is a colorful book with 12 tutorials to guide you in color fun. There are lots of photos and the instructions are very detailed. The intro tells you lots about colors and color mixing. I love art and our family bought a 120 year old church that we've turned into an arts center, so I am always looking for good art inspiration. Surprisingly, this one just sort of fell flat for me. I think my problem is that it required too many materials and was too specific. I don't want to have to find vintage postcards, a brayer, gesso, etc. to play with color. I prefer much more open-ended projects where you can use what you have on hand. That said, this is really beautiful and others will no doubt love it.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.
September 15, 2021
Mixed Media Color Studio is a great workbook to help you learn your paint box better. She gives exercises and projects that encourage you to mix your own colors and establish a preferred painting palette. The mixed media ideas include using stencils, postcards, fabrics, papers, newsprint, etc. to add backgrounds or details to different art works. The latter chapters each focused on a color in your paint box (i.e. green, blue, orange, purple, etc). and give a project for you to play and get comfortable mixing and using that color using some valuable art principles such as value, tone, and the rule of thirds. This book is very approachable for beginners, but I find I prefer more specific instruction on brush stroke and technique than what is provided here. Although I find more guided lessons valuable, this book provides many hours of projects and really good tips on how to branch out and make your own art instead of just copying a lesson and ending up with a cookie cutter painting.
July 15, 2021
This is a helpful guidebook for exploring colors. Color seems to be a pretty basic aspect of art, but choosing the right colors can be surprisingly challenging. Through a series of twelve projects, readers are lead to a better understanding of colors and how to design projects with aesthetically pleasing colors.
This is a creative introduction to color theory. This was a good refresher for me, and I think it could be really helpful for someone who has never learned how to use colors well in their creative projects. If I had any criticism, it's that there are a fair amount of supplies needed if you intend to complete each of the projects. The author does acknowledge this at the start of the book and recommends getting creative if you don't have all of the recommended supplies, but for beginner artists, it could be overwhelming to either buy everything that is recommended or figure out what could be used instead.
Overall, this would be a good read for someone who wants to learn about colors in a hands-on way. It's not a comprehensive look at color theory, but it is a fun way to learn more about it.
A big thank you to Kellee Wynn Conrad, Quarry Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and honestly review this book.
This is a creative introduction to color theory. This was a good refresher for me, and I think it could be really helpful for someone who has never learned how to use colors well in their creative projects. If I had any criticism, it's that there are a fair amount of supplies needed if you intend to complete each of the projects. The author does acknowledge this at the start of the book and recommends getting creative if you don't have all of the recommended supplies, but for beginner artists, it could be overwhelming to either buy everything that is recommended or figure out what could be used instead.
Overall, this would be a good read for someone who wants to learn about colors in a hands-on way. It's not a comprehensive look at color theory, but it is a fun way to learn more about it.
A big thank you to Kellee Wynn Conrad, Quarry Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and honestly review this book.
August 17, 2021
Be creative in being creative through your art
Artist Kellee Wynne Conrad presents her book "Mixed Media Color Studio. Explore Modern color Theory to Create Unique Palettes and Find your Creative Voice – Play with Acrylics, Pastels, Inks, Graphite, and More" published by Quarto Publishing Group – Quarry. Conrad's formula is to "mixing my own hues from the modern printmaker’s colors: primary cyan, primary magenta, and primary yellow" (p. 8). She tells the readers: "The more you play, the more possibilities for creativity will open up to you. Be curious. Create for the experience first. You can’t skip the practice, the process, and the patience to grow and become. When you are determined to live a creative life, the work must come before anything. Use this book to spark something in yourself, to study and explore everything about making art, and to discover what lights you up when you take the time to create for yourself" (p. 8).
The book is divided into four parts: 1) Supplies, 2) Discovering Your Signature Color Palette, 3) Modern Color Theory, and 4) Palettes and Projects. The fourth part contains twelve lessons with a specific project each. Conrad presents also the work of guest artists to underline the lessons (e.g. from Laly Mille, Regina Lord, Melissa Doty, and others). She lists the materials which are needed for the various lessons which are also accompanied by tips (e.g., "Finding Inspiration", "Using Oil Sticks", or "Spray Painting Tips"). There are other books and catalogs created by other artists with color palettes but I highly appreciate that Conrad included the second chapter that will help artists, no matter how little or much experience they have, to create their own palettes. The book presents itself with a great design, examples, and photos and has also an index included which helps for finding a specific topic. I highly recommend the book to all those who want to be creative in the area of mixed media, to those who love color because it is a part of their identity as an artist.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#MixedMediaColorStudio #NetGalley
Artist Kellee Wynne Conrad presents her book "Mixed Media Color Studio. Explore Modern color Theory to Create Unique Palettes and Find your Creative Voice – Play with Acrylics, Pastels, Inks, Graphite, and More" published by Quarto Publishing Group – Quarry. Conrad's formula is to "mixing my own hues from the modern printmaker’s colors: primary cyan, primary magenta, and primary yellow" (p. 8). She tells the readers: "The more you play, the more possibilities for creativity will open up to you. Be curious. Create for the experience first. You can’t skip the practice, the process, and the patience to grow and become. When you are determined to live a creative life, the work must come before anything. Use this book to spark something in yourself, to study and explore everything about making art, and to discover what lights you up when you take the time to create for yourself" (p. 8).
The book is divided into four parts: 1) Supplies, 2) Discovering Your Signature Color Palette, 3) Modern Color Theory, and 4) Palettes and Projects. The fourth part contains twelve lessons with a specific project each. Conrad presents also the work of guest artists to underline the lessons (e.g. from Laly Mille, Regina Lord, Melissa Doty, and others). She lists the materials which are needed for the various lessons which are also accompanied by tips (e.g., "Finding Inspiration", "Using Oil Sticks", or "Spray Painting Tips"). There are other books and catalogs created by other artists with color palettes but I highly appreciate that Conrad included the second chapter that will help artists, no matter how little or much experience they have, to create their own palettes. The book presents itself with a great design, examples, and photos and has also an index included which helps for finding a specific topic. I highly recommend the book to all those who want to be creative in the area of mixed media, to those who love color because it is a part of their identity as an artist.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#MixedMediaColorStudio #NetGalley
February 13, 2022
My point of view to read and review this book is that I am an amateur artist, certified art teacher, and have taken 66 fine art credit college courses, other workshops, plus am self-taught with books.
The subtitle of the book sums up the content well: “ explore modern color theory to create unique palettes and find your creative voice“. The author encourages the use of the modern colors of primary cyan, primary magenta, and primary yellow used in combination with white for mixing up your own color blends. I have used this limited palette in a college painting course and know its benefits!
We are encouraged to not buy a lot of different colors and instead to mix our own colors, something that I completely agree with. On page 11 the author encourages us to get started when we just have a few supplies, a few tubes of paint, something to paint on and a couple of brushes is all you need to get started. Page 30 gives great tips summed up in one spot which are the same lessons which I learned in a color theory college course, see my photo.
There is a chapter (3) on how to mix your own colors which is helpful for anyone who hasn’t taken a formal art class to learn this.
After that the rest of the book has projects that you can use to experiment with different types and styles of making art. There are also profiles of artists featured by name to show how different people use that type of method or style to make their own unique art.
This is a positive book Which encourages you to find your own personal style, not just to copy projects that somebody else tells you to do. We are encouraged to find our own creative voice through experimenting and an art journal and experimenting making pieces of art on canvas or paper. I really enjoyed this book for its inspiration and condensing what I learned in college into an affordable book for the art curious and beginner artists.
The subtitle of the book sums up the content well: “ explore modern color theory to create unique palettes and find your creative voice“. The author encourages the use of the modern colors of primary cyan, primary magenta, and primary yellow used in combination with white for mixing up your own color blends. I have used this limited palette in a college painting course and know its benefits!
We are encouraged to not buy a lot of different colors and instead to mix our own colors, something that I completely agree with. On page 11 the author encourages us to get started when we just have a few supplies, a few tubes of paint, something to paint on and a couple of brushes is all you need to get started. Page 30 gives great tips summed up in one spot which are the same lessons which I learned in a color theory college course, see my photo.
There is a chapter (3) on how to mix your own colors which is helpful for anyone who hasn’t taken a formal art class to learn this.
After that the rest of the book has projects that you can use to experiment with different types and styles of making art. There are also profiles of artists featured by name to show how different people use that type of method or style to make their own unique art.
This is a positive book Which encourages you to find your own personal style, not just to copy projects that somebody else tells you to do. We are encouraged to find our own creative voice through experimenting and an art journal and experimenting making pieces of art on canvas or paper. I really enjoyed this book for its inspiration and condensing what I learned in college into an affordable book for the art curious and beginner artists.
July 26, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for making this book available to me. My thoughts are my own.
Mixed Media Color Studio was not what I expected it to be. I was hoping for more mixed media content. However, I was pleasantly surprised by Conrad's approach and gained much insight into art. Mixed media requires out-of-the-box thinking as much of it is abstract. I like to work with handmade paper when I do mixed media. I use modge podge to adhere the paper to my canvas and then work on top of it. Some have been really successful. Others have not been so much. I've never been one for creating abstract like Conrad, but Conrad shows how to do so step-by-step. I would love to do each of the activities she presents in order to learn.
I now know my favored palette. I tend to gravitate toward natural colors that you would find in the South of France: dusky rose, sage, eucalyptus green, mustard yellow, lavender. But, I don't always paint with those colors. I paint what I see, mostly from photographs. My color tendencies tend to be bolder than what is natural.
Overall, this is well worth the read. Like I said, I would love to go step by step through each of her exercises. I think they would help me overcome my "literal" boxiness and allow me to paint more free form.
Mixed Media Color Studio was not what I expected it to be. I was hoping for more mixed media content. However, I was pleasantly surprised by Conrad's approach and gained much insight into art. Mixed media requires out-of-the-box thinking as much of it is abstract. I like to work with handmade paper when I do mixed media. I use modge podge to adhere the paper to my canvas and then work on top of it. Some have been really successful. Others have not been so much. I've never been one for creating abstract like Conrad, but Conrad shows how to do so step-by-step. I would love to do each of the activities she presents in order to learn.
I now know my favored palette. I tend to gravitate toward natural colors that you would find in the South of France: dusky rose, sage, eucalyptus green, mustard yellow, lavender. But, I don't always paint with those colors. I paint what I see, mostly from photographs. My color tendencies tend to be bolder than what is natural.
Overall, this is well worth the read. Like I said, I would love to go step by step through each of her exercises. I think they would help me overcome my "literal" boxiness and allow me to paint more free form.
October 28, 2021
"Mixed Media Color Studio" explores color theory while creating abstract, mixed media art. The author started by briefly covering tools and materials, the basic terms and ideas of color theory, and how to create a unique, signature color palette. She prefers using primary cyan, magenta, and yellow but did cover other combinations (some of which weren't really primary colors). She then had a series of step-by-step projects that explored color theory: making a color wheel using primary colors, acrylic painting with complementary colors, high-key/low-key schemes, grays and browns, contrasts, and then green, blue, orange, purple, red, black, and finally yellow as a focal color.
The painting was done in acrylic with inks, graphite, and pastels used along with other mixed media elements to create the finished project. The steps were more about explaining the actions and intent of each step rather than detailing how to make an exact replica of her painting. There were useful pictures illustrating each step. This book will appeal to abstract, mixed media artists who want to explore color theory.
I received a review copy of this book from the publisher through Amazon Vine.
The painting was done in acrylic with inks, graphite, and pastels used along with other mixed media elements to create the finished project. The steps were more about explaining the actions and intent of each step rather than detailing how to make an exact replica of her painting. There were useful pictures illustrating each step. This book will appeal to abstract, mixed media artists who want to explore color theory.
I received a review copy of this book from the publisher through Amazon Vine.
July 15, 2021
As an artist I am always looking to learn more techniques from others. Though the art of journaling is new to me I feel I have a great grasp on the process and idea behind it. I was excited to check this book out, not just for myself but for possible gift ideas for those around me looking to learn. This book delivers. I feel its good for beginners learning color. You can create so much more from just 3 primary colors than people realize. The author/artist of this book teachers others just that. From finding your own color scheme to giving you some projects to complete. I do however wish there was a little bit more build on the supplies she's using. Give the reader a visual example of what some of the mediums will do. For example oil pastels, show just a little glimpse of what that looks like alone. However the book is easy to follow, there are some step by step instructions that I feel any beginner could follow. Art is interpretive and can be modified to any extent per the need and want of the creator.
July 17, 2021
I'm going to have to really sit with this one for a bit and come back to it again, there's so much there to process. There are some incredibly insightful thoughts on color and how to use it, and so many tips I plan to incorporate into my own work. My mind was blown when the author compared colors to a value scale ranging from yellow to purple (lightest to darkest). Mind. Blown. That's an exercise I will have to do immediately. Some of the example pieces really spoke to me and I think if I contemplate them for a while I'll have a much better understanding of the colors that speak to me.
Overall, an excellent, engaging read that I will come back to again and again.
*Thanks to NetGalley and Quarry Books for providing an e-arc for review.
Overall, an excellent, engaging read that I will come back to again and again.
*Thanks to NetGalley and Quarry Books for providing an e-arc for review.
July 8, 2021
I enjoyed reading this. This book focused on mixed media. There were 12 lessons and a lot of tips and recommendations. I loved that Kellee Wynne Conrad included some of her favorite supplies. There were guest artists in the book which made the book. I think this would be perfect for anyone who loves art. I think this is a great resource for beginners.
I am excited to try some new techniques and some of the lessons in the book.
*Thank you Netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.*
I am excited to try some new techniques and some of the lessons in the book.
*Thank you Netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.*
August 24, 2021
Kellee Wynne Conrad’s Mixed Media Color Studio receives a 4 star rating from me with a caveat. This is not a book for experienced artists. This is a book for beginning artists just starting out with no previous experience. The author discusses color theory and the use of color, complemented with full color photos. The book also goes through some very basic projects and techniques to help beginning artists. The lovely photos are pleasing to the eye and will likely draw in beginners. Experienced artists can skip this one.
Disclaimer: An advance copy was provided by the publisher.
Disclaimer: An advance copy was provided by the publisher.
September 5, 2021
what a fantastic book this is!
I love color and really enjoy books that talk about color, so when I saw this book, I knew I would love it but, as it worked out, I had no idea how much I would love it.
I don't know this artist and had never seen any of her work. This book contains sections on color theory and then some example step by step projects, many of which I really loved. As i read it, i felt really inspired to create and found myself filled with excitement and joy.
with gratitude to quarto books and edelweiss for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
I love color and really enjoy books that talk about color, so when I saw this book, I knew I would love it but, as it worked out, I had no idea how much I would love it.
I don't know this artist and had never seen any of her work. This book contains sections on color theory and then some example step by step projects, many of which I really loved. As i read it, i felt really inspired to create and found myself filled with excitement and joy.
with gratitude to quarto books and edelweiss for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 15, 2022
This is a great book for both inspiration and exercises in colour mixing. As Kellee Wynne Conrad makes clear, you do have to put the work in but she has done a brilliant job of explaining the difference between the traditional primaries (red, blue and yellow) and the printers' primaries (cyan, magenta and yellow). I can't wait to get my paints out and work through the exercises. There are loads here to work through but I think that the beautiful and vibrant examples she has produced will provide inspiration to anyone who still gets a bit confused with colour mixing.
August 10, 2021
A detailed look into how to use colour and mixed media in your artwork, with lots of information that would be useful for beginners and advanced artists alike. I loved the projects, and the colour photographs are stunning, a great visual aid to go with the text. The author explains everything simply, and encourages you to give things a try, no matter how they turn out. Highly recommend for all levels.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.
August 12, 2021
The kindle version is available now (early August) and is lovely, but I'm planning to order the print copy as well. Kellee has jam-packed this book with inspiration! Her Five Color Principles are excellent -- worth printing and keeping in the front of your current sketchbook. The abstract exercises (12 projects) are the best I've seen in any book about abstracts (and yeah, I pretty much buy them all). Highly Recommended!!
August 25, 2021
Solid discussion and exercises at the beginning about modern color theory. Decent projects that you she encourages you early on to adapt to suit materials you may already have (it would have been nice for her to repeat that perhaps, but to be honest that is a frequent problem with art books). As someone who has collected various art material odds and ends for years I do have a lot of the materials on hand and now that I’ve read the book, I’m going to go get into some of the projects.
May 23, 2022
There are a lot of great projects in here mainly using acrylic and some stencils. Good instructions for each project and a list of supplies needed. I really loved the small seascapes project where you work on multiple mini canvases at the same time to create some really cool-looking skies.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 25, 2023
I like this teacher's presence in her online class videos. I wanted to see what the book was like. I loved the introduction to mixing color. Lots of good information and tips. There are also projects which I think are easier to follow in a video format. I really enjoyed the short interviews with guest artists. I'd suggest one of Kellee's online classes before the book. Easier to see and follow art techniques online or in person I think.
November 4, 2023
Kellee Wynne Conrad's "Mixed Media Color Studio" is a dynamic exploration of color theory in modern art. Through innovative techniques and vivid palettes, Conrad guides artists in discovering their own creative voice. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to infuse their artwork with vibrant, expressive hues.
I was provided an advanced copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was provided an advanced copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 15, 2021
I loved this book it is very detailed book on how to use color and mixed media. This book woukd be fantastic for beginners and more advanced artists alike.
The projects are very well done. I loved the photographs they are stunning. The author explains everything simply with easy to understand instructions. I highly recommend this book for both beginners and experienced artists alike.
The projects are very well done. I loved the photographs they are stunning. The author explains everything simply with easy to understand instructions. I highly recommend this book for both beginners and experienced artists alike.
April 1, 2022
This is a good book to understand the use of colour in work. The book starts with a explanation of the supplies that can be used. Followed by a breakdown of the use of various colours and their impact on painting and style of work. There are various project to test the painter and are fun to do. I enjoyed this book as it opened up many ideas and solved many questions
July 24, 2021
This is a beautiful book! If you need to loosen up your painting, this will help you. If you love color and want to learn how to use it effectively, this will help you too. There's lots of luscious color swatches and mixes in this book as well, and the photographs are lovely. The artist is positive and encouraging.
I'm glad I got a free copy from Netgalley to read and review.
I'm glad I got a free copy from Netgalley to read and review.
October 1, 2021
A brilliant guide full of ideas, colours, and introductions. Perfect for the artist who is bored, out of ideas, and uninspired. Each colour is highlighted in a wonderful way, encouraging artists to explore using the colours tones and other aspects in ways they've never dared.
August 17, 2021
This was a really great book on how to do mixed media artwork. I learned a lot of new techniques. I feel this book is beneficial for someone who is just starting out with mixed media.
February 21, 2022
Was a nice book to look at. The projects weren't just my cuppa.
December 6, 2022
Beautiful pictures and great ideas, but really highlighted the limitations of learning art through a book -- which isn't always the case. I just really wanted a video of her teaching the entire time.
January 13, 2023
Bright colorful contemporary paintings and techniques to inspire artists today to try some new ideas for paintings with great instructions.
July 30, 2023
Learn about art in all its different mediums and colour choices.
How this can help in you designs and the materials that will best help the art you wish to achieve in your creativity.
How this can help in you designs and the materials that will best help the art you wish to achieve in your creativity.
November 12, 2023
Some interesting projects and ideas. Not sure what made this book a non-winner for me. Might be the artist’s style doesn’t vibe with me.
January 3, 2022
Mixed Media Color Studio is everything you could possibly want to know about colour theory, and more.
Starting with the basic cyan, magenta and yellow, we learn how to mix infinite colours and shades, exploring how and why they work together. We learn about proportions and colour balance, both on the page, and together, and most of all, we are encouraged as artists to play. Be different. Find your own signature palette, work with different styles. Throw colour at the canvas and see what sticks. Then paint over it.
The second half of the book is filled with guided projects to put the theories into practice, predominantly in the author's preferred style of bold abstracts layered with stencilled images on reclaimed materials.
Is it what I expected? The theory - absolutely. The mixed media component - not so much. I expected a similar in-depth exploration of different media used in art (not just painting) and how it related to colour theory, but instead this was only briefly touched on, under "collage materials" and papers. But it gets 4 stars for the excellent colour theory (and leading me down the rabbit hole of learning about the synthetic phthalo blues, quinacridones and azo yellows)
~Many thanks to Netgalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Starting with the basic cyan, magenta and yellow, we learn how to mix infinite colours and shades, exploring how and why they work together. We learn about proportions and colour balance, both on the page, and together, and most of all, we are encouraged as artists to play. Be different. Find your own signature palette, work with different styles. Throw colour at the canvas and see what sticks. Then paint over it.
The second half of the book is filled with guided projects to put the theories into practice, predominantly in the author's preferred style of bold abstracts layered with stencilled images on reclaimed materials.
Is it what I expected? The theory - absolutely. The mixed media component - not so much. I expected a similar in-depth exploration of different media used in art (not just painting) and how it related to colour theory, but instead this was only briefly touched on, under "collage materials" and papers. But it gets 4 stars for the excellent colour theory (and leading me down the rabbit hole of learning about the synthetic phthalo blues, quinacridones and azo yellows)
~Many thanks to Netgalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews