This post is about mixing with Indigo.
One of my favorite colors in my watercolor palette is Indigo.
It’s my go-to color for my watercolor landscapes and creating unique color combinations. It’s probably a 9/10 chance I’ll use Indigo when I paint with watercolors.
Indigo is a rich, deep blue that is timeless. It has a strong range value and is overall very versatile. Those reasons alone give it a permanent spot in my palette.
In this post, I share interesting colors you can create when you mix with Indigo. Let’s jump right in! 🙂
Watercolor Art: Mixing With Indigo
Below are some unique color combinations you can make with indigo. I use Daniel Smith paints (see my complete watercolor palette here), but of course, any brand will work.
In the swatch images throughout this post below, Indigo is first, then the color it’s going to be mixed with followed by the mixed result. 🙂
Indigo + Quinacridone Gold
Mixing indigo with a warm yellow/gold creates beautiful earthy greens that are great for landscape paintings. I used quinacridone gold and indigo to create a unique, muted green.
Indigo + Burnt Sienna
Combining indigo with burnt sienna results in a warm stormy gray. This color is ideal for skies, dramatic shadows, and more!
Indigo + Quinacridone Rose
Create the moody purple of your dreams by mixing indigo and quinacridone rose.
This purple would shine bright in a night sky painting, a dreamy floral piece, or a fantasy landscape. This mix can range from soft lavender to deep, mysterious violets.
Related: Watercolor Resource Page
Indigo + Phthalo Green
Mixing indigo with phthalo green produces stunning deep teals, perfect for ocean waves, deep forests, and more.
Indigo + Buff Titanium
Diluting indigo with buff titanium creates a beautiful soft airy blue. I don’t use buff titanium much on its own, but I’m obsessed with the beautiful blue it makes when mixed with indigo.
This combo would be excellent for snowy landscapes, soft clouds, etc!
Indigo + Cascade Green
Cascade green is a really interesting color on its own. Mixing it with indigo creates a really cool shifting blue and foresty green color.
Final Thoughts About Indigo
As I mentioned, Indigo is a must-have in my watercolor palette. But not everyone loves it, and that’s okay! I think it’s one of my highest used colors.
Do you have indigo in your watercolor palette? Do you love it or hate it? Let me know in the comment section below! I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Thanks for reading. 🙂
-Amanda
I’d love to see some other indigo mixing! Can you do more? Thanks !