[Brenda Ellis]

Chris,
I realize that this post of yours is years old, but I'm wondering if you could tell me how you manage without cerulean blue or cobalt blue?

Am I crazy or is it true that the minerals/chemicals used for pigmentation of oil paints are the deciding factor in how that paint will act and how it will mix with other colors? I am fascinated by the fact that one person swears by Permanent Rose and another only uses Quinacridone Rose. I probably couldn't tell the difference between them. But I am assuming that they react differently when mixed with other colors.

There is so much to learn about color mixing that I feel a bit overwhelmed. I am at the point where I'm looking at other people's palettes but some of the colors are foreign to me so it often doesn't help me to know what other painters use; I can't see it in the painting.

I hear you say that it is handy to have the accurate complementary colors, so you're not darkening when you only want to neutralize. And I see the sense in just finding a palette to adopt until I learn more what various colors do. Hmmm, as I write this it occurs to me that I should a) save my pennies and attend a workshop, and b) check out your book.

Is there anyone willing to just post a list of the best complements they've found?

Oh by the way, if you still have that closet full of colors I know an experimental painter that could put them to use! Have you thought of selling them or have you already donated them to a good cause?