Color matching is a little more difficult and exacting compared to simply mixing colors. There are times in the painting process when you will have to step away from your work and return again after the color has dried.

Watercolor always dries lighter.

Ask if the shade is lighter / darker or warmer / cooler?

Color matching - roadrunner

• Goal: trying to capture the purplish blue in the crest feathers

• Color studies - it helps me to have already played around with the colors you own. This will give you a better idea where to start and guess which colors might produce the one you seek

• Identify the color desired. Use your eyes first. More red than blue? More cool than warm? Is it textured or smooth? 

• Choose not only the color that will mix to achieve your desired color but choose also the characteristic of the pigment needed.