We love celebrating the endless possibilities that come from mixing our Extra Fine Watercolors. In this “Watercolor Mixing Recipe” series, we’ll share inspiring two-color combos from our artists and Brand Ambassadors. Today’s mixture is a subtle, sophisticated gray that brings warmth and character to your artwork, suggested by Brand Ambassador 詹敏.

These beautiful Warm Gray tones are created with just two colors:

• 薰衣草

You may use a 水彩棒 like we did here, or use a 15/5ml tube or half pan, it’s all the same wonderful pigment!

• 赭石

On their own, these two colors already offer a wide range of creative expression. 薰衣草 is a gentle, opaque violet with a soft, granulating effect that lends delicacy and atmosphere to skies, shadows, and florals. 赭石 is a classic earth pigment—transparent, warm, and richly versatile for landscapes, portraits, and natural textures.

When blended, the cool violet notes of 薰衣草 mingle with the warm earthy tones of 赭石, neutralizing one another to create a balanced, atmospheric gray. By adjusting your ratio, you can lean the mixture cooler or warmer, offering a spectrum of grays that feel alive on the page.

The magic of this pairing lies in how each pigment balances the other. The opacity of 薰衣草 tames the transparency of 赭石, while the warmth of 赭石 tempers Lavender’s cool violet undertones. The result is a gray that’s neither flat nor cold—it has depth, nuance, and warmth.

This custom warm gray could be used in paintings to soften transitions, add atmosphere, and bring harmony to shadow areas without overpowering the composition.

• Atmospheric washes: Perfect for skies, mist, or distant mountains.
• Shadow work: Adds natural, dimensional shadows that feel cohesive with other colors.
• Portraits: Provides gentle, neutralizing tones that balance skin colors without dulling them.
• Florals: Softens petals or background elements while letting vibrant colors shine.

Mix a small amount of 薰衣草 和 赭石 on your palette, adjusting until you find your preferred balance. For a warmer gray, increase Burnt Sienna; for a cooler gray, lean toward Lavender. Swatch your variations to see the range unfold, from a smoky violet-gray to a warm neutral gray. Perhaps this series will inspire you to start your own watercolor recipes book!

This warm gray recipe shows just how much versatility you can achieve with only two colors. Inspired by Jan Min, it’s a beautiful reminder that sometimes the most unexpected pairings can unlock entirely new dimensions in your watercolor practice.

Ready to experiment? Pull out your tubes or sticks of Lavender and Burnt Sienna and mix your own warm gray today. We’d love to see how you use it—share your work with us on social media and tag us @danielsmithartistmaterials.