10 Techniques for Perfectly Blending Colors in Procreate

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 10 July 2023 9 min read

1. Get Familiar with the Procreate Interface

2. Select the Right Brushes for Color Blending

3. Master the Color Wheel for Better Blending

4. Use Layers Effectively in Procreate

7. Utilize the Smudge Tool to Smooth Blends

8. Experiment with Textures for Unique Effects

9. Learn to Use Alpha Lock for Intricate Blends

10. Apply Your Skills to Create Complex Artworks

Mastering the art of blending colors in Procreate can take your digital artworks to a whole new level. This blog post will guide you through 10 techniques that can enhance your abilities in blending colors in Procreate, a popular digital painting app. From getting to know the Procreate interface to creating complex artworks, each step promises to add a new layer to your skillset.

1. Get Familiar with the Procreate Interface

Before you start blending colors in Procreate, it's important to get comfortable with the interface of the app. Think of it as getting to know your new art studio—where all your tools are, how they work, and what they can do.

Here are the basics:

Gallery View: This is where all your artwork lives. You'll want to make sure you know how to navigate it, open an existing work, or start a new one.
Canvas: This is your blank slate where all the magic happens. Familiarize yourself with how to zoom in and out, rotate, and move around your canvas.
Brushes: Procreate offers an extensive variety of brushes. Don't be afraid to experiment with different brushes and settings to see what effects they can create.
Colors: Here is where you pick the colors for your palette. You can use the classic color wheel, the value sliders, or even the color harmony tool to find the perfect hues for your artwork.
Layers: Layers are your best friends when it comes to blending colors in Procreate. You can stack, hide, rearrange, and apply different blending modes to your layers for a wide range of effects.

Remember, the more at-home you feel with the Procreate interface, the more you'll be able to focus on the fun part—blending colors to create unique and stunning digital paintings.

2. Select the Right Brushes for Color Blending

Imagine standing in front of a giant wall of paintbrushes at an art store. You've got your rounds, your flats, your filberts—and that's just scratching the surface. Now, take that feeling and multiply it by a hundred. That's what it can feel like when you first open the brush library in Procreate. But don't worry, you'll soon find that each brush has its own personality, and some are especially good when it comes to blending colors in Procreate.

Here are some brushes you might find useful:

Soft Brush: This brush is a great all-rounder for blending. It's like the trusty sponge in your real-life painting kit. You can use it to create soft transitions between colors.
Hard Brush: Looking to create a more textured blend? The Hard Brush might be your go-to. It's great for adding some character to your blending.
Medium Brush: This brush is a good middle ground between the Soft and Hard Brushes. It lets you control the intensity of your blending — more pressure, more color; less pressure, less color.

Remember, these are just starting points. The real fun begins when you start experimenting and discovering the unique effects each brush can create. So, go ahead and have a play around. Happy blending!

3. Master the Color Wheel for Better Blending

Remember that old saying, "you have to know the rules before you can break them"? Well, it applies to blending colors in Procreate too. The Color Wheel is like the rulebook of color blending, and mastering it is key to creating harmonious color blends.

Here's a quick Color Wheel 101:

Primary colors: Red, blue, and yellow. You can't create these colors by mixing others.
Secondary colors: Green, orange, and purple. You create these colors by mixing two primary colors.
Tertiary colors: These are the colors you get when you mix a primary color with a secondary color.

Try creating a color wheel in Procreate using only the primary colors and blending them to create the secondary and tertiary colors. It's a simple exercise but it will give you a better understanding of how colors interact with each other. And remember, the more you know about the rules, the better you'll be at bending them to your creative will.

Now, armed with your brushes and color wheel knowledge, you're ready to start blending colors in Procreate like a pro!

4. Use Layers Effectively in Procreate

Think of layers as your secret weapon when blending colors in Procreate. These handy features allow you to work on one aspect of your artwork without affecting the rest. Imagine trying to change the color of a shirt in a painting without altering the skin tone - that's where layers come in!

Here's how to make the most of layers in Procreate:

Order Matters: The layers sit on top of each other, so the order will affect how your colors blend. The topmost layer will always be visible over the ones below it.
Opacity: Adjust the opacity of a layer to subtly blend colors. A lower opacity will allow colors from the layer below to show through.
Layer Masks: Want to work on a specific part of a layer without touching the rest? Layer masks are your best friend. They allow you to hide parts of a layer without permanently erasing them.

Pro tip: Don't be shy about using multiple layers. It's better to have too many than not enough. You can always merge them later if things get too crowded.

Layering might seem like a small detail, but it plays a big role in blending colors in Procreate. So, get comfortable with it and watch as your digital art skills multiply!

5. Play with Blending Modes

Blending modes are a bit like the magic wand of Procreate. They can transform your artwork in just a few taps, especially when it comes to blending colors in Procreate.

Here's a breakdown of what you can do with blending modes:

Darken and Lighten: These modes allow you to blend your colors based on their lightness or darkness. Darken will show the darker color between your layer and the one beneath, while lighten does the opposite.
Multiply: This is a great mode for creating shadows. It multiplies your colors together, resulting in a darker color.
Color: This one's a bit special. It uses the color from your selected layer and the luminosity from the layer below, giving you a blend that's rich in color.

Remember, blending modes affect the whole layer, so if you only want to blend a part of your artwork, you'll need to use a separate layer for that section.

Blending modes can be your secret weapon in achieving smooth, effortless blends. So, why not give it a shot? Experiment with different modes and see how they can elevate your artwork. After all, blending colors in Procreate is all about exploration and creativity!

6. Practice Gradient Blends

Now that you're familiar with blending modes, it's time to take it a step further with gradient blends. Gradients can add depth and dimension to your Procreate artwork, making it look more realistic. They're especially useful for blending colors in Procreate, creating a smooth transition from one color to another. But how do you create a gradient blend?

Here's a mini guide to help you out:

Choose Your Colors: Select two or more colors that you want to blend. For a smooth gradient, try picking colors that are close to each other on the color wheel.
Draw Your Base: Use a large, soft brush to draw your base colors. Start with one color on one end, and then draw the other color on the opposite end.
Blend: Now for the fun part—blending! Select the 'Soft Brush' under 'Airbrushing' and gently brush across your colors, going back and forth until they blend together seamlessly.

Voila! You've created a gradient blend. It may take a bit of practice, but once you get the hang of it, you'll be blending colors in Procreate like a pro. So why not start practicing today? Your future artworks will thank you!

7. Utilize the Smudge Tool to Smooth Blends

The Smudge tool is a hidden gem when it comes to blending colors in Procreate. It's similar to using your fingers to smudge pastels or charcoal on paper—except in Procreate, you don't get your fingers dirty!

So how do you use the Smudge tool for smoother blends? Here are the steps:

Pick the Smudge Tool: On your Procreate toolbar, tap the finger-like icon to select the Smudge tool.
Choose a Brush: Just like with your paintbrush, you can select different brushes for the Smudge tool. For a smoother blend, try the 'Soft Brush' under 'Airbrushing'.
Smudge Away: Gently drag the Smudge tool across the colors you want to blend. The more you smudge, the smoother the blend will be.

Remember, the Smudge tool is a powerful ally in your Procreate toolbox. Don't be afraid to experiment with different brushes and settings to see what works best for your artwork. Happy smudging!

8. Experiment with Textures for Unique Effects

One of the exciting aspects of blending colors in Procreate is the ability to incorporate different textures. This can dramatically change the look and feel of your art, adding depth and dimension. In fact, it can turn a good piece into a great one!

Ready to add some texture to your Procreate blends? Let's get started:

Select a Textured Brush: Procreate comes packed with a variety of textured brushes. Try the "Stucco" brush under 'Organic' or the 'Gritty' brush in 'Industrial' for some interesting effects.
Layer Your Colors: Start by laying down your base color. Then, add your second color using your textured brush. This will create a blend with a textured effect.
Experiment: The beauty of Procreate is the freedom to try different things. Mix and match different brushes and colors to see what unique blends you can create.

Remember, art is all about personal expression. Don't be afraid to step outside the box and try something new. After all, your Procreate canvas is a playground for your creativity. Have fun with it!

9. Learn to Use Alpha Lock for Intricate Blends

Alpha Lock is one of those neat features in Procreate that can really elevate the way you're blending colors. It allows you to lock a layer so that you're only drawing on the pixels that have already been filled. Sounds fancy, right? Well, in simpler terms, it means you can change the color of your lines without going outside them! This can be super handy when you're trying to create intricate blends.

So, how do you use Alpha Lock in Procreate?

Choose Your Layer: Tap on the layer you want to apply Alpha Lock to.
Activate Alpha Lock: Swipe right with two fingers on the layer. A checkerboard pattern should appear, indicating that Alpha Lock is activated.
Start Coloring: Now, you can start coloring or shading without worrying about going outside the lines of your original drawing.

And voila — you're now a pro at blending colors in Procreate using Alpha Lock! Don't forget to play around with this feature. It can open up a world of possibilities for your Procreate artworks.

Next up, let's see how you can apply your newfound skills to create complex artworks.

10. Apply Your Skills to Create Complex Artworks

So, you've been learning all these techniques for blending colors in Procreate. Now, it's time to put them to the test. Applying your skills to create complex artworks can be a fun and rewarding challenge. Whether you're going for a realistic portrait or an abstract piece, it's all about layering those colors and making them work together.

Here are a few steps to help you start creating your masterpiece:

Sketch Your Idea: Start by sketching out your idea with a simple pencil brush. This will serve as your blueprint for the artwork.
Block in Basic Colors: Fill in the larger areas with the basic colors you plan to use. No need to worry about details or textures at this point.
Start Blending: Begin by blending colors in Procreate where you want some color transition or gradient effects. Remember the techniques you've learnt — use the right brushes, apply alpha lock, experiment with blending modes, and so on.
Add Details and Texture: Once the base colors are blended well, it's time to add in the details. Use different brushes to add textures and fine-tune your artwork.

Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day — and neither are great artworks. It might take a few tries to get the hang of blending colors in Procreate, but with a bit of patience and practice, you'll be creating pieces you're proud of in no time.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your iPad, open up Procreate, and start creating. You've got this!

If you enjoyed learning about blending colors in Procreate and want to take your skills even further, don't miss the workshop 'Refreshing your Colours in Procreate' by Faira. This workshop offers in-depth techniques and insights to help you refresh and enhance your color palette in Procreate, enabling you to create even more stunning digital art.