3 Techniques for Blending Colors in Procreate Like a Pro

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 4 min read

Bringing your digital art creations to life can be a thrilling journey. One key skill that really brings your artwork to the next level is blending colors. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a newbie, learning how to blend colours in Procreate can help you create stunning visuals. This guide will help you master this technique and unleash your creativity.

1. Get Familiar With Procreate

Before we dive into the world of color blending, it's important to get a good grasp of the Procreate platform. This iPad app is a favorite among digital artists for its intuitive interface and vast array of tools. Here's what you need to know to get started:

Explore the Interface

The Procreate interface is designed to be user-friendly, but like any new tool, it can take some time to navigate. You'll find the toolbar at the top of the screen, and the layers panel on the right. Remember, practice makes perfect—spend some time playing around with the different tools and settings to get a feel for them.

Navigate the Brush Library

One of the reasons artists love Procreate is for its extensive brush library. From fine liners to watercolor brushes, there's a tool for every kind of art style. Start by exploring the default brushes in the library. Once you're comfortable, you can even create your own custom brushes to suit your unique style.

Experiment with Layers

Layers are your friend when it comes to digital art. Think of them as transparent sheets stacked on top of each other. You can draw on each layer separately and adjust their order, visibility, and opacity. This is particularly handy when you want to test out different color combinations without affecting the rest of your design. Don't be afraid to experiment with layers—it's all part of the learning process!

Now that you're familiar with Procreate's interface, you're ready to start exploring its color blending capabilities. Let's dive in!

2. Master the Color Palette

To blend colours like a pro in Procreate, you should first master the color palette. This doesn't just mean knowing where to find it on the interface, but understanding how to create your own colors, how to use the color dropper, and the principles of color harmony.

Learn to Use the Color Dropper

This is a fundamental tool in Procreate that you'll use time and time again. The color dropper allows you to pick any color from your canvas and use it in your artwork. To use it, simply press and hold anywhere on the screen and then drag to the color you want to use. The color circle in the top right corner of the screen will update to reflect your new color.

Create Your Own Palette

Want to save a color for future use? Procreate lets you do just that. Go to the color panel and click on the '+' sign to create a new palette. Tap anywhere in the empty palette to add your current color. This is a great way to keep your favorite colors handy for future artwork.

Understand Color Harmony

Color harmony is the principle of combining colors in a way that is pleasing to the eye. There are many different ways to achieve color harmony, such as using complementary colors (colors opposite each other on the color wheel), analogous colors (colors next to each other on the color wheel), or monochromatic colors (various shades and tints of one single color). Understanding these principles will help you create more balanced and harmonious artwork.

With a good grasp of the color palette, you'll be better equipped to make the most of Procreate's blending capabilities. Ready to dive into some actual blending techniques? Let's go!

3. Practice Blending Techniques

Now that you've got a grip on the color palette, it's time to put it to work. Here's the fun part—blending. By learning how to blend colours in Procreate effectively, you take your digital art to another level. Let's talk about some techniques that professionals use.

Use the Smudge Tool Effectively

The Smudge tool is your best friend when it comes to blending in Procreate. Found next to the brush and eraser, it allows you to blur and smoothen colors. But remember, it's not just about smudging haphazardly. It's about doing it with purpose and control. You can adjust the size and opacity of the smudge tool just like a brush. Lower opacity gives you a more subtle blend, while a higher one gives a more drastic blend. So, depending on your art piece, you can control these settings.

Blend with Different Brushes

Yes, brushes aren't just for laying down colors. They can also be used for blending. Each brush has a unique texture and effect, so experiment with them to see which ones work best for your style. For instance, the soft brush can create a smooth blend, while the noise brush can give a more textured blend.

Experiment with Opacity

Lastly, don't forget about opacity. By playing with the opacity levels of your brushes, you can create various effects in your artwork. Lower opacity lets the colors underneath show through, creating a more subtle blend. Higher opacity creates a more solid color. The beauty is in the experimentation, so have fun with it!

There you have it. With these techniques, you're on your way to learn how to blend colours in Procreate like a pro. Keep practicing, stay curious, and watch your digital art skills flourish.

If you enjoyed learning about blending colors in Procreate and want to further develop your skills, don't miss the workshop 'Refreshing your Colours in Procreate' by Faira. This workshop will provide you with valuable tips and techniques to help you refresh your color palette and enhance your digital artistry in Procreate.