Watercolor schemes – Triadic is a color scheme using three colors on the color wheel. To locate a Triadic scheme on the color wheel, an equilateral triangle could be drawn with each of its points pointing to three equidistant colors forming a triad chord.
There are four triad color groups on a color wheel, as follows:
- Primary Triad – Yellow > Blue > Red
- Secondary Triad – Green > Purple > Orange
- Tertiary Triad #1 – Yellow-Green > Blue-Purple > Red-Orange
- Tertiary Triad #2 – Blue-Green > Red-Purple > Yellow-Orange
For corresponding watercolor paint names for the above see What Watercolors To Buy.
NOTE: The hue PURPLE is labeled as the color VIOLET by most watercolor paint brands.
The Primary Triad color scheme allows for mixing all of the Secondary and Tertiary colors using the Primary colors Yellow, Blue and Red.
All of the Triad groups allow for an almost endless array of colors, neutrals, and grays by varying the proportion of each color mixed.
In a composition, make one of the triad colors the main color. Add interest by mixing small amounts of one of the other triad colors into the main color to create neutrals and grays. Add accents using the remaining triad color. Place two of the triad colors side-by-side or near each other at the focal point of the composition to draw the viewer’s eye to the center of interest.
Why Triadic Watercolor Schemes Feel Dynamic
Triadic color schemes are visually dynamic because the colors are evenly spaced around the color wheel. This spacing creates a sense of balance combined with lively contrast, encouraging the viewer’s eye to move throughout the composition without feeling chaotic.
In watercolor painting, this effect is enhanced by:
- Transparent washes that allow colors to visually mix on the paper
- Soft edges and blooms that naturally harmonize contrasting hues
- Granulating pigments that add texture while maintaining color balance
Because of this, triadic watercolor schemes are especially effective for expressive landscapes, florals, still lifes, and abstract compositions.
Value Control in Triadic Watercolor Painting
When working with three equally spaced hues, value control becomes more important than color choice. Without strong value structure, a triadic painting can feel busy or overwhelming. Use a gray scale to determine a color’s tonal value.
To maintain harmony:
- Assign one triad color a light value, one a middle value, and one a dark value
- Use diluted washes for secondary and supporting colors
- Reserve the strongest saturation and contrast for focal points
Careful value planning allows the triadic scheme to feel cohesive while retaining its natural energy.
Mixing Neutrals and Grays Using Triadic Colors
Triadic color schemes are particularly effective for mixing rich, luminous neutrals.
- Mixing two triad colors produces warm or cool grays depending on which color dominates
- Mixing all three triad colors creates complex neutrals with depth and variation
- Introducing the third color gradually helps control temperature and avoid overmixing
These neutrals often appear more vibrant and natural than premixed gray paints, especially in watercolor.
When to Choose a Triadic Color Scheme
Triadic watercolor schemes are an excellent choice when:
- A composition includes multiple areas of interest
- You want more flexibility than a complementary color scheme
- The subject benefits from varied color relationships without strong opposition
Compared to complementary schemes, triadic schemes offer greater range while still maintaining harmony.
Common Mistakes With Triadic Watercolor Schemes
Avoid these common pitfalls when working with triadic color schemes:
- Using all three colors at full saturation
- Giving each color equal visual dominance
- Overmixing until colors become dull or muddy
- Ignoring temperature differences within each hue
A simple guideline is to feature one color, support with one, and accent with the third.
Pigment Behavior and Triadic Harmony
Pigment characteristics play a significant role in the success of a triadic palette.
- Granulating pigments create softer, atmospheric triads
- Staining pigments produce bold, modern color relationships
- Opaque pigments tend to mute contrasts and create earthy triads
Understanding pigment behavior helps maintain clarity and harmony when mixing and layering washes.
Compatible Triadic Watercolor Palettes
- Delicate Transparent Triad – Aureolin, Cobalt Blue, Rose Madder Genuine
- Standard Triad – New Gamboge, French Ultramarine, Cadmium Red
- Intense Staining Triad – Winsor Lemon, Winsor Blue (Red Shade) or Winsor Blue (Green Shade), Winsor Red
- Opaque Triad – Yellow Ochre, Cerulean Blue, Indian Red
- Old Masters’ Triad – Raw Sienna, Payne’s Gray, Burnt Sienna
- Bright Earth Triad – Quinacridone Gold, Indigo, Brown Madder
Ideal Subjects for Triadic Watercolor Schemes
Triadic schemes work particularly well for:
- Florals with varied petal and foliage colors
- Urban and street scenes
- Still lifes featuring multiple materials or surfaces
- Skies, water, and expressive natural scenes
These subjects benefit from the balance and movement inherent in triadic color relationships.